Another Filter Question

[alex1]

Hi,

I've a filter question.

I have just bought my first "L" lens and am looking to buy another couple in the next few weeks. Anyway, I have always fitted "protection filters" to my lenses so far and will be buying filters for these too, (Relying on the hood for protection is not an option for me).

I was looking to purchase Hoya SHMC Pro 1 UV (0) filters for my lenses as that is what I have fitted to my current lenses, but when I was looking on ebay yesterday, I noticed that Hoya do a clear protection filter that is quite a bit cheaper, they also do a Pro 1D, (Digital) range.

So my questions are;

1 - Would I be better off buying the clear filters, (The lenses do have coatings anyway)?

2 - Are the Pro 1D filters any better or worse than the Pro 1 filters?

Thanks for reading this far!

 

[DiddyDave]

Good question - just occurred to me I've never seen a test on a lens taken with different filters to see how much they benefit/degrade the image - is there one anyone?

In case there isn't, I'd have to say buying top glass requires top glass filters too - which the higher price would indicate

Thought provoking for me - but no use to you I guess - soz

DD

 

[CT]

The multi coatings on modern lenses shouldn't be under -valued, they're often applied to each element surface of the lens -even the elements which are cemented together. A properly coated lens reduces internal reflections and flare in the the lens to the extent that a coated lens transmits over 80% more light than an uncoated one - I can't remember the actual 'typical' figure.

Sticking an uncoated filter in front of a quality lens just has to be a bad idea unless it's absolutely essentia, e.g. in wet or dusty environments, which why I don't use them, but I always use a lens hood.

If you have to fit them, then the dearer ones are that price for a reason - better optical glass, and more precision in the manufacturing process.