Originally posted by innershell I just picked up a Tamron 90mm F2.8 Macro lens that takes wicked pictures, but I've been told by others to always put a lens filter on every lens you buy. I don't want to molest my picture quality/colors, but would you recommend putting on a UV filter for the better good of the lens?
The filters are cheap anyway, so that's not an issue.
Your lens is only as good as the ENTIRE optical system, filter included. A cheap filter will make pictures from the best lenses look like they were taken with the worst kit zoom in the world.
To a certain extent, I can understand paranoia regarding lenses, but.....
In about 35 years of photography with everything from 35mm to 4x5 inch film cameras, I have yet to damage a lens, I have never scratched a front element, and I haven't had a UV filter on a lens for 25 or so years.
Personally, I think UV filters are just one more way to separate people from their money without getting any benefit.
They are, to my mind, the photographic equivalent to the cigarette. You think you are getting something, there is a certain peace of mind to using them, but at the end, they have done more harm than good, and were really just a waste of money.
You will get more protection for your lens, and actually have some positive photographic results from the use of a well fitted lens hood.