Protecting your lens glass

[silvercreek]

I've read that it is a good idea to protect your lens glass with a filter. Replacing a filter is certainly less expensive than having to replace a lens because of a scratched lens glass. Since a D5100 does not need a UV filter in all cases, do most of you use a clear filter for protecting your lens? Are there that many differences in filter to warrant $35 to $50 for a clear filter? I suppose the quality of the glass applies in filters as well as in lenses?

 

[Eye-level]

I use the venerable Nikon L37C on my lenses. They are kind of like American Express cards don't leave home without it.

 

[Geoffc]

I've bought hoya pro1 clear filters for the last three lenses and they seem ok.

 

[mr2_serious]

I have always used Hoya and B&W UV haze filters. Some Hoya are made in Philippines and some in japan. B&W are made in Germany.

-william- sent via tapatalk

 

[Rick M]

I do not use protective filters. I use a CP or ND when needed, otherwise, I'm a purist and believe more glass in front degrades quality.

 

[§am]

I currently use Hoya Pro1D filters (UV) for my glass - I can't tell the difference with them on or off, so prefer to leave them on.
As already mentioned, rather replace a scratched filter than a scratched lens (element)!

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I have Tiffen UV Filters on both my lens.. back along in my 35mm film days I kept UV filters on all the time .. figured best to protect the more expensive lens. I am not a good enough photographer by amy means to worry about an extra layer of glass..

I do understand what is being said and it makes sense. If my skills grow enough I may even adjust my thinking.. Thanks everyone for sharing their knowledge...

Pat (Newbie) from NH

 

[Fork]

I don't use UV filters for protection. I use lens hoods. They absorb much more shock than thin glass and won't scratch my front element if they do break. They also prevent lens flare which a UV filter practically attracts!

 

[Dave9072]

Limited experience talking here, but I have tried to use B+W clear and UV filters for lens protection with mixed results. I could never really put my finger on it, but occasionally there would be a noticeable quality issue on some shots using the filter. Seems under certain conditions it would interfere with auto-focus and cause some shots to be slightly off or very soft. Might have been me of course, but the problem always seemed to show up when the filter was on. For now I forgo the UV filter and use a lens hood.

 

[Phillydog1958]

I also use the Hoya Pro 1 Digital UV filters. I just started using them about a month ago. Our very own, "Grandpaw" was the person who informed me of this filter. He liked the fact that they're specifically designed for digital camera sensors and not for film. I like them. They're much better than what I was previously using. I do agree that film and digital are different and that there should be different filters for each type. It makes sense. It's an easy-to-follow logic.

 

[Eye-level]

All I know is the first time you drop a lens on it's face without a hood or a filter on it I promise you will never do it again!

 

[Dave9072]

All I know is the first time you drop a lens on it's face without a hood or a filter on it I promise you will never do it again!

Amen!

 

[Phillydog1958]

Amen!

Amen x 2.

 

[fotojack]

If I'm shooting portraits, or anything indoors, I don't use any sort of filter. Outside is a different story. I use a filter lens suitable to the scene I want to photograph. It all depends on the situation.

 

[Sambr]

I use a good quality filter (Hoya, B+W etc) on all my glass all the time no exceptions.

 

[JohnFrench]

Considering myself a newbie with only about 3 years experience using a DSLR, I have put UV filters on all my lens to protect them somewhat from occasional clumsiness. I also use hoods on my lenses.