By Invest in a UV or clear protective filter first—it’s the cheapest insurance policy for your expensive glass, absorbing scratches and impacts that would otherwise ruin your lens. Skip the bargain-bin versions though; a poor-quality filter degrades image sharpness more than no filter at all.
Purchase a proper lens hood specific to your lens model, not a generic alternative. Beyond reducing flare and improving contrast, it provides crucial front-element protection during everyday shooting. Many photographers dismiss hoods as unnecessary until they’ve watched one absorb a bump that would have damaged their lens.
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