Filters for lens protection
- Thread starter Geoffc
- Start date
Ouch, Cringe.
Is the lens okay?
I feel the pain just looking at that! I agree. Use the filter. If you're concerned about artifacts in the images, remove it for that shoot. I don't want that to happen to me.
I was very lucky. No damage.
I couldn't tell from that picture. I thought I was looking at a shattered objective lense. I'm glad your lens is okay.
I generally don't use a UV filter for my lenses, but I do have one on my 50mm 1.8.
I've managed to tear the surround on one of my kit lenses. No idea how it happened and doesn't seem to affect the lens but it does remind me that things can happen. I figure if something happens to that lens it's a good reason to upgrade, but I'd think about a good filter for an expensive lens.
I've managed to tear the surround on one of my kit lenses. No idea how it happened and doesn't seem to affect the lens but it does remind me that things can happen. I figure if something happens to that lens it's a good reason to upgrade, but I'd think about a good filter for an expensive lens.
I have a UV filter on all my lenses. The reason is that, when ever I inspect the lens after a weeks use, I find fingerprints on the lens, and dust sticking to the fingerprints. I prefer to clean the filter with soap and water, and would not even think of doing it with the lens front element.
I have yet to encounter ghosting and artifact with the filter on.
I have yet to encounter ghosting and artifact with the filter on.
That's a good reason to have a filter. I may have said earlier that I used a UV filter when I was young, but I remember now that it was a polarizing filter.
I think the issue of artifacts is probably exaggerated by Thom, and others like him, because he likes to be picky. That's the impression I have of pros. That's okay, I like to be picky too. Some of us like to draw our circle a little smaller than it needs to be, like refusing to own a point and shoot, because "Only an SLR is ever good enough."
Naked for 40 years and no ill effects 
. Lens caps work well for protection. I'll use filters for effects or harsh conditions. They do cause internal reflections at certain angles to light, uneven color casts and effect shutter speed (sometimes intentionally ). If I did use them for protection I'd be obsessed with getting the highest quality which would ultimately be a waste of a lot of money, lens caps are free!
. Lens caps work well for protection. I'll use filters for effects or harsh conditions. They do cause internal reflections at certain angles to light, uneven color casts and effect shutter speed (sometimes intentionally ). If I did use them for protection I'd be obsessed with getting the highest quality which would ultimately be a waste of a lot of money, lens caps are free!
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All of my lenses except my 16mm f/2.8 fisheye (for obvious reasons) and 300mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 (Nikon put built in filters in each) have Hoya multicoated UV (0) filters on them. I often work in dirty or sandy environments so they are essential for me. I have done quite a bit of testing when it comes to IQ and flare and I do not see any difference. Since all of my lenses are AI/AIS, it would be essentially impossible to get a front element replaced. I would rather sacrifice a $30-$50 filter than the front element of any of my lenses!
The key is not to skimp on cheap filters. Hoya filters are as good as any out there and half the price of B&W filters. Why spend twice as much for the same quality?
The key is not to skimp on cheap filters. Hoya filters are as good as any out there and half the price of B&W filters. Why spend twice as much for the same quality?