[H8R]

For or against?

If "for", what do you use?


I've been using crappy ones for a long time, and I noticed one really good reason to step up to decent ones - the crappy ones affect autofocus in dim light. Not drastically, but when it really counts the reduced transmission (who knows how much...1/3 of a stop or more?) can make even my better lenses hunt.

Did some research, and ordered a couple Hoya HMC UV(0) off eBay. They are supposed to be tops for visible light transmission, UV reduction, and are decently coated.

 

[RUFUS]

I use UV filters only to protect my glass, that is it. I rarely use any other filter for any effects.

I would rather have a filter break or scratch than have my lens glass take the brunt.

 

[Polandspring88]

It's a small price to pay for whatever measure of protection it provides the front elements. I'm willing to sacrifice a small measure of performance for the peace of mind. I'm purchasing B+W MRC filters these days.

 

[Quo Fan]

I've got UV filters on my glass, and sometimes I use a polarizing filter.

 

[narlus]

CP only.

UV filters are for anal cvnts who don't use hoods.




or for people who may shoot in siroccos.

 

[narlus]

btw, filters can also cause ghosting.


just say no to UV filters. i've used tons of lenses in a lot of different conditions and have never ever had a front element problem. and if you get a problem, it's not all that expensive to fix.

 

[H8R]

CP only.

UV filters are for anal cvnts who don't use hoods.




or for people who may shoot in siroccos.

I am actually in the "use a hood/filter cause I often misplace lens caps" camp.

I am well aware of the possible flare and ghosting issues, hence I remove them in situations where things are backlit, etc.

But in many situations if it's a good filter and doesn't eff up the IQ, no reason not to leave it on. (plus it lends well to my dislike of actually having to clean the glass carefully)

 

[H8R]

BTW, when you're often in an environment where ghosting and flare are strong possibilities, (stage lights for example) I can see where a UV filter would just be a PITA.

 

[H8R]

Some light reading BTW, with some surprising and not-so-surprising results:

http://www.lenstip.com/113.4-article-UV_filters_test_Description_of_the_results_and_summary.html

 

[narlus]

I am actually in the "use a hood/filter cause I often misplace lens caps" camp.

I am well aware of the possible flare and ghosting issues, hence I remove them in situations where things are backlit, etc.

But in many situations if it's a good filter and doesn't eff up the IQ, no reason not to leave it on. (plus it lends well to my dislike of actually having to clean the glass carefully)

cleaning the front element is also overrated.

 

[H8R]

cleaning the front element is also overrated.

I feel the same way about sensors, but I don't shoot much in the apertures where the dust spots are an issue.

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

i was against them, until i scratched a lens.
now i rock a $7 filter.... some quality is lost, if i get anal about my pictures and review them at like 500% zoom... but i rather have that, than another damaged lens.

 

[Silver]

CP only.

UV filters are for anal cvnts who don't use hoods.




or for people who may shoot in siroccos.

I use a filter on my ultra-wides, but otherwise I'm in your camp. Use your hoods!

 

[H8R]

Trying to squeeze lenses+backwards hoods into a bag is a PITA. Ooooh...let's give all the big fast lenses 50-75% more volume than they already had.

But yeah, hoods are good.

 

[Andyman_1970]

Ditto what Silver said.......filter on my 18-70, and hoods (no filters) on my 70-200 & 300.

 

[RUFUS]

CP only.

UV filters are for anal cvnts who don't use hoods.


or for people who may shoot in siroccos.

I am both an anal cunt then and I use my hoods. I have had a few front elements break from rocks and debris while shooting DH and moto. Thank you USAA insurance for the free repairs!

 

[Damo]

No filters here. I used to use UV ones to protect my front elements, but then I realised I take crap care of my equipment, took them off and one day will regret it.

I do want to get a neutral density (dark) filter so I can take long exposures in the daytime...

Otherwise, I'm a lazy modern git who adds filter effects in post processing.

There are very few filters that can't be added PP. ND and polarising filters are all I can think of.