@jatrax: If you are referring to me, you overstate here, I was not jumping on anyone who didn't agree with me. I have my opinion, yes, and why shouldn't I? Again, the question was asked to merely benefit from the experience of others and to see if I might have been missing something. I certainly wasn't expecting a holier than thou character assault just because I didn't reach the same conclusion Sandy has.
As far as not looking for other threads on this particular matter, I just didn't feel like looking. Is there a problem with that? I was looking for direct feedback to me instead of rifling through other threads that may or may not have addressed what I was interested in. I used the forum for my own interests and people responded. Was that wrong? I thought this site encouraged discussion.
I read your other comments. You make an interesting point about how digital reacts to light differently, and that's enough to encourage me to do some new side by side tests with filters on and off. Now you see? That's the kind of information I find very useful, and that's why I posted the thread.
You know, no one's pointing a gun to anyone to respond here, if you find this question offensive, you don't have to respond. But I'm thankful to anyone who took the time and related their experience in an informative and positive manner, you've given me a few things to consider.
Happy Turkey Day, everyone!
Originally posted by jatrax Yep, why people ask a question and then jump on anyone who does not agree with their preconceived answer is beyond me.
To the OP if you would search this forum you would find many threads on this topic. Many with example pictures showing images with and without filters.
Filters do degrade the image, whether that damage is noticeable depends on the filter, the lens, the actual shot itself, and the photographers tolerance.
Your tests on film are not valid on digital. The digital sensor reacts differently to light than film in subtle ways.
Adding a filter creates flare and ghosts that negatively affect the image in many shots. If you feel that having a filter on the lens is more important than the image quality, then use a filter.