filters

[chapelboys]

from what i can see at first glance the subject of filters is quite complex

My initial feeling is that filters are used to protect the lens glass as filters are far cheaper to replace than a nice lens.

i also understand that filters have other uses, but for me at present my primary purpose is to get a good filter that has no negative imact on the image i am taking
i am using a Nikon D700 with a couple of lenses, any tips , pointers and recommendations when it comes to filters?????

thanks

Dean

 

[viewfromthenorth]

Filters can be used to protect the lens. UV filters are commonly used for this, not something I do personally, and it's in no way essential. I believe you can also get clear glass filters that are made for the purpose of protecting the front element.

There are other filters to like polarisers, ND grads, and ones for special effects, although these perhaps aren't as common these days. These are all for specific tasks though, rather than protecting the front element.

 

[Nod]

Personally (check my signature for a disclaimer!), I only use protection filters when I feel they're needed - windblown dust, sand, water etc. Or larger clods of earth (think MX) flying through the air!

In 30+ years, I've never scratched a front element - maybe blind luck but I'm also careful and know how far I am from anything likely to cause such damage. (Nod's law states that I'll smash a front element next time I take a camera out!)

 

[chapelboys]

okay thanks for those comments, i will not panic about getting a filter.

thanks

 

[nikontos]

I rarely use filters even though I have plenty of them scattered around. It is good to have one on an expensive lens though. Another option is to always have the hood on - helps in case of accidental bumps. Having bought a good number of second hand lenses I would recommend caution when cleaning the lens - I have seen plenty of tiny scratches (invisible without very close inspection) that would not be there if filter was used .

 

[Nguss]

I would repeat what has been said above. If I was only going to get one filter (for digital anyway) I would get a good quality 77mm polariser and buy step up rings so I could use it on all of my lenses.

I think that most other filters can be replicated in photoshop to some extent (blending exposures to mimic a grad etc) but you can't remove reflections after the photo has been taken.

 

[chapelboys]

Thank you, i will have a look at the polariser filters

 

[modchild]

I spent a few hundred pounds on UV filters for all my lenses and used to use them all the time. However, after shooting one day without a filter I realized how much better the IQ was without one so I came home and removed them all. I still use them occasionally if the weather is wet/raining or if I'm shooting somewhere excessively dusty.

The only filters I use now are polarisers and even then not very often. I always have a lens hood on for protection now instead of the filters.

 

[rclarke80]

Also in the used filters but no abandoned them camp, I'd suggest spending any money for filters on insurance and enjoy the better image quality. Keep the lens hood on for protection, have took many a knock but lens/element still as good today as when first bought.

My main problem was the reflection/glare with lights, will see if I've got an example but basically it was a repetition of the light in an image about 1/5th of frame away from the original source.

 

[SoDoSoPa]

UV filters are a waste of money and dont help you get the best immage possible, Use your lens cap for protection thats what its for.

Recommended filters to get are a Circular Polarising Filter, Good quality ones like Hoya Pro 1 Digital, B+W & Heliopan

Filters for creative effects look at getting some solid ND filters plus some Hard and Soft grads from Hitech and lee for best quality although some will recommend screw in filters, Square filters are more flexible if you have a few lenses.

 

[ACW]

UV filters are a waste of money and dont help you get the best immage possible

They offer protection. There's no denying certain scenarios warrant another protective layer infront of your lens.

I'd be interested to hear whether you'd use them to shoot motorcross or surfing. I've done both this year multiple times and can tell you the amount of crap that ended up on the filter I'm glad it didn't hit my front element.

Plus especially in motorcross all the things getting flung up at you, I'd rather crack my £50 filter than £1000 lens.

There are times that uv filters are useful.

 

[gad-westy]

They offer protection. There's no denying certain scenarios warrant another protective layer infront of your lens.

I'd be interested to hear whether you'd use them to shoot motorcross or surfing. I've done both this year multiple times and can tell you the amount of crap that ended up on the filter I'm glad it didn't hit my front element.

Plus especially in motorcross all the things getting flung up at you, I'd rather crack my £50 filter than £1000 lens.

There are times that uv filters are useful.

I think I half agree with this. Filters definitely have their uses when it comes to keeping crud of the lens. I used them when shooting rallying for that reason.

I'm doubtful that they offer any significant protection in terms impacts from flying objects. If something is going to hit the lens with enough energy to damage the front element, it won't even notice the filter is there. My concern would be whether the shattered filter glass may be actually cause problems that wouldn't have otherwise existed.