UV filters

entropy.uk · 09-08-2008, 01:45 PM

I am always inclined to leave one on (a decent one £20/$40 or so) as it offers protection - one saved a lens when I was hiking and my bag hit a rock and the filter not the lens bore the brunt of it.

I just wondered what other's habits were regarding putting filters on?

kerrowdown · 09-08-2008, 01:56 PM

Take it off when not required, like all filters and bits put on in front of the lens element, there will be some degree of image degradation noticeable or not.

IMHO, when you consider that the manufacturers spend a lot of time and money to get the lens as good as they can. It does not make sense for all of us to add bits on, unless they are really do add something to the image.

*navcom* · 09-08-2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by entropy.uk

I am always inclined to leave one on (a decent one £20/$40 or so) as it offers protection - one saved a lens when I was hiking and my bag hit a rock and the filter not the lens bore the brunt of it.

I just wondered what other's habits were regarding putting filters on?

There was a huge thread about this about a month back. Many different views on whether to leave it on or take it off....good arguments on both sides.

Personally, I agree completely with kerrowdown...leave it off when you don't need it. Adding a filter is just that...filtering light. It has a purpose. It changes the light patterns coming into your lens. If you need to have an effect or correct an otherwise hopeless situation by adding a filter, go for it. That's what they a for. If you just want protection, put your lens cap on when you are not looking thru the viewfinder.

I've noticed definate degredation in image quality on sunsets/sunrises when I forgot and left my UV filter on. Couldn't for the life of me figure out why I couldn't get the quality. One day I was reminded by a friend of the UV filter. Took it off and *bam*...looked great! And it was a spendy filter at that!

I understand the case for protection, and in certain circumstances it makes sense (pix by the ocean or dirty environments, etc.), but if you spend tons of money on that great lens to get perfect image quality, why put a filter on it all the time and possibly take the quality back down to average? I compared it to spending thousands on a great living room set and then covering them with those thick plastic furniture protectors...can't really enjoy the fruits of your labor, can you?

Life has risks, and those willing to take them succeed at some point!

entropy.uk · 09-08-2008, 05:18 PM

Thanks for the replies

Perhaps, then, the best strategy is to only use the filter when you have to wipe the lens a lot. If the situation isn't like that, then don't use the filter.

*pingflood* · 09-08-2008, 06:52 PM

I've never been a fan of filters unless I really see a need for them. Been shooting as a hobby for ~13 years and have yet to damage a front element. Don't even keep a lens cap on unless the gear is in a bag or storage.

*navcom* · 09-08-2008, 07:25 PM

I saw a picture of a "herd" of photographers at the Olympics...didn't see one UV filter on a lens.

*Blue* · 09-08-2008, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by navcom

I saw a picture of a "herd" of photographers at the Olympics...didn't see one UV filter on a lens.

That's because the SMOG filter wasn't available.

alohadave · 09-09-2008, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by navcom

There was a huge thread about this about a month back. Many different views on whether to leave it on or take it off....good arguments on both sides.

I've been here 8 months and it's about a once a month discussion.

*navcom* · 09-09-2008, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by alohadave

I've been here 8 months and it's about a once a month discussion.

You are correct, sir.

Gooshin · 09-09-2008, 01:33 PM

UV filters are really good at filling up your recycling bin.

*k100d* · 09-09-2008, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by navcom

I saw a picture of a "herd" of photographers at the Olympics...didn't see one UV filter on a lens.

most of the super teles can't fit filters anyways

alohadave · 09-09-2008, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by k100d

most of the super teles can't fit filters anyways

Some (I don't know if they all do) have a filter basket near the back of the lens to keep the filters a reasonable size. If they have one inserted, you'd never know.

*Canada_Rockies* · 09-09-2008, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by alohadave

Some (I don't know if they all do) have a filter basket near the back of the lens to keep the filters a reasonable size. If they have one inserted, you'd never know.

If the lens has a rear mount filter, quite often the lens will not focus properly unless there is a filter in place.