As commented by t3mujin in another question:
Stacking filters will decrease image quality, as it's another piece of glass light has to go through before reaching the sensor.
I was wondering whether this is true, or better yet, how radical the quality decrease really is?
I was thinking about using UV filter on my lens and on that, stacked a polarizer. This combination of filters sounded to me like a great idea on how to shoot the nature, but after I read the aforementioned, I'm really wondering whether I might be wrong.
What would be the best option for this situation?
Answer
Anytime you add something in the optical path you will lose quality. The quality you will lose depends on the filter quality, filter type and lighting conditions.
Most filters are extremely susceptible to flare because they add a flat reflective surface and can take a great image and make it completely unusable. That does not mean you should never use a filter or even more than one, but you should do so for a valid reason knowing the sacrifice you are making at the same time.
Polarizers have specific usage and an effect which cannot be simulated by software, so use them to cut-down reflection, increase saturation in the sky, etc. No need to add it over another filter that essentially does nothing.
UV filters have a use too but are rarely actually needed. They are usually recommended at high-altitude but AWB or custom white-balance takes care of that. Since they are cheap and do not cut-down light by much you can use them to protect your lens when it is in eminent danger such as near salt-water and flying sand.
Against knocks, a lens hood is much more effective protection and may even increase image quality by reducing flare from stray light.
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