Polarizers are only put on when needed as they reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor, so unless the lighting and angle is optimum, you won't have the filter installed. UV filters, on the other hand, are left on almost all the time to protect your precious glass from being scratched - some people say they degrade the image quality, but I personally don't notice anything - but then again, I'm no professional..

Http://sol-observer.blogspot.comhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/solemnobserver/http://www.meng-chieh.fotopic.net..

UV filters have NO EFFECT on digital cameras other than to possibly induce flare or reduce image quality. If you want to use a UV fitler for protection, that's fine, but it will not improve your images in any way shape or form..

Hoya makes clear protective filters..

I never use protective filters - a good lens hood offers better protection. I do have a Hoya clear filter for if I'm ever shooting in blowing/dusty/salty conditions... but I have yet to need it. A good lens hood should be used regardless as it can improve IQ (an exception would be to take the hood off when using a polarizer..

Some cool cats that can use your helphttp://www.wildlife-sanctuary.org.

Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word...

Might want to check out this thread from the bottom of the page:http://forums.dpreview.com/...forums/read.asp?forum=1002&message=25141323.

Leehttp://leem.smugmug.com..

In my opinion UV filter is waste of money, I tried it - never use it..

If your camera with lens will fall on ground glass down, UV filter (any filter) will not save the lens. Lens cap may.....

CPL filter is only filter I use regularly. It's needed outdoors near water, with any reflective surfaces, it keeps sky blue at sunny day if rotated properly..

Any filter including UV, CPL or Clear reduces light that is anyway reduced in every lens while passing toward sensor. Try to avoid them, especially indoors..

In every photo guide is a section dedicated to filters..

Http://www.stan-pustylnik.smugmug.com..

I actually had my old camera's strap come undone on my shoulder last year and the camera hit the ground right on the edge of the lens. The filter shattered, and got stuck on the lens, but for $15, the techs at the local camera shop were able to get the filter off, and the camera is fine. Had the filter not been on the lens, I'm sure it would've at least been scratched, and that was an Oly E-20, which didn't have removable lenses..

Leehttp://leem.smugmug.com..

Of an instance where a lens hood would have provided better protection .

Lee Mychajluk wrote:.

I actually had my old camera's strap come undone on my shoulder lastyear and the camera hit the ground right on the edge of the lens. Thefilter shattered, and got stuck on the lens, but for $15, the techsat the local camera shop were able to get the filter off, and thecamera is fine. Had the filter not been on the lens, I'm sure itwould've at least been scratched, and that was an Oly E-20, whichdidn't have removable lenses..

Leehttp://leem.smugmug.com.

Some cool cats that can use your helphttp://www.wildlife-sanctuary.org.

Even if you can't donate, please help spread the word...

Once when I was in rush to catch something special (was changing lenses near my car) I trew my backpack full of lenses to my back....

I forgot to close the zipper. It send 4 lenses into air and down to asphalt pavement. Minolta 50mm f/1.7 AF, Minolta 35-70 f/4 macro, Tamron 2X teleconverter, Sigma 24mm f/2.8 AF.

Believe me, when I realized what happend I was swet in 1/2 sec..

I still remember seeng Minolta 50mm dramaticly rolling on asphalt an hitting road edge concreate..

Will not repeat words addressed to myself back then..

I collected them from asphalt, attached to Minolta 7D and they all Worked!!!!!Autofucus too. No scratches on glass since they all had lens caps on both sides.I still use these lenses and have no desire to change them or system or sell..

Good luck with UV! .

Http://www.stan-pustylnik.smugmug.com..

I find myself carrying a camera bag with lens caps on both ends as a matter of course. I'm going to visit a little chinese village today, so will try without filters to see how comfortable I am with the ideas.Thanks...Rough stuff -it's good for you..