To UV or not to UV?

insulinguy · 09-20-2009, 02:55 PM

hey all-
just wondering how much you guys use filters with your lenses. i use the circular polarizer from time to time - always did with film - but havent noticed a real reason to use it with the K20. it seems to meter too dark with it - i compensate but the lens without the filter actually does just fine. my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point?

im loving the backward compatibility - i shot with my old sigma 19-35 all day today.

GLXLR · 09-20-2009, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by insulinguy

hey all-
just wondering how much you guys use filters with your lenses. i use the circular polarizer from time to time - always did with film - but havent noticed a real reason to use it with the K20. it seems to meter too dark with it - i compensate but the lens without the filter actually does just fine. my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point?

im loving the backward compatibility - i shot with my old sigma 19-35 all day today.

I think it depends. I am using HOYA HMC UV filters on my lenses. I heard that the top of the line B+W and Helipan are also pretty great. Anything that isn't coated isn't really worth it though... too much flare. The IQ is fine, but the flare... ohhh.... >.<

imtheguy · 09-20-2009, 05:14 PM

You will find some very strong feelings from some forum members, both ways. Probably the loudest say its a waste but those that shoot in outdoor and harsh environments may feel otherwise. My only advice concerning UV filters, use a good one or none at all. This article backs up that statement pretty well.

UV filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com

alohadave · 09-20-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point?

Not much. UV filters were created to filter out UV for films that couldn't handle UV light. That was solved many years ago, but the camera stores continued to sell them because they are a high profit item.

About the only time that they are useful is when you are at high elevations where there are higher than normal levels of UV radiation (like in the mountains).

There will be people who tell you that they are good to protect the lens. My feeling is that a filter is not going to help when you drop the lens on the face and shards scratch your front element, or warp your filter threads. About the only time I'd use one is for blowing sand or mist, but I don't any, so it never happens. I use a blower and microfiber cloth to clean my lenses.

Volvo244T · 09-20-2009, 05:28 PM

Yes, even if only to physically protect your lens.

imtheguy · 09-20-2009, 05:36 PM

I shoot 90% of the time within 5m of salt water and just find it easier to clean a removable filter (UV or CPL) than worry about removing the coating from my lens. I do not expect a filter to do twit for me if i drop the rig nose down in the muck or pavement. However, now that I have a DA*300 to worry about, I may put 2 UV filters on the front...maybe one on the back also. (insert appropriate emoticon here)

ryan s · 09-20-2009, 05:46 PM

Originally posted by imtheguy

I shoot 90% of the time within 5m of salt water and just find it easier to clean a removable filter (UV or CPL) than worry about removing the coating from my lens. I do not expect a filter to do twit for me if i drop the rig nose down in the muck or pavement. However, now that I have a DA*300 to worry about, I may put 2 UV filters on the front...maybe one on the back also. (insert appropriate emoticon here)

Cover it with some spray-in bedliner too?

I noticed I had a couple scuffs on the front of my FA 80-320 a couple weeks ago. Oh well. Can't think of when they could have appeared, so UV use is only when the wind is blowing snow, or light rain, etc. Day to day, no filter.

If I was in the woods or something, then I'd put one on. But why am I in the woods and how did I get here?

imtheguy · 09-20-2009, 05:57 PM

Originally posted by ryan s

Cover it with some spray-in bedliner too?

Hmmm.....does sound cheaper than a second Hoya HMC UV.

Originally posted by ryan s

But why am I in the woods and how did I get here?

Cause you're a wild bear and the old saying holds true?

Insulinguy I hope we actually helped you some with your question besides our screwing around in your thread. To add a little more, I personally do not own UV filters for my very cheap or indoor-only lenses. Others that I only use outdoors occasionally I have step up/down rings if I feel a protective filter is actually required. So with a small collection of 10 lenses I get by with only 2 real UV filters and 1 used skylight filter that came with the lens. Hope that ratio helps from a believer in protective filters.

patrickhh · 09-21-2009, 03:33 AM

I use a lens cap for protection.

Elva · 09-21-2009, 04:52 AM

It is a good idea for surface protection of the fromt element but a lens hood is also a must as that stops the flare and adds protection.
just my thoughts and the way i protect my lenses and always have. I do a lot of out door work so it fits in with my needs.

kittykat46 · 09-21-2009, 05:50 AM

A lens hood is definitely better for mechanical protection. Many times I have bumped the lens hood against somebody or something. If the hood weren't there, it could well have been the lens front element.

A clear filter would help in dusty, wind-blown situations. In any case, I always use a blower, lens brush and lens tissue after an outing.

**rparmar** · 09-21-2009, 07:00 AM

A filter will not protect your lens. Anything that would shatter or damage the front element will do the same to a filter, possibly cementing the thread forever to your lens, possibly sending shards of filter glass at your front element, possibly just smashing your lens anyway.

Best protection is a lens hood or lens cap when you are not using the lens.

Why compromise every shot on the off chance of an accident?

RobReab · 09-21-2009, 07:22 AM

I beg to differ. Unfortunately, I dropped my camera some time back. My filter was dented but the threads are fine. That same filter also has a scratch on it. I'd rather that scratch was there and not on my lens.

Pentax_XTC · 09-21-2009, 08:47 AM

I use them to protect the front element of my lenses from sand, salt water and the like. I do not expect them to take the impact from a fall. I would much rather replace a multicoated filter element that has been scatched or worn down by the elements, then to send in my lenses from a front element replacement.

cbaytan · 09-21-2009, 09:30 AM

Take a picture like this, a challenge for resolution, with and without filter, then decide yourself.

I am not using UV unless I am at least 2000mt high mountains.

09-20-2009, 02:55 PM	#1
insulinguy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 134	To UV or not to UV? hey all- just wondering how much you guys use filters with your lenses. i use the circular polarizer from time to time - always did with film - but havent noticed a real reason to use it with the K20. it seems to meter too dark with it - i compensate but the lens without the filter actually does just fine. my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point? im loving the backward compatibility - i shot with my old sigma 19-35 all day today.

09-20-2009, 05:57 PM	#8
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	Originally posted by ryan s Cover it with some spray-in bedliner too? Hmmm.....does sound cheaper than a second Hoya HMC UV. Originally posted by ryan s But why am I in the woods and how did I get here? Cause you're a wild bear and the old saying holds true? Insulinguy I hope we actually helped you some with your question besides our screwing around in your thread. To add a little more, I personally do not own UV filters for my very cheap or indoor-only lenses. Others that I only use outdoors occasionally I have step up/down rings if I feel a protective filter is actually required. So with a small collection of 10 lenses I get by with only 2 real UV filters and 1 used skylight filter that came with the lens. Hope that ratio helps from a believer in protective filters. Last edited by imtheguy; 09-20-2009 at 06:07 PM.

09-20-2009, 03:08 PM	#2
GLXLR Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Sugar Land, TX Photos: Gallery Posts: 684	Originally posted by insulinguy hey all- just wondering how much you guys use filters with your lenses. i use the circular polarizer from time to time - always did with film - but havent noticed a real reason to use it with the K20. it seems to meter too dark with it - i compensate but the lens without the filter actually does just fine. my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point? im loving the backward compatibility - i shot with my old sigma 19-35 all day today. I think it depends. I am using HOYA HMC UV filters on my lenses. I heard that the top of the line B+W and Helipan are also pretty great. Anything that isn't coated isn't really worth it though... too much flare. The IQ is fine, but the flare... ohhh.... >.<

09-20-2009, 05:14 PM	#3
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	You will find some very strong feelings from some forum members, both ways. Probably the loudest say its a waste but those that shoot in outdoor and harsh environments may feel otherwise. My only advice concerning UV filters, use a good one or none at all. This article backs up that statement pretty well. UV filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com

09-20-2009, 05:18 PM	#4
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	Quote: my kit included 2 UV filters too - other than protection - what use are they at this point? Not much. UV filters were created to filter out UV for films that couldn't handle UV light. That was solved many years ago, but the camera stores continued to sell them because they are a high profit item. About the only time that they are useful is when you are at high elevations where there are higher than normal levels of UV radiation (like in the mountains). There will be people who tell you that they are good to protect the lens. My feeling is that a filter is not going to help when you drop the lens on the face and shards scratch your front element, or warp your filter threads. About the only time I'd use one is for blowing sand or mist, but I don't any, so it never happens. I use a blower and microfiber cloth to clean my lenses.

09-20-2009, 05:28 PM	#5
Volvo244T Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bettendorf, IA / wherever the truck is parked Photos: Albums Posts: 99	Yes, even if only to physically protect your lens.

09-20-2009, 05:36 PM	#6
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	I shoot 90% of the time within 5m of salt water and just find it easier to clean a removable filter (UV or CPL) than worry about removing the coating from my lens. I do not expect a filter to do twit for me if i drop the rig nose down in the muck or pavement. However, now that I have a DA*300 to worry about, I may put 2 UV filters on the front...maybe one on the back also. (insert appropriate emoticon here)

09-20-2009, 05:46 PM	#7
ryan s Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Madison, WI Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,383	Originally posted by imtheguy I shoot 90% of the time within 5m of salt water and just find it easier to clean a removable filter (UV or CPL) than worry about removing the coating from my lens. I do not expect a filter to do twit for me if i drop the rig nose down in the muck or pavement. However, now that I have a DA*300 to worry about, I may put 2 UV filters on the front...maybe one on the back also. (insert appropriate emoticon here) Cover it with some spray-in bedliner too? I noticed I had a couple scuffs on the front of my FA 80-320 a couple weeks ago. Oh well. Can't think of when they could have appeared, so UV use is only when the wind is blowing snow, or light rain, etc. Day to day, no filter. If I was in the woods or something, then I'd put one on. But why am I in the woods and how did I get here?

09-21-2009, 03:33 AM	#9
patrickhh Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hamburg Posts: 70	I use a lens cap for protection.

09-21-2009, 04:52 AM	#10
Elva Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa Photos: Gallery Posts: 125	It is a good idea for surface protection of the fromt element but a lens hood is also a must as that stops the flare and adds protection. just my thoughts and the way i protect my lenses and always have. I do a lot of out door work so it fits in with my needs.

09-21-2009, 05:50 AM	#11
kittykat46 Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 923	A lens hood is definitely better for mechanical protection. Many times I have bumped the lens hood against somebody or something. If the hood weren't there, it could well have been the lens front element. A clear filter would help in dusty, wind-blown situations. In any case, I always use a blower, lens brush and lens tissue after an outing.

09-21-2009, 07:00 AM	#12
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	A filter will not protect your lens. Anything that would shatter or damage the front element will do the same to a filter, possibly cementing the thread forever to your lens, possibly sending shards of filter glass at your front element, possibly just smashing your lens anyway. Best protection is a lens hood or lens cap when you are not using the lens. Why compromise every shot on the off chance of an accident?

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09-21-2009, 07:22 AM	#13
RobReab New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2	I beg to differ. Unfortunately, I dropped my camera some time back. My filter was dented but the threads are fine. That same filter also has a scratch on it. I'd rather that scratch was there and not on my lens.

09-21-2009, 08:47 AM	#14
Pentax_XTC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 365	I use them to protect the front element of my lenses from sand, salt water and the like. I do not expect them to take the impact from a fall. I would much rather replace a multicoated filter element that has been scatched or worn down by the elements, then to send in my lenses from a front element replacement.