filter or no filter

[Bill_1856]

I almost always shoot with a filter anyhow (most often K2 or G for B&W, and Polarizer for color), so the question is moot.

[Mark Stahlke]

I use lens caps to protect lenses. Filters are for modifying the light.

[Juergen Sattler]

I never use protective filters - filters are for special purposes only - not protection.

[BetterSense]

I leave filters on all my 35mm cameras, either yellow, UV, or in the summer, dark green. I have twice dropped cameras on the lens and trashed the filter, but saved the lens. I don't find that lenses degrade image quality whatsoever, they can definitely increase flare, however, especially with certain lenses, so with those lenses I do take the filter off if I have to shoot into the sun and think about it. I don't use filters for my LF lenses because I don't have any that fit. If I need color modification I hold Lee gels in front of the lens.

[Leigh]

I use lens caps to protect lenses.

Could you share with us your technique for taking pictures with the lens cap in place?

- Leigh

[Mark Stahlke]

Could you share with us your technique for taking pictures with the lens cap in place?

- Leigh

Here you go. Notice the nice rich blacks.
When you're actively making a photograph the lens doesn't need protection except in a few special cases like salt spray or blowing sand.