"john" wrote:

Hi folks,

I'm trying to find out more information about the filters I should be using,
but when I try to search on the internet, I usually just keep getting links
to sites selling filters, not giving information.

I'm confused as to the difference between UV Protector filters and Skylight
filters. On the one site where I found information, it said this about UV
Protector filters:

UV filters are wise initial investments. They help protect your
valuable investment from dust, moisture and scratches, which
can lead to costly repairs. If desired they can be left on the
lens at all times for protection. UV filters provide additional
benefits of correction for Ultraviolet (UV) light which can
register on film and videotape as a bluish cast and can
obscure distant details. Ultraviolet filters allow you to correct
for the UV effect to varying degrees.

And then it said this about Skylight filters:

Due to its light pink color, the Skylight reduces the bluish cast
of daylight and produces a pleasing, warmer picture tone.
Wise initial investments, they help protect your lens from
dust, moisture and scratches, which can lead to costly repairs.
If desired they can be left on at all times for protection.
Skylight filters provide additional benefits of correction for
Ultraviolet (UV) light which can register on film and videotape
as a bluish cast and can obscure distant details. Also used to
reduce the bluish cast common with some electronic flash
units.

They almost sound exactly the same.

They aren't the same. The UV filter has no colour cast.

The Skylight filter adds a slight pink or straw-coloured cast to your
shots - in addition to the UV filtering effect that it shares with the
UV filter.

Essentially, I'm looking for a good,
all-purpose filter for both day and indoor/night shooting that will protect
my lens and provide good quality light and color for those specific
instances when I'm not using my polarizing filter. I'm not sure if it
matters, but I have a Nikon D70 and Nikon F60.

Can someone please explain? Thanks so much.

The UV filter is the one to go for, because it will not add a colour
cast to your shots. You can leave it on all the time. In general,
you should only use a filter that changes colours when you actually
need one.

No doubt your post will spark the usual fierce debate on whether it is
a good idea to use a UV filter all the time. That debate has raged
for the 30+ years I have been shooting film and I have no doubt it
will still be raging 30 years from now!

Personally, I use UV filters because they are easier to keep clean
than the front element of a lens and a darn sight cheaper to replace
if scratched or damaged. Your mileage may vary.