Lens protectors
As I always do, I've just fitted a clear filter to the 16-80mm Fuji that I bought a few weeks back - this caused me to reflect that I've never scratched or otherwise damaged a protective filter - so do I really need them ? I suppose just talking about it is tempting providence, but it makes you think.
more here.
previous thread.
previous thread.
I haven't used a protective filter for years, instead relying upon a hood to do the job and until recently, that strategy has been successful.
However, I've just discovered a tiny mark on the front of my 24-70 which isn't supposed to be there.
It doesn't make any difference, except perhaps to its resale value but it is slightly annoying.
However, I've just discovered a tiny mark on the front of my 24-70 which isn't supposed to be there.
It doesn't make any difference, except perhaps to its resale value but it is slightly annoying.
I use a hood and a decent quality (B+W MRC) protection filter. As well as possible damage to the lens I can be a bit clumsy when changing lenses and leave a fingerprint on the glass.
I'd rather this was on the filter!
I have in the past tested with and without filter and I can see no difference in image quality. The filter can be expensive if you go for quality. I'd say if you are not prepared to spend the money then don't bother with a protection filter.
I'd rather this was on the filter!I have in the past tested with and without filter and I can see no difference in image quality. The filter can be expensive if you go for quality. I'd say if you are not prepared to spend the money then don't bother with a protection filter.
I think with modern lenses the coatings are so good they clean very easily, plus if you add an UV filter then if you need to add a polariser or other system then you have to remove the UV or risk vignetting.
My latest Canon lenses shrug off water and fingerprints so easily, the coatings are amazing
I used to always add a filter but I have not bothered for the last 10 years.
I do also use lens hoods but only when not using filters (square system/polariser etc)
Ian
My latest Canon lenses shrug off water and fingerprints so easily, the coatings are amazing
I used to always add a filter but I have not bothered for the last 10 years.
I do also use lens hoods but only when not using filters (square system/polariser etc)
Ian
You can check for yourself but a raw file with more detail is larger. I have tried capturing images with and without filters in different situations and noting the file size. To me it is clear that the best thing you can do is to use a lens hood all of the time (and no filters) as this not only improves image quality but provides physical protection. The worst scenario is two or more filters, no lens hood and a light source in front of the camera. I have never marked a lens or a filter (used to use them before digital), I have dropped one lens and fell in the mud with another but neither lens was affected due entirely to the protection of the lens hood.
Dave
Dave
I don't like the idea of cleaning the glass surfaces of lenses - this is when small scratches can occur and over a period of time they can reduce the resale value of a lens . A dust resistant filter serves a useful purpose: I hardly ever have to clean filters with any more than a rocket blower. I was sceptical when I bought my first one but they do serm to work.
Having said that however, I don't think it dispenses with the need for a hood. And if you are going to use cheap filters don't bother. The worst ones can degrade the image and you might as well take the risk of no filter.
This has be a subject for debate over decades. You have to do your own testing and reach your own conclusion.
Having said that however, I don't think it dispenses with the need for a hood. And if you are going to use cheap filters don't bother. The worst ones can degrade the image and you might as well take the risk of no filter.
This has be a subject for debate over decades. You have to do your own testing and reach your own conclusion.
Over the years, I've replaced a lot of scratched filters and I'm grateful that it wasn't the front element that got scratched. With many lenses, a scratch on the back element is a lot worse than a scratch on the front element.
Quote:Over the years, I've replaced a lot of scratched filters and I'm grateful that it wasn't the front element that got scratched. With many lenses, a scratch on the back element is a lot worse than a scratch on the front element.
I have never scratched a filter when I used them many years ago and nor have I ever scratched a lens. Any knock sufficient to smash a filter is unlikely to even leave a mark on a lens as lenses are much tougher than filters. There is plenty of You Tubes showing bolts being dropped on filters and lenses to determine the effect. If you have had to replace many scratched filters, I can only conclude that your photography takes place in a fairly harsh environment.
Dave
