Lens Filters

LordOdin

New member
Hi
I have my own opinion on this but would like to hear some others. I was watching a Tony and Chelsea Northrup Video and he said he didn't like and didn't use filters and we shouldn't use them because they degrade Picture Quality. I have always used Filters and never noticed any problems with them but then again i am not a pro photographer like him. I think my main reason for using them is protection and have never given Picture Quality much thought. Do you guys use them and would you stop using them because a Pro says you should. Would love to hear your thoughts.
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Do you have a link to that video? The one I watched several years ago from him was in regard to his argument about using UV, ND, and Circular Polarizing filters. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZkCnPs45s ). And even then, he only said you "probably" don't need one. He made the argument that post processing could mimic the effects of these filters, without risking possible degradation of signal from an extra layer of glass in front of your lens. And it's a lot cheaper.

He did a follow up to that video fairly quickly to test filters in response to comments on the original video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rBdqlBbNDE&t=0s ). It was very interesting, and if you are interested in the subject it's worth a watch.

Again, he does add the qualifier "probably", and indeed in the comments section he replies to one person's queries with, "Yes, with fast lenses in bright light, an ND filter can be necessary to take a picture wide-open (depending on your camera's max shutter speed and minimum ISO)."

So he is not saying "don't use filters" across the board. It's a more nuanced argument, and I think a valid one for a lot of people.

I know Tony takes a lot of stick from certain segements of photographers, but I found many of his videos to be extraordinarily useful when I was first starting out. He usually backs up his claims and explanations with actual test results, which is something many other channels don't. Agree with him or not, you can't say he doesn't put a lot of effort into his videos. The same goes for his wife Chelsea.
 

LordOdin

New member
Do you have a link to that video? The one I watched several years ago from him was in regard to his argument about using UV, ND, and Circular Polarizing filters. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZkCnPs45s ). And even then, he only said you "probably" don't need one. He made the argument that post processing could mimic the effects of these filters, without risking possible degradation of signal from an extra layer of glass in front of your lens. And it's a lot cheaper.

He did a follow up to that video fairly quickly to test filters in response to comments on the original video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rBdqlBbNDE&t=0s ). It was very interesting, and if you are interested in the subject it's worth a watch.

Again, he does add the qualifier "probably", and indeed in the comments section he replies to one person's queries with, "Yes, with fast lenses in bright light, an ND filter can be necessary to take a picture wide-open (depending on your camera's max shutter speed and minimum ISO)."

So he is not saying "don't use filters" across the board. It's a more nuanced argument, and I think a valid one for a lot of people.

I know Tony takes a lot of stick from certain segements of photographers, but I found many of his videos to be extraordinarily useful when I was first starting out. He usually backs up his claims and explanations with actual test results, which is something many other channels don't. Agree with him or not, you can't say he doesn't put a lot of effort into his videos. The same goes for his wife Chelsea.

I can't remember which Video it was but will have a look through them again to see if i can find it. I think he has said it on a few and thinking about it, it might have been a Lens review but my head is saying it's a Nikon Camera Review. If i find it i will post it on here.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
I don't use UV filters. I do use ND and Polarizing filters for their intended uses... they are of limited use because of the varying sizes and the number of different lenses that I shoot with...IOW... If I'm going somewhere on a shoot, and the conditions are going to require either of those type filters, AND I think about it...I may take and use them...Otherwise I'm out the door without them...I really ONLY use them for special projects, NOT every day walking around...
 

Clovishound

Senior Member
Also, be careful about the filters you get. Good filters can be very pricey for the larger front elements of many modern lenses. I was given a set of filters for my new tele by a good friend, a very nice gesture. Turned out the filters had plastic elements and the UV filter severely compromised the image quality. Haven't tried out the ND or polarizer to see if they are problematic. Be sure what you are getting.
 

LordOdin

New member
I use Filters as mainly Lens Protectors and really Lenses are pretty sturdy and probably won't get damaged if used correctly and looked after, i am starting to think i might remove mine and see how things go. No point using them if they serve no purpose. Like i said they are UV ones so not going to be really missed.
 

Peter7100

Senior Member
I haven't used UV filters for many years as a lens hood can act as protection. As previously mentioned if you are going to use filters, make sure they are good quality ones or they will degrade the picture quality. For landscapes I often use Lee graduated filters. Occasionaly a polarizing filter to cut out reflections.
For landscapes I have tried three options...1) no filters and process afterwards 2) HDR 3) Graduated filters for the sky. In my option the latter eg Grads provides the best results for landscapes as it retains good tones and details in the sky.
 

BF Hammer

Senior Member
UV filters on a digital body are just another piece of glass to clean dirt off of. I stopped using them years ago. I try to use lens hoods whenever outdoors.

I do have polarizers, ND sets, light pollution, and solar light filters. I use them for their purposes.

Lens on a film camera, sure I would put on a UV filter in sunlight.
 
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