Filters constantly fogging up

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Matt.

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I use UV filters on a Sony 24-105 and they are constantly fogging up when outside. I very often have to remove the filter.

Is this normal? It’s incredibly annoying and ruins many photos.
 
Unless you are shooting in harsh environments like a windy beach, remove the filter and throw it in the bin.

Why stick cheap glass in front of a very expensive lens. Despite what a salesman may tell you, UV Filters do nothing but protect a lens from sand or salt water spray.
 
Matt. said:
I use UV filters on a Sony 24-105 and they are constantly fogging up when outside. I very often have to remove the filter.

Is this normal? It’s incredibly annoying and ruins many photos.
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Maybe you are breath too heavily, this could also cause issues with focusing.
 
The most likely cause is that the camera and lens and filter are going from one climatic constant to another. The result is everything has to change temperature to match up with the new standard and as it does so that disparity causes the fogging up for a while.

Normally it will naturally clear once the glass reaches the same temperature. So one solution is to put your camera bag outside prior to going out; or near an open window or similar. Basically find means to let the camera acclimatise before you go shooting
 
ecoleman said:
Unless you are shooting in harsh environments like a windy beach, remove the filter and throw it in the bin.

Why stick cheap glass in front of a very expensive lens. Despite what a salesman may tell you, UV Filters do nothing but protect a lens from sand or salt water spray.
Click to expand...

I go backpacking in the mountains. A filter keeps the lens better weather sealed and does protect it a little for the use it gets.
 
Overread said:
The most likely cause is that the camera and lens and filter are going from one climatic constant to another. The result is everything has to change temperature to match up with the new standard and as it does so that disparity causes the fogging up for a while.

Normally it will naturally clear once the glass reaches the same temperature. So one solution is to put your camera bag outside prior to going out; or near an open window or similar. Basically find means to let the camera acclimatise before you go shooting
Click to expand...

I backpack in the mountains so it’s almost certainly correct that it’s the climatic difference between my tent and outside. I’d have hoped the seal was a little better that would stop this being such a frequent problem. It often does not clear and gets worse not better.
 
Matt. said:
I go backpacking in the mountains. A filter keeps the lens better weather sealed and does protect it a little for the use it gets.
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What do you think the filter is protecting the lens from?
 
Faldrax said:
What do you think the filter is protecting the lens from?
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Rocks.

However, I do agree that I don’t really need a filter and the more I come across this problem the more likely I am to drop it. But it’s definitely a cheap bit of protection when in harsh environments.

I’m probably also a little old in my way of thinking as I came from Canon and several of their L lenses required a filter for weather sealing.
 
Matt. said:
I backpack in the mountains so it’s almost certainly correct that it’s the climatic difference between my tent and outside. I’d have hoped the seal was a little better that would stop this being such a frequent problem. It often does not clear and gets worse not better.
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That just goes to prove how the filter is not improving your weather sealing.

Also, should you drop the lens there is a very good chance the filter will break potentially scratching your expensive front element. You’d be better off with a lens hood for protection and of course a lens cap when not in use.
 
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Bodian said:
Putting it back in the back when forgetting to put the lens cap on. That's why I have mine!
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Your front element is a lot tougher than you think. As long as your not putting it into a bag of nails it should be fine without a lens cap in your bag.

I don’t use a uv filter and often forget to put the lens cap back on. I also occasionally clean the lens with my t-shirt and shoot in the rain. All of my lenses are still perfect.
 
I think you’ve all convinced me to drop the filter. I’m a gram counting backpacker so am more than happy to save a the grams! Maybe I could pack a polariser with my saved grams!
 
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