Really Basic Question

chaz46

chaz46

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Charlie
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Hi there,
I have recently been recommended to go buy myself a UV filter for my DSLR. I went out a bought one a fitted it, the silly question is: is this simply for protection of the lens from dust and scratches or does it protect the lens from being damaged buy UV light? Also should it stay on permanently?

Many Thanks
 
You've opened a can of worms with that one !!!

Yes - it can be for protection, but as a general rule, unless you're spending a large amount on a filter (£80+), it's probably going to degrade your images.

You probably need to weigh up the costs involved, if you're putting an £80 filter on a £50 lens then obviously that makes no sense as any damage to the filter would cost you more to replace than the cost of a replacement lens. If your lens is worth a lot more then it's personal preference.

A lot will depend on the environment you are shooting in - spray, dust and sandy environments then it could be an advantage.

As for UV light - I think I'm right in saying that digital sensors are not as sensetive to UV as film so it's not really required, however camera shops will try and tell you otherwise.

If you want a filter for protection, then there are specific "protector" filters which are thicker and more robust available.
 
You don't need any filter really unless you intend to use the camera outdoors...dust, raindrops, fingerprints will all have to be cleaned off at some point and the less you scrub at your lens the better...even with proper lens-cloths...
Having a cheap-ish filter removes that worry and so you can happily clean it with any cloth that's handy, safe in the knowledge that if it gets scratched or marred, you can replace it easily...

A UV isn't required for a DSLR as the bypass filter provides UV protection inside the camera...but it wont hurt either.

Protection filters are just plain optical glass with multi-coatings to reduce flare, but you should use a lens hood as well: because it sits forward of the front element it can actually enhance flare, rather than reduce it as it catches more indirect light from above and the sides...fitting a lens hood removes that risk and also provides additional knock-protection for your lens.
The best filters have sophisticated multi-coating and black-edged optical glass to reduce internal diffraction even further.

Buy the best you can afford: Hoya Pro-1 (or HMC if on a budget).

Cheap filters are worse than no filter at all...
For nightime work, take any filter off the lens - you'll get lots of ghosting from point light sources... Likewise for critical macro or studio work where it's not required.
 
There are 4 main views on UV filters.

1. Never use one as it degrades the image.

and then those that feel a good quality UV filter will not degrade the image too much
2. Leave one on all the time to protect the lens.
3. Only fit one when there is possibility of damage to the lens.
4. Leave one on most of the time but remove it when it is not needed.

Its your choice, I stick with 4. above. It protects the lens when it is in the camera bag, just in case the lens cap comes off. It prevents sticky fingers from children, and some adults, marking the lens. It protects against windblown dust etc. etc.
 
"A UV isn't required for a DSLR as the bypass filter provides UV protection inside the camera...but it wont hurt either.

Protection filters are just plain optical glass with multi-coatings to reduce flare, but you should use a lens hood as well"

:agree:

*** Arkady said!
 
I'd only use a filter if I'm gonna deliberately put my lens near dust or water. Photographing water drops for example or near the sea.

I don't think a filter will protect a lens from an impact and besides for that function a lens hood is better.

That said, UV light will not harm your lens or camera
 
Intresting so whats the best bang for buck one on ebay at the moment. I have read that hoya make another brand called something else cant remember the name but essentially the same
 
I always have a UV filter on my lens, but I'm usually shot in some really nasty environments, with dust, water etc... the cost of a new filter verses a new lens due to a scratch (even a cheap £100 18-55mm) is a no briainer.

I might lookout for a non UV protection filter when it needs replacing.
 
mickb00 said:
Intresting so whats the best bang for buck one on ebay at the moment. I have read that hoya make another brand called something else cant remember the name but essentially the same
Click to expand...

Kenko. Rumour has it that they also make filters for Nikon.

Of course, with Hoya being one of the biggest (if not the biggest) optical glass manufacturer in the world, there's a good chance they make filters for a bunch of other companies.
 
mickb00 said:
Intresting so whats the best bang for buck one on ebay at the moment. I have read that hoya make another brand called something else cant remember the name but essentially the same
Click to expand...

Kenko. Rumour has it that they also make filters for Nikon.

The "group" they belong to is THK - Tokina Hoya Kenko.

Of course, with Hoya being one of the biggest (if not the biggest) optical glass manufacturer in the world, there's a good chance they make filters for a bunch of other companies.
 
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