Stupid Lens Protection Question

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/121292-REG/Nikon_2479_52mm_Clear_NC_Glass.html

 

I have shot with UV filters on all of my lens at night for the past 30 yrs.

There is no need to remove them when shooting at night. Virtually no loss of light.

 

It may well be neighbor. But a UV filter is nearly colorless, maybe a tiny bit of the blue gets cut, but not enough to notice. Try taking a shot you see the reflections in, without the filter on. If the reflections go away, it's the filter.

If it is the filter, look for a multi-coated clear filter. The clear filters are UV, Haze, Skylight, A1, NC, etc. They are all nearly identical to the eye and digital sensor. Film and spectrophotometers can tell the difference.