Using a UV Filter or not

[leon]

Hi Guys, I would like to ask your opinions about using a UV Filter or not.

I have bought two expensive lens and did some research about using a filter or not for lens protection.

Some say the less glass in front of the element is the best, and some say I wouldn't go without one.

Some say in the day of film photography it was a must to have a UV filter, but not necessary with digital.

The Filters if I go that way are 105mm, so end up in the $300.00 mark for a decent one.

So what do you think.

Thank You.

Leon

[JA]

Hi Leon,

I have noticed the beneficial effect of UV filters in some instances, often in well lit distant landscape shots. It was very evident when we toured Tasmania on distant mountainsides where the filter helped cut through the blue-ish /white haze and thereby improve contrast somewhat. I wish I could remember exactly where in TAS as it was a beautiful long valley. I will have to go back through some old video for my own curiosity.

Another point is not all cameras, or lenses for that matter, respond down in to the sub 400nm-ish range, so in some instances one may not need it for UV filtration purposes.

Some use them for permanent lens protection, but I tend to prefer none, using a lens cap when not in use. There is also the possible issue of reflection/ghosting with additional glass.

Best
JA

[leon]

Thanks JA the last point you made is a good one and a professional Photographer friend of mine suggested not to use one at all pretty much what you said.
Must give this some more consideration, thank you.

Leon

[Dennis]

Hi Leon

I used to fit protective UV Filters to all my lenses until I took a wide field view of the Milky Way with Jupiter with my Canon 400mm F5.6L lens and discovered multiple shocking reflections from the bright planet. I used to purchase expensive "Professional" grade filters, not cheap ones.

I figured that whilst this was an extreme case, even so, it would mean that there is still an effect with normal terrestrial scenes, so I ditched all my filters.

I always have a lens hood fitted to protect the front element from coming into physical contact with an object when I am using or carrying the camera.

Cheers

Dennis

[Renato1 (Renato)]

I think light reflection coming in from the side of a lens with a UV filter (even with lens hood attached) causes more occasional lousier shots than the very occasional shot which may be improved by the presence of the filter.

That said, it's nicer seeing the occasional bit of dust that needs to be cleaned off on a UV filter, rather than on the glass of an expensive lens.
Regards,
Renato

[astro744]

Wow! $300 for a filter. How much did the kens cost?

My point being the filter is likely a fraction of what it would cost to replace the lens if something happened to the front surface. There are some very good filters available and maybe too $300 is one of the cheaper ones.

If you are worried about reflections in a particular shot take the filter off, otherwise it will protect your lens, UV filtering aside.

[leon]

Yea Astro, $300 is in the high end bracket, however that is not the most expensive at all some go much higher than that, but you must remember the Filter is 105mm not just the usual 70-80mm range.
Sure I can get cheap ones made of crap glass, and terrible light and colour transmission,

Leon

[astro744]

I was alluding to $300 being cheap compared to your ‘expensive’ lenses not knowing of course how much you paid for the lenses. If 105mm lens diameter then likely thousands so $300 is not too much to protect it and looking for an even more expensive better spec’d model may/would still be worth it.

[leon]

Opss sorry I was looking at the wrong end of your question.

Leon

[fsphotography (Frank)]

Originally Posted by leon

Yea Astro, $300 is in the high end bracket, however that is not the most expensive at all some go much higher than that, but you must remember the Filter is 105mm not just the usual 70-80mm range.
Sure I can get cheap ones made of crap glass, and terrible light and colour transmission,

Leon

Hoya, good brand under $200, much cheaper than a new lens. If your worried about any possible reflections just don't press the shutter,after all

you can at most times see the reflection in the viewfinder.

[astro744]

Some reference material at B&H photo. Note you can also get clear filters.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora...ers-for-lenses

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora...te/Uv%20filter

I found the following B+W filters in 105mm

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...and_name%3Ab-w

I bought this one in 52mm and am very happy with it but cannot see it in 105mm;

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...let_UV_MC.html

Prices in USD plus postage. Also try Amazon AU.

[leon]

Well thank you very much Astro, most helpful, will do some research.

Leon

[astro744]

No worries! Note some of the newer filters have very thin cells and not all are threaded at the front or have a very small number of threads meaning you cannot or will have difficulty using lens caps that snap into the threads.

The ‘nano’ I bought is a thin cell but works fine with a standard Canon cap. Best check before buying.