What filter/lens protector for 50mm f1.4

ndwgolf

ndwgolf

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Neil Williams
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Guys,
I recently bought a new D7000 Body and got a 18/200 multipurpose lens to go with it. At the shop I was advised to get a filter for the lens and I just asked the shop keeper to put whatever he recommended on it (cost RM200)
Anyway I am going to buy a new 50mm 1.4G lens on Thursday and rather than look like a right knob when I get it I would like to know what sort of filter/lens protector to put on it........I plan to use the new lens for both inside and outside portrait and general photography.
Thanks in Advance
 
Mmmmmmm waiting for the "here we go again" brigade....:naughty:

You will get a mixed review on this as this gets asked many many a time in the threads...

People will say NO & just use the hood as other's will say or recommend a selection of filters... Me I use Nikon's own NC filters & have had NO image problems or degrading what so ever..

The choice is entirely down to you... Dont bother with cheap filters thou if you do decide on one go with a named brand ie Nikon, B+W, Hoya HD..

If anything get a C-PL filter (but again a named brand like the above) which will help make the colours pop and also help with cutting out reflections in windows, water...

:thinking: I'll just sit back now & watch from the side lines.... :naughty:
 
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Circular poloriser filter. I would suggest you go for hoya HD protector from amazing.
 
I am one of the 'don't bother just use the hood' brigade - the only time I do use one is if I am using it in an environment, such as on the beach, close to water etc where it could get a lot of splashes, dust etc.

As has been said you will get differing opinions but my take is why spend a big chunk of money on a lens for IQ and then stick a much cheaper bit of glass in front of it - I can't help but think that at some point it must affect the quality of the image - maybe not obviously but perhaps if you were to crop heavily or start to look closely :shrug:

Anyway it is your choice:thumbs:
 
ndwgolf said:
Guys,
I recently bought a new D7000 Body and got a 18/200 multipurpose lens to go with it. At the shop I was advised to get a filter for the lens and I just asked the shop keeper to put whatever he recommended on it (cost RM200)
Anyway I am going to buy a new 50mm 1.4G lens on Thursday and rather than look like a right knob when I get it I would like to know what sort of filter/lens protector to put on it........I plan to use the new lens for both inside and outside portrait and general photography.
Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...

None, absolutely none!

They make a massive Mark up on uv or so called protection filters, please don't get conned.

I am also one in favour of hoods and not filters unless it's for a creative purpose. Just putting my vote across!
 
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Save your money - you don't need a filter!
 
ndwgolf said:
Anyway I am going to buy a new 50mm 1.4G lens on Thursday and rather than look like a right knob when I get it I would like to know what sort of filter/lens protector to put on it........
Click to expand...

Just ask in the shop about UV or Skylight filters, note what they'd sell you, tell them you'll think about it and then buy cheaper on line :)

I have some sort of "protection filter" on most of my lenses and I believe that they do give some limited protection from knocks. Another important thing to me is that when out and about if I get something on the filter such as salt water, sand or some other crap I can clean it sure in the knowledge that I'm not going to scratch the lens.

One thing that can happen with a filter fitted is that you can get ghosting when shooting a scene with bright lights but they easily unscrew if you think this is going to happen.
 
I'm a fence sitter, I don't use a filter on the 50mm 1.4 but do usually have one on my 17-50. Have seem some fairly convincing arguments about the small effect of damage/scratches on the front element that make me not worry too much about it. More concerned with resale value if I decide to flog the lens later so I tend to use them on lenses I'm not sure I'll keep :lol:
 
I use filters on most lenses, but not 50mm (canon obviously). Why? I use it only for a limited number of shots, that usually involve some bright and complex lights. Filters usually worsen the situation a bit in such case. The hood is always on for protection. But if I ever shoot a drunken party again I would definitely put a filter on. I prefer cleaning food off a filter.
 
I tend just to use a hood, Imo scratching the front of a len's is a hard job anyway. But if your going anywhere where you could get crud on the lens- Party, Beach, etc i'd throw one on just for peace of mind.

How ever i normally shoot cheap M42 len's so if they scratch its only a tenner or so for a new one :P
 
The facts.

A filter will cause some loss of IQ. It may or may not be significant and will probably diminish as the price of the filter increases.

The amount of mechanical impact a filter will protect from is minimal. In fact if it breaks it may well cause your lens more dammage than if you were without one.

A filter will provide protection from gunge which may otherwise fetch up on your lens.

If you do decide to use one, take it off if you are going to use another filter.
 
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