Does anyone have UV filters on thier macro lenses. I've never used a UV on anything, but then again I don't have any expensive gear to protect either. That feeling may change with a $600 macro lens.
I have a UV on my Minolta 7i. Once, only once, the camera, on the tripod, fell to the ground, lens first. Straight down. My stomach just sank seeing it happen. There is now a nick in the UV but not on the lense.
There is an alternative school of thought that putting a $15 piece of glass on a $500 piece of glass degrades the images in a way that makes no sense. I would argue that any glass interface is a mistake. In the dim ancient historical days, lens coatings were soft and needed protection, now that is not so clear.
I never use a UV or any other filter to protect my lens. Use a good lens hood to increase contrast & protect the front of your lens some.
Using a UV filter on your lens is like putting budget tires on a indy race car. A lens is only as good as it's weakest optical element, so why degrade image quality without a good reason. For me personally, lenses can be replaced, but images are priceless.
I don't use UV filters on my macro lenses because macro shots are about as close to serious photography as I get. I just don't want to risk degrading the image and I may be looking at 16x20 enlargements.
I don't use any protective filters on my glass I have seen to many ruined by the UV glass shattering when dropped and scratching the hell out of the front element , Use a good lens hood and tape it on if you feel the need . or you are very clutsy.
I don't buy good glass , to just turn around and put a cheap piece of glass on the front.
