Equipment Opinions on Lens Filters (CIR-PL & UV)

So the title says it all really. I was just wondering what peoples opinions are on UV and Polarising filters.
Weather you think they improve pictures, when to use them (especially the CIR-PL).
If you think they are 'just a peice of glass', and also wether the brand ie. Hoya actually makes a difference on the quality of the shot.
I ask this as I am wondering wether to buy a UV filter, for whatever reason. and also I have just ordered a Hoya 58mm CIR-PL lens filter, and am wondering what circumstances to use it in, and whether it is worth it.

Thank you in advance, Elliot

 

i found CIR-PL to be great for shooting through water, making them more blue less reflective. fantastic to improve the contrast between sea and sky.

and i also found UV filters to be pretty useless, and a big No-no when shooting at night with many different light sources pointing into the lens. but they are great for protecting the lens, eg, walk around all day without lens cap, take if off in the afternoon to have nice clean lens without stopping to clean.

i went with Hoya HMC UV filter for all 3 lenses and one Pro-1 CIR-PL filter in my bag.



so if you freak out and have the urge to grab your lens pen whenever you see any spots on the lens, get a UV filter.

 

Thankyou very much for the advice, I think I will buy a Hoya UV. with the sole intention of protecting my lens during the day, as you said. Ill be shure not to use it at night though.
I would feel alot happier having a UV on there providing me with a saftey net, just in case anything did happen.
Thanks again, Elliot.

 

...meanwhile in a thread on the same page

 

Oh, well... I really should have searched this. I had no idea that thread existed, and with such similar wording as-well.
Well atleast I got the answer I needed, I guess.

 

IMO the only use for a UV filter is to protect your lenses. They steal light though.

I've got a Cir Pol and they are a nice bit of kit but I rarely use mine. It's a bit of hassle to put them on and set them up tbh. But yes, great for getting more contrast in skies.

I also have 10x ND filter and use that more then my Cir Pol... it will stop light completely and let you do long exposure in the heat of the sun. Great for wanting that smokey water effect in the middle of the day. It also helps for getting a nice exposure of a sun rise.

You'll need a tripod for that though.

 

Ahh, thats how you do long exposures in daylight, I was wondering how to easily block light. I think Ill have to buy a ND filter.
Thankyou very much!