What do you use to protect your lenses?

[45R]

UV filters, Lens Hoods or Both?

I have 2 lenses with UV filters and 2 without. 3 of these lenses come with lens hoods.
I also use a Hoya UV filter and a Ritz Camera Filter. It may seem very objective but it always seems like the photos taken without the UV filters are better.

What are your experiences?

[ssim]

I have UV filters on all my lenses that will accomodate them. I have taken shots with and without them and haven't noticed any difference. I like the fact that the filter offers that extra bit of protection for the front element of the lens. It paid off one day when I dropped my 24-70 on the sidewalk. The filter needed replacing but the lens itself was fine. I use Hoya filters exclusively for all of my filters.

[Medic1]

I had issue with a Hoya MC UV on my 70-200, quality seemed better without it......I use filters or lens hoods for protection, depends on the situation.

[Maureen Souza]

I'm a hoody.

[SkipD]

Hoods only for routine "protection" - filters used only for creative purposes.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

An insurance policy :)

that and UV filters, lens hoods (both on at all times), a padded lens bag, all that good stuff.

[tim]

Hoods always, filters only on expensive L lenses. B+W seem easier to clean than Hoya pro to me.

[willg]

on my 50mm 1.8..nothing
on my $100 used 'promaster' 28-105...nothing (its actually a very nice lens though)
kit lens...some cheap filter but i rarely use this lens
70-200 f4...hoya hmc..clearest piece of glass i have ever seen in my life

[Andy_T]

I'm a belt+braces (hood+filter) guy as far as lenses are concerned:D

Also take a look at this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=64370&highlight=filter+hood).

Best regards,
Andy

[condyk]

All my lenses wear hoodies ... no UV. But then I don't wear underpants either.

[darkdrakon]

B&W filters and hoods ...

[Andy_T]

All my lenses wear hoodies ... no UV. But then I don't wear underpants either.

The analogy is striking.

I like to use filters, because it's easier to clean muck and goo from a filter than from the lens :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[Tomasz Dziechciarz]

hoya UV plus hoods ...

[lancea]

I'm still feeling a bit queezy after reading condyk's admission :rolleyes: , but I quit using UV as a standard thing when I got some nasty flare on a nice shot (quality filter too). So just the hoods now. I wouldn't hesitate to use a UV if the conditions (drizzle or dust) warranted it.

[Wolverine27]

All my lenses wear hoodies ... no UV. But then I don't wear underpants either.

This is way more info than I need to know...LOL!!!

[jimchapin468]

Condyk's that is just a little to much info.:rolleyes:

[Andy_T]

I learned to remove the filter for night shots when at one shoot the results from my 18-55 kit lens (without filter) turned out a lot better than the shots with the Tamron 28-75/2.8 with Hoya HMC filter :shock:

Best regards,
Andy

[condyk]

The analogy is striking. I like to use filters, because it's easier to clean muck and goo from a filter than from the lens :lol:

Andy ... are you really saying you collect muck and goo in your underpants :lol: :lol: :lol: Now that is definately much more than any of us needed to know :p

[the.digital.guy]

B&W UV filters(the best but expensive) and Hoods!
Had too many problems trying to clean Hoya Pro filters!!!!(I will not buy any Hoya filters again)

[wilflee]

When shooting in dusty or rocky places, I sometimes use a lens wrap or lens donut to help protect the lens.

Lens wrap you can buy in photo stores. But a thick wool sock with the toe piece cut out works just as well. Of course, this works with internal focusing lenses only.

Lens donut is basically a giant O-Ring that I put on the lens to absorb the shock when putting it down on a hard surface.

[csnudelman]

UV filters, Lens Hoods or Both?

What are your experiences?

No filter for casual protection. Use hoods and do care.

[Tapeman]

I keep high quality filters on all my lenses but take them off for many of my photos.

I put hoods on unless I'm just taking the camera out of the bag for a quick shot.