Protective UV filter for Nikkor 300 mm 2.8
- Thread starter kiwi86
- Start date
Such an expensive lens without protection
Use the hood.
I have yet to see proof that a filter saved a lens. Many have claimed it, but no one has proved it. And the only way to prove it is to replicate the incident perfectly to show the lens gets damaged.
Besides, small dings and scratches on a 300mm doesn't affect IQ any.
Browncoat
Senior Member
Okay, let's prove it. All of my lenses have a UV filter on them, without question.
You take a screwdriver and scratch the hell out of yours, and I'll do the same to mine. Then we'll see whose lens is damaged. Just in case the anticipation is killing you:
Your lens is trash.
I will unscrew my scratched up filter, throw it away, and replace it with another. Meanwhile, my lens is good as new.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Nikon says this screw-in 52mm filter is compatible with that lens (see "Compatible With" tab), I don't know why others of the same size wouldn't work. Kinda looks to me like the f/2.8 300mm will take either filter arrangement.
52mm Screw-on Soft Focus Filter from Nikon
52mm Screw-on Soft Focus Filter from Nikon
Which proves..... ab-so-lute-ly nothing.
One of us is stronger. One of us has a sharper screwdriver. One of us will be more 'aggressive'.
Again: Do the EXACT same thing to BOTH lenses is the ONLY way to prove anything. And lens glass is typically much more durable than filters.
singlerosa_RIP
Senior Member
Browncoat: How many UV filters have you replaced?
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
This is like discussing whether the toilet paper should come off the top or under the bottom of the roll. Everyone has an opinion on the matter and tend to stick to their guns on the subject regardless. Personally there have been times I've used a UV or CPL for protective purposes and have been long periods where I haven't bothered.
After many years I've yet to have a shot ruined by having a filter in place. There was a time, while hiking in the desert, I tripped over my own two feet and smashed a filter hard enough to spider-web crack it. The lens, underneath, was fine. What would have happened had I not had the filter on, we'll never know... What I *do* know is that I unscrewed the now busted filter and got on with life like nothing had happened. I don't mean to infer with that story that everyone should have a filter on for protective purposes, however.
I think it's something that should be open to consideration depending on circumstances. I would think a filter for purely protective purposes might be overkill at an event like a baby-shower but I guess everyone has to make that call for themselves. Maybe if it was an Extreme Off Road Baby Shower or something... I don't know. I don't really know much about baby showers in general, really, and have to wonder if it's not simply the alcohol talking at this point. Filters, I guess, are sort of like condoms... There are times you feel safe and say to yourself, "Nahhh... No need" and then there are those times you know your... "lens"... is in "dangerous territory" and you need to proceed with caution. If you, uh... If you get my drift.
......
After many years I've yet to have a shot ruined by having a filter in place. There was a time, while hiking in the desert, I tripped over my own two feet and smashed a filter hard enough to spider-web crack it. The lens, underneath, was fine. What would have happened had I not had the filter on, we'll never know... What I *do* know is that I unscrewed the now busted filter and got on with life like nothing had happened. I don't mean to infer with that story that everyone should have a filter on for protective purposes, however.
I think it's something that should be open to consideration depending on circumstances. I would think a filter for purely protective purposes might be overkill at an event like a baby-shower but I guess everyone has to make that call for themselves. Maybe if it was an Extreme Off Road Baby Shower or something... I don't know. I don't really know much about baby showers in general, really, and have to wonder if it's not simply the alcohol talking at this point. Filters, I guess, are sort of like condoms... There are times you feel safe and say to yourself, "Nahhh... No need" and then there are those times you know your... "lens"... is in "dangerous territory" and you need to proceed with caution. If you, uh... If you get my drift.
......
Browncoat
Senior Member
Browncoat
Senior Member
THIS is why some people use UV filters to protect their lenses. Odds are, only 1 in 100,000 is ever going to need that protection. But when that freak occurrence happens, you'll be glad you have it on there.
Most will never need one. Some, like me, aren't always in ideal situations and that added protection is needed. I went through several filters when I was working as a photojournalist, but never had a single scratch before or since.
My favorite reoccurring, perpetual, non-conclusive and unsettled thread . I don't use filters for protection. I use the lens cap at all times and most times when I hike extensively, the camera is in my ThinkTank holster bag. If I were on a beach, saltwater, extreme conditions I would use one. Luckily we are free to choose our destiny .
. I don't use filters for protection. I use the lens cap at all times and most times when I hike extensively, the camera is in my ThinkTank holster bag. If I were on a beach, saltwater, extreme conditions I would use one. Luckily we are free to choose our destiny .I did the same, now my glass dangles freely, uninhibited and throwing caution to the wind!