New member here. I'm 23, relatively new to photography (started it as a hobby a year ago) and still feeling my way through some of the technical stuff. My photography can be viewed
here. I have a Pentax K100D with the kit lens, a Tamron 70-300mm, and a 50mm f/1.4 on the way (just ordered it on Friday).
This is a question that just occured to me last night. When I bought my camera, along with the telephoto lens, the guys at the camera shop sold me two heliopan UV filters (for both lenses) and basically told me they're a standard, must-have for all lenses. I got the impression you're supposed to use them all the time, in all conditions. So that's exactly what I've been doing, those two UV filters have never left either of my lenses. But I started wondering, how many photographers really do use UV filters on all their lenses? Especially those who have vast lens collections of varying sizes? And to be honest, I'm not even really sure what these filters do. And I don't see them discussed to much on forums like this.
I have been overall a little disappointed in the sharpness of my pictures. Could that be the filters inhibiting the quality of the shots at all? Should I get another UV filter for my new 50mm that's on the way, or should I save myself the time/money and go without it?
Or, on the flip side, if UV filters are a good, must-have thing, are there any other types of filters I should look into getting?
I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight into this. I am definitely listening, and here to learn. Thank you.