Uv filters?

A

AndyG123

Suspended / Banned
Messages
398
Name
Andy
Edit My Images
Yes
Bit of an open discussion. Are these worth keeping on? Do they effect image quality? Do you have high quality filters and low quality? Or is a filter a filter? What's your thoughts on them all? Pros and cons?
 
AndyG123 said:
Bit of an open discussion. Are these worth keeping on? Do they effect image quality? Do you have high quality filters and low quality? Or is a filter a filter? What's your thoughts on them all? Pros and cons?
Click to expand...


Try the search function, this has been done to death a million times and doesn't really need repeating.
 
This has all the hallmarks of being the most boring thread since the last person asked whether it would be better to shoot RAW or Jpeg.
 
UV and protection filters can and do degrade image quality. The usual problem is flare and ghosting rather than any loss of sharpness, though that can happen with poor quality filters and is more noticeable on longer lenses that magnify imperfections.

The sensible thing is to use a lens hood, that can only enhance image quality in difficult situations, and offers excellent physical protection. Only fit a filter for protection when you need it, ie when there's a real danger of something nasty coming into contact with the lens, eg sea spray, dust or sand, flying mud etc. If a filter gets wet, don't let the water dry - wipe it carefully (microfibre cloth). Dried-on water marks can be pretty much permanent, unless the filter has an extra easy-clean stain-resistant coating as many of the best ones do.
 
And that (^) is virtually the perfect answer to the question.

(smartarse! :D )
 
@HoppyUK answer covers it all. If you do decide to use one get the best you can. I have a Hoya HD protector to use as and when the conditions need one. The protectors are supposed to be harder to break than a standard UV filter. I find there is still an issue with flare in certain backlit conditions so it can be used all of the time but in most conditions I don't see any effect on IQ.
 
DemiLion said:
And that (^) is virtually the perfect answer to the question.

(smartarse! :D )
Click to expand...

Thought I'd summarise a few million posts on the subject ;) Though we haven't had a really in-depth debate on this recently, and maybe things have changed... :D
 
HoppyUK said:
UV and protection filters can and do degrade image quality. The usual problem is flare and ghosting rather than any loss of sharpness, though that can happen with poor quality filters and is more noticeable on longer lenses that magnify imperfections.

The sensible thing is to use a lens hood, that can only enhance image quality in difficult situations, and offers excellent physical protection. Only fit a filter for protection when you need it, ie when there's a real danger of something nasty coming into contact with the lens, eg sea spray, dust or sand, flying mud etc. If a filter gets wet, don't let the water dry - wipe it carefully (microfibre cloth). Dried-on water marks can be pretty much permanent, unless the filter has an extra easy-clean stain-resistant coating as many of the best ones do.
Click to expand...

You should keep that as a .txt file so you can C&P it every time the question is asked!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top