UV(0) FILTER or CLEAR PROTECTOR? for Nikon 18-200mm lens?

I need some help in deciding which one to buy.





I know the difference. But I need to know ...your opinion in which one you would invest and why?





UV(0) FILTER often works as a lens protector as well...but what would happen for night photography? Would it be better to have a CLEAR PROTECTOR then?





I am not a pro photographer but like to make wise choices when spending money. My main purpose is to protect the lens....however, if UV(0) will have minor changes to the photos captured (even at night)...I wouldn't want to go with just CLEAR PROTECTOR.





Also, which model of HOYA (green, purple, gray, blue, black) would you buy...if you were not so much of a pro photographer and would think about being economical?UV(0) FILTER or CLEAR PROTECTOR? for Nikon 18-200mm lens?
It only matters if you also have a 35 mm SLR and use the same lenses on it.





If they cost the same, then go with the UV ... if you use the lens on a 35 mm camera body (yes I know there is vignetting, but some artists like that ... one more tool) then you will want to buy a skylight filter ... the best for colour film.UV(0) FILTER or CLEAR PROTECTOR? for Nikon 18-200mm lens?
UV is not really a worry at night. I have several Nikons but On my FM3A W/ 28 -135mm zoom I have a UV filter on that I never remove... I do day, night and everything in between. On my Digital Nikons I use 2 UV's one for a filter and one for a lens cap. The filters are cheap have better dust resistantance than a clip on plastic lens cap.
I'm in the school of ';no filters'; unless you absolutely have a specific reason to use one.





If you want to protect the lens, I suggest using the lens hood and a lens cap (I like center-pinch lens caps, which allow me to remove the lens cap when needed, even with a hood on).





Don't just take my word for it; read this enlightening essay by photographer Thom Hogan:


http://www.bythom.com/filters.htm





Especially with night photography, I wouldn't use any filters at all, unless I was in an area with blowing debris during the photo or unless I wanted a specific effect. The reason I would avoid filters is because of the strong likelihood of flare and unwanted reflections.