Originally posted by joefru It's a personal preference. I certainly think no less of you for being protective. I generally prefer to use my things as they were designed. No phone cases, no screen protectors, no plastic on the sofa, and no UV filters. Some people feel otherwise, and that's fine.
It is much cheaper to replace a lens filter than a front element. If a front end element replacement is available on that note an entire lens.
I find the Hoya UVB-UVC to be one of the best less intrusive filters to give clearer and sharper images with less haze.
It is true while shooting indoors with the new window glass coatings. I prefer to remove the filter. After the lens is done working the filter is immediately returned to the lens.
While storing a lens (of which I store several hundred K-mounts) I still find some minuscule particulate matter (dust) on the lens filter even though a lens cap is also on the lens.
My opinion is its better to have this particulate matter on a 3 to 7 dollar lens filter to eliminate any possibility of damage to the SMC coating.
This is just plain common sense. If you feel more comfortable that you will capture a better image with out the filter. Then screw it off. When your done shooting screw it back on. A quick shot of clean compressed air also helps before doing so.
Wendy.
Do not dare suggest to take the plastic covering off my sofa. Its just way to comical to hear my hubby complain about it while watching a sporting event on TV. The squeaking of his butt on the material on a humid day is just way to funny.