Do you use filters? Some people say they use UV/Haze filters at ALL times, then their are others who feel filters degrade the picture. Thoughts?

Hoods- Other then the rigidity and protection, what advantage does a hard hood have over the cheaper rubber ones?

 

When I'm outside, I typically have my polarizing filter on (and the hood depending on the conditions). It has really helped out color wise with some of the shots I've taken before. I'm not an expert, so I can't really say whether or not it degrades the picture quality, but if it does, it negligible. At least to me.

 

Don't use filters unless you need to use them. I would always use a hood. But with filters, you should use them for an effect (CPL or NG's) not for all time protection. Use them for protection when you have to, the UV filters really don't add anything to the image and in some cases because of the extra element will cause lens flare.

I would say buy a Ultra Clear filter and use it only when you're shooting in conditions that you want to protect your glass.

 

+1 on what Jup said.

Short of physical abrasion or chemical damage, the coatings on optics are pretty tough now days. Regarding hoods, I find they also tend to make changing lenses much easier as long as you have a hard flat surface within reach.

 

I admit I use UV filters on almost all the time. It is too much trouble for me to keep them around, and keep the organized, so I just leave them on and forget about it.

I shoot at the beach quite often, so there they are almost a necessity. I also am more willing to just use a microfiber cloth on a filter than on my lens, so it is more convenient for travel rather than carrying around all my cleaning supplies. If I clean my lenses it's always w/ a disposable tissue and fluid. I've taken pictures side by side, and don't notice a difference. I usually go w/ the Hoya Pro-1's smc or whatever as they are a little cheaper than the B+Ws, but probably wouldn't use a filter of much less quality than that.

As far as rubber hoods, are they available for all lens sizes? I own a 52mm one, and have it on my 50 1.8, but haven't see too many other sizes. I like the convenience of the rubber hood, especially for such a light lens, I don't think it would collapse even if I dropped it. If the canon hoods are too expensive, I have bought some knockoff chinese ones and had success with them. Sometimes people say they are too shiny and just take some sandpaper to it. Probably won't find any knockoff hoods with a nice felt lining though.

 

Right now, I decided on not getting any filters with the 40d. Mixed reviews wtih low light shots and reflections and also issues of vignetting.