Sorry if this has been posted but i have been missing for a while
LensesForHire blog: Smashing fun with filters
LensesForHire blog: Smashing fun with filters
Filter or not
- Thread starter mikew_RIP
- Start date
They seem to be saying the broken filter doesn't make much difference, but at the same time show it makes a softer image. So, not sure they really proved anything. Was it the cracks, the filter in general or just change in focus?
The lens is only looking thru the center of the filter, so just a few of the cracks would affect the image anyway.
Interesting though. Something to think about.
Makes me want to crack a filter and see for myself. Hmmmm.
The lens is only looking thru the center of the filter, so just a few of the cracks would affect the image anyway.
Interesting though. Something to think about.
Makes me want to crack a filter and see for myself. Hmmmm.
The article appears to make the case FOR using filters.
It can also be used to make the case AGAINST using filters for lens protection..... minor dings and scratches will have far far far fewer effects on the image than that damaged filter.
The simple fact that filters are much more fragile than lenses is what escapes most people who claim "the filter saved my lens". The only way to prove a broken filter 'saved' a lens is to subject the lens to the exact same conditions that broke the filter. In the case of accidents, that proves impossible.
And until someone does some emperical testing.... dropping lenses with and without filters under controlled circumstances.... with the filter giving it's all and the lens sustaining damage w/o a filter. Only then will I be convinced that filters actually 'save' lenses.
It can also be used to make the case AGAINST using filters for lens protection..... minor dings and scratches will have far far far fewer effects on the image than that damaged filter.
The simple fact that filters are much more fragile than lenses is what escapes most people who claim "the filter saved my lens". The only way to prove a broken filter 'saved' a lens is to subject the lens to the exact same conditions that broke the filter. In the case of accidents, that proves impossible.
And until someone does some emperical testing.... dropping lenses with and without filters under controlled circumstances.... with the filter giving it's all and the lens sustaining damage w/o a filter. Only then will I be convinced that filters actually 'save' lenses.
I've done the same thing myself.
Only the one on the bottom right had any significant degradation in IQ.
I wouldn't expect a crack to make a noticeable difference except when the crack laid across an object of extreme detail.
Using the filter on the lower left on a subject with very fine sharp detail:
1. Is it at all noticeable?
2. Can you see it if you know the orientation and where to look on the image?
I haven't done a ton of testing with these, but the few trials I did do, the lower right suffered from low contrast, just like the images in the link.
You may also find this of interest: LensRentals.com - Front Element Scratches