UV filters

[jann1033]

there was a video once and it showed high end and cheap filters. all degraded it some. and i have heard a filter can sometimes cause some flaring

 

[seashoreCM]

I was a big fan of using a UV filter for protection, then someone pointed out that I was spending $1k for a lens and putting glass in front of it that was no where near as good..... where do you think the weak link was introduced?

The weak link is the layer of glass that is the filter. Some adverse reflections, however slight, will happen.

UV filters were used with a good purpose, filtering UV, in their day (of film cameras). If your camera is not at all adversely affected by UV, then remove the UV or non-UV filter/lens protector whenever you remember to, prior to snapping your picture.

You may find a polarizing filter handy particularly for shots over open water. But you need to turn it to get the best results for each shot. Again, remove it before snapping if the picture does not need it. It too can be used as a lens protector.

Digital camera hints: http://www.cockam.com/digicam.htm

 

[boBQuincy]

A UV filter and a plain glass "filter" are probably identical in function to a digital camera. In order to minimize any issues the filter should be a good multi-coated filter, in other words, expensive. It is insurance against damaging the lens but if we have several lenses the cost of the filters may exceed the cost of repairing a chipped front element.

So we have to ask ourselves, do we prefer the cost of the filters or the cost of taking our chances without them. I feel lucky...

 

[MICKEY88]

a good lens shade/hood, provides lens protection, without degradation,

I've read stories/theories of metal filters actually causing damage, because there is no softening of impact as there would be with a plastic lens shade/hood,

another option is good insurance, if you have multiple expensive lenses it might be more cost effective to get good insurance, than to buy multiple filters..

 

[jann1033]

i recently read an article that mentioned how much more scratch resistant lens glass is today so really how much is a uv filter going to protect, if you drop or bang your camera of fall hard enough to smash the filter is seems you'd usually do something to the camera or lens as well. at least the hood is usually plastic and might break the fall if it hits head down. if you are using in on the beach or someplace unusually dirty or gritty that might make sense of using a uv filter.