this post was submitted on 01 Sep 2026
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Image quality difference is negligable. I've had a lens saved by the UV filter (tripod got knocked over, lens hit a rock head on). IMHO it's worth it. Lens hood is a good call too, cap only helps if you're not shooting when it falls.
Don't use a cheap UV filter and you won't notice it. https://photographylife.com/filters-affect-resolution-lenses
I use a cheap UV filter and I still don't notice it. My Chinese knockoff set also came with a pair of ND filters which I haven't used much. But so far, so good.
I dunno. Looks a'ight to me.
I've definitely been grateful for the times when I've had crap flung me or my camera by the wind, animals, or often enough also nearby inattentive tourists. It's also nice to be able to just unscrew the thing in order to handle it when you need to give it a thorough cleaning. Walking around with your lens cap on all day to "protect" your lens is mostly just a great way to miss the opportunity for shots.
There definitely is a difference between good and bad filters.
I like this blog post even though it's from 2011: https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/06/good-times-with-bad-filters/