Originally posted by Ron Boggs OP has decided it sounds...I recommend B+W and/or Heliopan if you aren't using heirloom Pentax SMC filters. I use a mix of the three.
I shoot 100% outdoor and after a few hours afield there's almost always cleaning needed...why shoot through chip n chunks and splats and smears? Cleaning after each day of use is hard on front elements, thus high quality filters to take the cleaning. Once had a filter save my FA* 80-200 when checked as luggage (big lenses were carried on). Filter glass and rim were crunched, even in a hard case...must've been strong gorillas! (It was my only non-Pelican case and I haven't used it since).
Originally posted by ChrisPlatt B + W, Schneider, Rodenstock, Heliopan - anything made in Germany is top quality.
They still use brass rings, which are much less likely to get stuck on your lens.
Chris
I had my mind semi made up lol, I tend to rant and let my poor brain thoughts ooze all over this forum to the unfortunate members eyes to see
The cleaning lens thing is something that started to cross my mind, although I rarely touch the front element, if I was to go front cap off I could see the finger occasionally touch the lens glass, even if it is a tad recessed. I dunno... if IQ isn't compromised it seems a fairly affordable solution (see more below on that price and brand choice I went with).
Originally posted by beachgardener Thanks, didn't know about those companies, and you sparked me on a better hunt for a different (but apparently equal) brand
Originally posted by tibbitts To me the issue is partly that filters are easier to clean than front elements, particularly the very newest filters with the latest coatings vs. older coatings. But in general it's easier to wipe a flat surface, and I frequently get rain or spray (salt or otherwise) or on my lenses, despite using fairly deep hoods. The lenses have to be wiped frequently, sometimes between every shot (like recently at a waterfall), and I'd rather do that with a filter that can be replaced.
In extreme flare situations where damage is less likely, it's best to take the filter off, of course.
I'm curious about the UV vs. clear arguments: I would think that on digital there is at least no disadvantage to UV, but would be interested in evidence to the contrary.
Well I googled and found an old Pentax thread as well as this link;
UV filters test - Description of the results and summary - LensTip.com
If you look at the pictures, even the filters that are further down the list, I don't honestly think the image degradation is something to be worried about. For me the positives outweigh the negatives. I ended up getting two 49mm Hoya HMC UV Filters for $25 each, heck of a lot cheaper than B+W which were $90 each and apparently in the same league at least in terms of IQ. I'll see how well they go with a wipe and clean. For sure I am happy to try a different brand later, maybe when there is a price drop etc and compare in terms of cleaning ease.
Originally posted by BrianR At close focus distances, the barrel extends so far that the hood is blocking very little stray light. It is useful at blocking stray light at 'normal' distances where the barrel has barely extended and it's always useful as a physical protection barrier. That said, I don't usually bother with it (I'm typically using it up close and almost always in nice and controlled circumstances), but it does come out when there is more randomness in the environment (like other people).
Possibly a crazy idea, but can you put step up rings on your da15mm and your da40mm to get them to 49mm? Then all your lenses (I think?) have the same front cap size, making lens swaps using front caps simpler.
I did put a UV ring on my DA15mm, I was intending to break the glass but in the end I just left it on and felt it didn't degrade anything (not that I really tested). I needed the 'step up filter' in order to attach ND filters and the like.
With the DA40mm XS I am reluctant to really get anything. It's major advantage is its thinness, I don't really want a hood on it, but perhaps a UV filter might not harm the size aspect. My other lenses have a recess, the 40mm XS not so much, I think it may always need a cap. Mind you, as soon as I apply a filter onto any lens and place in pouch with cap off, the filter will collect more lint than the recessed front element I bet. So it's a case of ditching the cap for speed but then having to use a rocket blower more often I bet.