UV filters really necessary?

I'm always flip-flopping on this issue. Back in the day, I'd slap a UV filter on every lens I owned, but at some point, they started to feel more like a hassle than a help. Plus, I'm pretty much glued to using lens hoods all the time. Not sure what it is. Now, I've gone and treated myself to this fancy new lens with a massive front element, and I'm toying with the idea of keeping it safe behind a UV filter. What do you folks think?

1. Digital image sensors already have UV filters on them, so there's no reason to put another one on the lens, as far as imaging is concerned.

2. All filters degrade image quality, tough expensive ones degrade image quality less than cheap ones. So if you decide to get a LENS PROTECTION FILTER, make it a good one. And be prepared to spend a lot for it.

See www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/06/good-times-with-bad-filters

and www.lensrentals.com/blog/2010/12/the-gla...ss-all-about-filters

Thank you.  You know what I find funny is that when ever I'm in a physical camera store, they always try to sell me these filters when I buy a lens 

Opto Fox wrote: Thank you.  You know what I find funny is that when ever I'm in a physical camera store, they always try to sell me these filters when I buy a lens 

"In general, there is no item in your local (or online) camera store that has a higher markup than filters. When they tell you that “you have to have it” they really mean “we have to sell it”. Trust me on this. Several current Lensrentals employees used to work at camera stores and can talk for hours about the pressure to sell filters."

I haven't used a UV filter since, oh yeah never.  

Opto Fox wrote: I'm always flip-flopping on this issue. Back in the day, I'd slap a UV filter on every lens I owned, but at some point, they started to feel more like a hassle than a help. Plus, I'm pretty much glued to using lens hoods all the time. Not sure what it is. Now, I've gone and treated myself to this fancy new lens with a massive front element, and I'm toying with the idea of keeping it safe behind a UV filter. What do you folks think?

Even though I have a few non-multi-coated lenses, I've never seen a need for UV filters, preferring Wratten 81 and Decamired R filters instead. I consider a  lens hood essential for protection against flare.

To each their own.  Personally, I don't use one. 

I have them on all of my lenses, but remove them for taking most photos. I got into the habit of using them early on for lens protection, but I'll remove them before I shoot, if striving for the absolute best shots. They are on every one of my lenses otherwise. Over the years, two of my lenses have been saved from damage.

Once was while the camera was set up on a tripod and I was waiting for the action to begin. A dog had gotten loose from it's owner, and during the chase he went past my camera and his trailing leash caught the tripod, knocking it and my camera to the ground. The UV filter took the damage, and after a bit of trouble getting it off the lens the lens was fine and so was the camera. A scrape on the tripod was added, but no other damage.

The second time was when a studio prop was knocked over and it hit the tripod, knocking it and the camera to the floor. Again, the UV Filter took the damage and not the lens. 

In both cases, I had my cameras "on" and ready to use, and had removed the lens caps so I could set the camera position, etc., but had not yet removed the UV Filters. In both cases, the UV Filters took the damage and not the camera or lens. I like to think I was lucky both times, but I will continue to leave my UV Filters on up until the point of actually taking the pictures, then replace them afterward. The lens caps are always "On" during transport and initial setup. 

Charley

Last time I used one was at the sand dunes in California.  That was just to protect my lens from being sand blasted.  

They're good for protecting your glass.  Thats the only thing I'll use them for 

Got one, but personally don't use.  Actually I'm not even sure where that filter is at 

Yea same here.  Actually the only time I used mine was at the beach.

H Rocky wrote: Got one, but personally don't use.  Actually I'm not even sure where that filter is at 

Yeah, pretty much the same scenario for me.  I have one, actually might even have a couple, however not a clue where they are! 

Meh, to each their own.  Not what I use.

Got one, and don't use it.