Filter question

unp · 03-14-2012, 08:31 AM

Hello Everyone,

I always use a standard multi-coated UV filter (good brand) as a lens protector. If I want to use another filter, do I have to remove the UV filter? Or I just can add the second filter on the top of my UV? My point is, does one extra glass affect the picture quality?

Thanks,
unp

Docrwm · 03-14-2012, 08:40 AM

Easy answer - yes, multiple filters will have an additive and sometimes even a multiplicative negative effect on image quality.

wasser · 03-14-2012, 08:44 AM

Even the good stuff can degrade image quality:

LensRentals.com - Good Times with Bad Filters

However, would you even notice? Test it with your filters and find out. The biggest issue may be possible vignetting.

Anvh · 03-14-2012, 08:48 AM

If I want to use another filter, do I have to remove the UV filter? Or I just can add the second filter on the top of my UV?
Depends on the lens, some lenses will vignette wit stack filters.

My point is, does one extra glass affect the picture quality?
Yes it will, even the single filter will degrade the picture quality, if you notice it is another question.

westmill · 03-14-2012, 08:52 AM

No probs, but dont add too many or it could cause a problem with vigneting.
In fact its poss with certain lens and lens hoods even two might cause vignetting.
The Pro type filters have very narrow edges which helps a lot here.

Docrwm · 03-14-2012, 10:58 AM

Here's another resource for you on this - and vignetting is definitely not the only possible problem from stacking filters.
LensRentals.com - The Glass in Front of Your Glass: All About Filters

jaytee · 03-14-2012, 11:18 AM

Something to think about, in todays world more and more pro and serious amateurs advise ditching the UV filter altogether. Using a hood instead to both protect and improve IQ.

Anvh · 03-14-2012, 12:08 PM

Originally posted by westmill

The Pro type filters have very narrow edges which helps a lot here.

Pro type?

Verglace · 03-15-2012, 06:16 AM

Primary function of the UV filter is for protection, if you have another filter to use, then that will become the protection and the UV filter essentially does nothing, so yes take it off and replace with the other filter, its bothersome but you dont risk potential image quality loss.

TimHar · 03-15-2012, 03:52 PM

I agree with the others but I would like to add some own experience with uv filters (no matter how expensive), do not use it with artificial lighting!
You can get flairs and ghosts

rawr · 03-15-2012, 04:13 PM

Originally posted by TimHar

You can get flairs and ghosts

Indeed. I always post this image (from the lenstip.com review of UV filters) when there is a thread about UV filters to illustrate some of the image quality problems poor choices about UV filters can cause. You can imagine how bad the image quality would be if you stacked another bad filter on top of what may already be a crap UV filter.

unp · 03-18-2012, 03:55 PM

I really appreciate all the responses!

I am convinced to avoid a filter if all possible and use a hood all the time.

Thanks,
unp

03-14-2012, 08:31 AM	#1
unp Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 59	Filter question Hello Everyone, I always use a standard multi-coated UV filter (good brand) as a lens protector. If I want to use another filter, do I have to remove the UV filter? Or I just can add the second filter on the top of my UV? My point is, does one extra glass affect the picture quality? Thanks, unp

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03-14-2012, 08:40 AM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Easy answer - yes, multiple filters will have an additive and sometimes even a multiplicative negative effect on image quality.

03-14-2012, 08:44 AM	#3
wasser Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: northern ca Photos: Gallery Posts: 427	Even the good stuff can degrade image quality: LensRentals.com - Good Times with Bad Filters However, would you even notice? Test it with your filters and find out. The biggest issue may be possible vignetting.

03-14-2012, 08:48 AM	#4
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	If I want to use another filter, do I have to remove the UV filter? Or I just can add the second filter on the top of my UV? Depends on the lens, some lenses will vignette wit stack filters. My point is, does one extra glass affect the picture quality? Yes it will, even the single filter will degrade the picture quality, if you notice it is another question.

03-14-2012, 08:52 AM	#5
westmill Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Stoke on Trent Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,146	No probs, but dont add too many or it could cause a problem with vigneting. In fact its poss with certain lens and lens hoods even two might cause vignetting. The Pro type filters have very narrow edges which helps a lot here.

03-14-2012, 10:58 AM	#6
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Here's another resource for you on this - and vignetting is definitely not the only possible problem from stacking filters. LensRentals.com - The Glass in Front of Your Glass: All About Filters

03-14-2012, 11:18 AM	#7
jaytee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: tucson,az Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 255	Something to think about, in todays world more and more pro and serious amateurs advise ditching the UV filter altogether. Using a hood instead to both protect and improve IQ.

03-14-2012, 12:08 PM	#8
Anvh Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 4,616	Originally posted by westmill The Pro type filters have very narrow edges which helps a lot here. Pro type?

03-15-2012, 06:16 AM	#9
Verglace Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 468	Primary function of the UV filter is for protection, if you have another filter to use, then that will become the protection and the UV filter essentially does nothing, so yes take it off and replace with the other filter, its bothersome but you dont risk potential image quality loss.

03-15-2012, 03:52 PM	#10
TimHar New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 22	I agree with the others but I would like to add some own experience with uv filters (no matter how expensive), do not use it with artificial lighting! You can get flairs and ghosts

03-15-2012, 04:13 PM	#11
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by TimHar You can get flairs and ghosts Indeed. I always post this image (from the lenstip.com review of UV filters) when there is a thread about UV filters to illustrate some of the image quality problems poor choices about UV filters can cause. You can imagine how bad the image quality would be if you stacked another bad filter on top of what may already be a crap UV filter.

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03-18-2012, 03:55 PM	#12
unp Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 59 Original Poster	I really appreciate all the responses! I am convinced to avoid a filter if all possible and use a hood all the time. Thanks, unp