Do you use any type of lens protection filter?

When we buy a new lens from a camera shop the first thing the salesman pushes forward is a protection filter namely: UV filter, Skylight filter, Haze filter or simple transparent filter.

How many of you have bought such filters and for what purpose?

Obviously UV filters, Skylight filter, Haze filter have specific purpose and the manufacturer had not developed them as protection filters. It is the salesman that sells them as protection filters because its easy money with bigger margin.

I am one of many photographer who bought filters without thinking of its pros and cons.

After the workshop from Sir Ross Capili I have realized my mistake.

There are three groups of photographers:
1)photographers that consider filters a must for protection and use it all the time.
2)photographers that consider filters deteriorates image quality and never use them
3)photographers that use filters occasionally for specific purpose

I encourage all of you to participate in this thread and tell which group you belong and possibly give reason.

I belong to the first one.

I bought a filter to protect my lenses.

But during the photo workshop with Sir Ross Capili the skylight filter caused some flares and ghosting during the photoshoot.

I will still keep the filters on when not shooting and remove it when shooting especially outside photography.