UV Filters

James A Robertson

James A Robertson

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James Robertson
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I have a question for all, maybe not so much experts, but people who are more switched on than me. I recently purchased (used) a Canon 100-400mm USM lens. I tried taking some photos with it and was disappointed, to say the least with the photos. I started to dig into what might be wrong, and thought calibration, therefore purchased Reikan Focal, calibrated and was still not happy, but I may have not calibrated properly as it was my first attempt. I looked at the UV Filter to find it was two! One is Hoya Pro 1 Digital MC UV(0). The other is Hoya HMC UV(c). Is there any special reason for this like do they come as a pair or some other reason I am not aware of?
 
No need to have two filters, many will say one filter is too many. I would try it again with no filters on. The general feeling is use no filter but if you do buy the most expensive one. Hoya HD protector are generally good.

I forgot to mention you may have opened a can of worms here!..... Goes to get pop corn ;)
 
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I suspect this was a mistake. No good reason to have 2! best to calibrate without any filters on at all.
 
rob-nikon said:
No need to have two filters, many will say one filter is too many. I would try it again with no filters on. The general feeling is use no filter but if you do buy the most expensive one. Hoya HD protector are generally good.

I forgot to mention you may have opened a can of worms here!..... Goes to get pop corn ;)
Click to expand...

So should I use a UV filter ?

**runs for cover**
 
I used to have that lens and it really hated having a filter on. With no filters it was lovely and sharp, with a filter it was awful. Take both filters off and see how it us.
 
The 100-400 absolutely hates UV filters.

These are: Filterless | Hoya Pro | Cheap Noname

Filter%20Comparison%20100-400.jpg
 
Very interesting reading - really. When you read some articles, and listen to sales people you MUST have UV filters on your lenses! I can understand ND Filters, Polarising filters etc but the UV Filter doesn't seem to do anything except protect your glass, surely they cannot interfere that much with the clarity of what is regarded as an excellent, and not cheap, lens! Thanks guys
 
James A Robertson said:
Very interesting reading - really. When you read some articles, and listen to sales people you MUST have UV filters on your lenses! I can understand ND Filters, Polarising filters etc but the UV Filter doesn't seem to do anything except protect your glass, surely they cannot interfere that much with the clarity of what is regarded as an excellent, and not cheap, lens! Thanks guys
Click to expand...

Sales people are going to it's a must as they want to sell you one! Your right uv filters don't do anything other than protect the front element. It's really a case of personal choice. I use them in certain environments especially when there is a chance of getting wet sandy mud or particles blown onto the front element. I use the Hoya hd protectors rather than uv filters, they seem much clearer. It also seems to be lens dependant too. I can't say I've noticed much difference between filter on/off with the lenses I've used them on but that doesn't mean I'm not aware there could be a reduction in quality like posted above. A uv filter isn't going to stop damage if you drop your camera/lens. It may help a little but a dropped lens probably means internal damage or misalignment you can't see.
 
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