Lens protection filters. Do you ever use them?

Never.

I always use a good filter and proper metal lens hoods. I use my equipment so it does get banged around somewhat. I have had to replace some filters and lens hoods over the years but have never had to replace a damaged lens.

As a boychild many years ago, I was told (by the people who sell them) that you should always wear "protection".

I truly think that the B+W filters are best, not only for the glass, but also for the quality of metal parts and the like. However in practice the better quality, coated Hoya filters are plenty good enough.

I was glad to have a filter on when the kid at the State Fair pushed his iced milk cone into the end of my lens. His father thought I should buy the kid a new cone. I didn't.

For really critical work, I always shoot without filters except for effect.

 

Here is an Actina Super-Scru filter that took the bullet for the camera, and a $1US red UV filter (post paid from China).