Protective Filters - Needed or Not

joele · 11-24-2009, 08:57 PM

I still prefer B+W or Marumi DHG super, they score high (BH I think lost points for not filtering UV but who cares on digital), but the main thing is they are much easier to clean for me than Hoya filters..

**Douglas_of_Sweden** · 11-24-2009, 09:17 PM

Originally posted by Pentastic

So far I have been on the side of putting a protective UV or Skylight filter on my lenses. More and more I read I might actually be degrading photo quality. So where do people stand on protective filters? Am I paranoid or am I doing the right things?

Everytime I drop a lens I make sure I have a filter on it, besides that I don't bother

Spock · 11-24-2009, 11:00 PM

Over the years I have had a few filters develop wear marks that could not be cleaned off. Sometimes I don't know what caused the marks, other times I do - such as when an ostrich pecked my lens and left a mark on the filter.

Touch wood, thanks to protective filters, all my lenses have always remained flawless.

And while I know that a small mark on the lens doesn't really affect IQ, I think we all agree that it does affect resale value.

A good filter, like a Hoya Super HMC will make no discernable difference to IQ in most situations.

wasim_altaf · 11-24-2009, 11:07 PM

I usually have a circular polarizer on. I only take it off when indoors and/or when light level is challenging. Then it goes right back on. That's my lens protection, whatever it may be .. I hope I don't have to find out.

Jodokast96 · 11-25-2009, 02:41 AM

Only time I use one for protection is when I know I'll be near sand, salt water, or mud.

raymeedc · 11-25-2009, 03:50 AM

Originally posted by Jodokast96

Only time I use one for protection is when I know I'll be near sand, salt water, or mud.

Same here. I can't see carefully selecting & purchasing a particular lens for it's IQ, & then placing another lens surface in front of it. It aesthetically bothers me, and seems unnecessary in most cases with today's PP options, except for lens protection in extreme situations. I'm in the habit of always placing my cap over the lens when not shooting.

GerryL · 11-25-2009, 08:52 AM

Some filters you will need or have to keep on as it is part of the design (from what I have read), like in the 500mm mirror lenses.
It adds to the refraction of the filter glass and makes for a sharp image as against to not using one.

jumpz · 11-25-2009, 09:44 AM

I use it purely because I feel somewhat safer with it....personal preference as many have added.

Wormtown · 12-05-2009, 03:01 AM

Originally posted by MRRiley

Depends on where and under what circumstances you are shooting. Shooting from the sidelines of a football game in nice weather... no protective filters needed. Shooting from the same sideline when it is mucky or dusty and you want the protection.
Mike

I've taken a lot of football sidelines shots this year. I tuck my camera in my coat when its raining, bur like to have the UV filter on so I can wipe off rain or mud with little fear of damaging the lens.

spystyle · 12-06-2009, 07:50 PM

I leave all my lenses NAKED

Protective filters are unnecessary, in my opinion - but then again I don't own any lenses costing more than $200...

Good luck!
Craig

**ChrisPlatt** · 12-06-2009, 08:00 PM

I like to use B+W 010 (UV) filters to protect my lenses.
In my experience Hoya HMC filters are difficult to clean.

Chris

**Canada_Rockies** · 12-06-2009, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by spystyle

I leave all my lenses NAKED

BLUSH!!!

Quote:

Protective filters are unnecessary, in my opinion - but then again I don't own any lenses costing more than $200...

My lenses are also naked, and every one of them cost me more than $200.

Quote:

Good luck!
Craig

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11-24-2009, 08:57 PM	#16
joele Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,308	I still prefer B+W or Marumi DHG super, they score high (BH I think lost points for not filtering UV but who cares on digital), but the main thing is they are much easier to clean for me than Hoya filters..

11-24-2009, 09:17 PM	#17
Douglas_of_Sweden Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Stockholm Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,374	Originally posted by Pentastic So far I have been on the side of putting a protective UV or Skylight filter on my lenses. More and more I read I might actually be degrading photo quality. So where do people stand on protective filters? Am I paranoid or am I doing the right things? Everytime I drop a lens I make sure I have a filter on it, besides that I don't bother

11-24-2009, 11:00 PM	#18
Spock Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Perth, Western Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 674	Over the years I have had a few filters develop wear marks that could not be cleaned off. Sometimes I don't know what caused the marks, other times I do - such as when an ostrich pecked my lens and left a mark on the filter. Touch wood, thanks to protective filters, all my lenses have always remained flawless. And while I know that a small mark on the lens doesn't really affect IQ, I think we all agree that it does affect resale value. A good filter, like a Hoya Super HMC will make no discernable difference to IQ in most situations.

11-24-2009, 11:07 PM	#19
wasim_altaf Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salem, MA Posts: 145	I usually have a circular polarizer on. I only take it off when indoors and/or when light level is challenging. Then it goes right back on. That's my lens protection, whatever it may be .. I hope I don't have to find out.

11-25-2009, 02:41 AM	#20
Jodokast96 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Erial, NJ USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,134	Only time I use one for protection is when I know I'll be near sand, salt water, or mud.

11-25-2009, 03:50 AM	#21
raymeedc Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 951	Originally posted by Jodokast96 Only time I use one for protection is when I know I'll be near sand, salt water, or mud. Same here. I can't see carefully selecting & purchasing a particular lens for it's IQ, & then placing another lens surface in front of it. It aesthetically bothers me, and seems unnecessary in most cases with today's PP options, except for lens protection in extreme situations. I'm in the habit of always placing my cap over the lens when not shooting.

11-25-2009, 08:52 AM	#22
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Some filters you will need or have to keep on as it is part of the design (from what I have read), like in the 500mm mirror lenses. It adds to the refraction of the filter glass and makes for a sharp image as against to not using one.

11-25-2009, 09:44 AM	#23
jumpz New Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	I use it purely because I feel somewhat safer with it....personal preference as many have added.

12-05-2009, 03:01 AM	#24
Wormtown Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MA Posts: 9	Originally posted by MRRiley Depends on where and under what circumstances you are shooting. Shooting from the sidelines of a football game in nice weather... no protective filters needed. Shooting from the same sideline when it is mucky or dusty and you want the protection. Mike I've taken a lot of football sidelines shots this year. I tuck my camera in my coat when its raining, bur like to have the UV filter on so I can wipe off rain or mud with little fear of damaging the lens.

12-06-2009, 07:50 PM	#25
spystyle Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 424	I leave all my lenses NAKED Protective filters are unnecessary, in my opinion - but then again I don't own any lenses costing more than $200... Good luck! Craig

12-06-2009, 08:00 PM	#26
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	I like to use B+W 010 (UV) filters to protect my lenses. In my experience Hoya HMC filters are difficult to clean. Chris

12-06-2009, 09:36 PM	#27
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by spystyle I leave all my lenses NAKED BLUSH!!! Quote: Protective filters are unnecessary, in my opinion - but then again I don't own any lenses costing more than $200... My lenses are also naked, and every one of them cost me more than $200. Quote: Good luck! Craig