Quote:
Originally Posted by mz-n10 
if its a good filter there is nothing wrong with that (i keep a UV on my zeiss), but if its a cheap filter it might do more harm then good.
here's an article article regarding "dirty" front element

if its a good filter there is nothing wrong with that (i keep a UV on my zeiss), but if its a cheap filter it might do more harm then good.
here's an article article regarding "dirty" front element
The dirt not affecting the front element makes sense in the way that you can make a wire fence invisible if you can get your lens close enough to it. (Like: when shooting zoo animals) I have always kept my lenses clean, and do not speak from experience when it comes to the effect of dirt on the glass. The inner element may have a greater effect. And there is always the dust on the sensor thing.
As far as filters: I keep a good quality UV/haze filter on at all times. Other filters as the needs arise. Looking in my filter collection, I seem to buy B+W brand the most....












