I became aware after buying my Canon XM2/GL2 that I should be protecting the expensive lens, through means of a filter.

After some research I purchased a simple 58mm 'UV filter'. While I am not especially concerned with affecting how the camera 'sees' the environment at the moment, I do want to avoid any damage to the lens and heard that such a filter would do the job.

However, I can see the screwed-on filter reflecting back at me in some of my shots, which is completely unacceptable.

I found this thread...

http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/59/854741#854741

...which suggests using a natural density filter instead, to take any reflections from near the lens 'out of focus'. However this means my shot compositions are affected by using this filter, since I need to allow certain iris settings/depths of field to make sure the ND filter 'isn't seen'.

The final comments in the thread raise the question of linear or circular filters, suggesting circular filters are required for camcorder use.

Does anyone know... would buying the more expensive circular 'polariser' (I cannot locate a circular 'UV filter') remove the unwanted reflections I am seeing with my current UV filter, without the need to cater for the new addition by having to change iris settings and 'focus it out'?

I was considering buying this one...

http://www.jessops.com/Store/s17786/1-136-194/Home/Cameras--and--Lenses/Filters/Jessop...r/details.aspx

Surely I can screw on a protective filter and use it freely without risking it making an appearance and ruining my footage?

Thanks for any advice.