[Vantage-Point]

Hi everyone,
I want to know when using the lens hood for the Pentax 21 mm limited do you have to use one uv filter or two?

[Wheatfield]

None.

..........

[twitch]

1 or 2???

You don't have to use any, UV filters are a complete waste of money IMHO.

If you want to use any filter though with a DA21 and the hood on, then you need a 43mm filter which screws into the lens under the hood. Hood off you can choose between 43mm & 49mm.

Hope that helps.

[SpecialK]

Egads....I hope you are joking.

However, if you must support your local salesman and buy a UV filter, buy a rubber lens hood too, because the stock one may vignette if you move it away from the lens.

[paperbag846]

There really is no reason considering how well the hood protects the lens.

And NEVER use 2 uv filters... jesus.

[reeftool]

Unless you are in a harsh environment where the surface of your lens could be damaged or get dirty enough to require constant cleaning off, the UV filter isn't necessary. Last week, I spent the day shooting motorcycle races on the ice. The ice and snow was flying and I was wiping off the front of the UV filter every few minutes. There is a noticeable difference in IQ in shots with the filter. A better filter would produce better results but 90% of the time it's not needed anyhow.

[SOldBear]

Uhm.... actually, 3.

1 on the lens, and 1 on each of my eyes so I can see the same thing the camera does.

[alexeyga]

Uhm.... actually, 3.

1 on the lens, and 1 on each of my eyes so I can see the same thing the camera does.

You forgot the condom... can't take the camera out of it's box without one....

[DogLover]

While it is true that UV filters are rarely necessary, there is another benefit of using them besides as a protector. They keep you from having to clean the lens surface as often, or sometimes, ever. If you clean the lens perfectly (or when the lens is brand-new) and then attach a good-quality filter you are effectively "sealing" the lens surface and any subsequent cleanings are of the much cheaper filter and do not risk damaging or swirling the lens coatings. Hoya Pro1 and their sisters Marumi Super DHG are of moderate cost and will not affect IQ unless it's a situation where they could introduce some flare, and that's really rare if you're using the hood.

I am not as adamant about always using them as I used to be, but I do still keep them on my "work-horse" DA*'s and my long Sigma and have never noticed any ill-effects whatsoever. This will especially appeal to people like me who are kinda anal about their equipment and to the people who buy used lenses from us as they end up with lenses that are in perfect condition.

[paperbag846]

I keep one on my DA 15 and take it off only when I want a sunburst.

But I only do that because I'm afraid my clumsy hands and the screw in cap will result in a nasty scratch.

[SOldBear]

...I'm afraid my clumsy hands and the screw in cap will result in a nasty scratch.

Put the screw-in cap away. Use a 49mm cap with center pinch instead. A nice thing is that you can remove/attach the cap with the hood in any position.

Note the narrow strips of self-adhesive sandpaper attached to the center pinch.

[DogLover]

I've always liked the screw-on cap of the 15. I've never really found it to be that fiddly.

[paperbag846]

Put the screw-in cap away. Use a 49mm cap with center pinch instead. A nice thing is that you can remove/attach the cap with the hood in any position.

Note the narrow strips of self-adhesive sandpaper attached to the center pinch.

Thanks for the tip.

[WerTicus]

the 15's screw cap is fine, the 40mm's is fiddly

[SOldBear]

the 15's screw cap is fine, the 40mm's is fiddly

None of my Ltd. caps is fiddly . You already see the 15mm's cap above. Here are his mates: