Whats the difference between......

[photostar_1]

....all these different kinds of UV filters?

I'm confused, and the descriptions all sound the same!

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/category/basecategory.aspx?cat03=3072


I have had both UV and skylight protectors in the past and have never noticed any problems with casts etc, but if UV filters do cut out blue haze when photographing landscapes, especially mountains, then that's probably what I need, but is it always the most expensive that's the best???? I need 77mm threads.

I'd appreciate some advice.

 

[Jamougha]

The more expensive ones will do less to degrade the quality of your image.

On a digital camera none of them will actually cut out haze to any significant degree because the sensor in your camera isn't very sensitive to UV. Useful on film though.

 

[mmcp42]

if you have decent glass it's a shame to put something crap in front of it
if you're using a kit lens, then it's not so important

imho ymmv

 

[photostar_1]

if you have decent glass it's a shame to put something crap in front of it
if you're using a kit lens, then it's not so important

imho ymmv

Oh, it's very decent! It's all the various initials that confuse me. MRC, UV, SL or MRC, UV, SH for example. Knocking off the MRC seems to add £20 to price.....????

 

[StewartR]

UV means it filters UV light. (Though as Jamougha said, that's not so important on a DSLR.)

MRC, SHMC, etc are all proprietary terms for the nature of the coatings that have been applied. Multi-coating (the MC bit) gives better resistance to flare and reflections.

SL, SH could refer to the physical size. expect to pay more for slim (3mm) filters and less for chunky (5mm) ones.

Any more?

 

[grim8634]

I was told by a friend that a skylight filter can cause pinky artifacting on digital for some reason, and to stick with UV filters instead. No idea if this is correct though.

 

[StewartR]

I was told by a friend that a skylight filter can cause pinky artifacting on digital for some reason, and to stick with UV filters instead. No idea if this is correct though.

And I always thought a skylight is a UV filter...

 

[33L]

is the lens gonig to be in potential danger?
i.e. sand blowing about. soemthing liable to break the front element. If not i wouldn't suggest one any way as its just something to ruin image quality. Just use a hood to protect against the odd bump etc..

 

[photostar_1]

Thanks all. I've found something called a protector filters by B&W. No colour casts at all, they just help to stop lenses getting scratched.

...and yes, 33L...I am likely to be in mucky environments. Whilst I am always very careful, accidents do happen. A filter at £70 (ish) is easier to replace than a lens at £1000 (ish).

StewartR: UV and skylight are different. Skylight does give a tiny pinkish tinge (but it is very slight).