This is like discussing whether the toilet paper should come off the top or under the bottom of the roll. Everyone has an opinion on the matter and tend to stick to their guns on the subject regardless. Personally there have been times I've used a UV or CPL for protective purposes and have been long periods where I haven't bothered.
After many years I've yet to have a shot ruined by having a filter in place. There was a time, while hiking in the desert, I tripped over my own two feet and smashed a filter hard enough to spider-web crack it. The lens, underneath, was fine. What would have happened had I not had the filter on, we'll never know... What I *do* know is that I unscrewed the now busted filter and got on with life like nothing had happened. I don't mean to infer with that story that everyone should have a filter on for protective purposes, however.
I think it's something that should be open to consideration depending on circumstances. I would think a filter for purely protective purposes might be overkill at an event like a baby-shower but I guess everyone has to make that call for themselves. Maybe if it was an Extreme Off Road Baby Shower or something... I don't know. I don't really know much about baby showers in general, really, and have to wonder if it's not simply the alcohol talking at this point. Filters, I guess, are sort of like condoms... There are times you feel safe and say to yourself, "Nahhh... No need" and then there are those times you know your... "lens"... is in "dangerous territory" and you need to proceed with caution. If you, uh... If you get my drift.
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