On Wed, 08 Jan 2003 18:26:29 GMT, Robin Burns <r_f_burns@hotmail.com> wrote:

>Moldy wrote:

>> I will be keeping the cap on when not in use so I guess I will lose

>> the filter, using the hood for drop protection and the cap for in-bag

>> protection...

>Another thing to consider is a rider on your homeowner's or renter's

>insurance to cover your camera equipment.

>

>Keeping a filter on a lens at all times for protection degrades the optical

>performance of the lens, so I don't do it except under extreme

>circumstances (e.g. shooting on the shore with waves breaking all around

>me.)

This has been discussed at length; upshot: except under

unusual circumstances, unless the filter is of poor quality

or dirty, there will be no visible ill effect from leaving

it on...

>I don't worry about lens damage or breakage because it's covered by the

>rider on my homeowner's insurance. I once dropped a Nikon 200mm lens into

>the Merced River in YNP and my insurance replaced it with no questions

>asked.

Try collecting more than once; it is likely your insurance

company will drop you. A good $10 filter is cheaper and

less troublesome for front element "insurance"...;-)