You'd think that UV/haze filters are simple and can't be messed up, but I'd beg to differ as glass and coating quality make all the difference with regard to bending (or not bending) light. With that said, I have found that Japanese-made Ziekos UV/haze filters work very well compared to Chinese-made Sunpack filters. My Ziekos images seem a little sharper and have nicer, sharper, more defined edges. I find, too, that most action shots I have taken with a Ziekos filter have been sharper than those taken in comparative conditions with a Sunpak filter, and that I have fewer missed shots (although I don't know if I can truly prove that is a filter thing, and I'm really splitting hairs, here). Colors are nice, too, with maybe, just maybe, a hint of over-saturation on the blue channel, but that could be the lenses (although none of the lenses I use are noted for being overmuch with colors).
I have a few lenses that cost over 1K each and one that costs about $2500, and some will say I shouldn't have a $10 filter on these lenses, but I can't find a reason to change. I'm betting there are those that will say that Hoya and B+W are better filters, and I suppose it's possible, but I haven't found anything to complain about at 1/10 the price. Anyone else find these inexpensive filters good at their job?
