Which filter?

[mj4456]

I picked a Sigma lens on ebay cheap (18-50mm), it had a cokin 58mm skylight filter fitted but this prevents me from fitting the lens cap, had a rake in my oddsnsods drawer and found a Jessops circ polariser than the caps fit with, so which is the better filter to have on under normal conditions?
I like the idea of the lens cap being on for protection but I suppose the skylight filter is doing the same job.

 

[Photodiva]

Hi. I don't think using a circ polariser all the time would be a good idea. If it were me I'd either use or get the lens hood for the lens and keep the skylight filter on. Or, fit the lens hood and take the filter off. Either way its about protecting the glass on the lens from damage.

 

[TCR4x4]

Certainly dont use a polariser all the time, only when needed.

I dont use anything but the lens hoods and caps on my lenses and havent had any damage yet.

 

[hollis_f]

so which is the better filter to have on under normal conditions?

None. A lens cap when you're not shooting, a hood when you are. Unless you're shooting speedway or power-boats then your lens needs no other protection.

I like the idea of the lens cap being on for protection but I suppose the skylight filter is doing the same job.

No, it's not. Drop the lens onto the corner of a coffee table. The lens cap will prevent any damage, the filter will shatter into millions of bits, all of which are easily capable of scratching your lens.

 

[mj4456]

Cheers guys.

 

[tc4]

Make sure you get a multicoated filter otherwise you will see unwanted reflections.