JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

I just got a Tamron 150 - 600mm lens and looking for a filter to protect the expensive glass. I'm seeing prices from $20 to over $150. I'm thinking a simple haze filter - 95mm. Can someone offer advice?
I'm also struggling to attach a Manfrotto quick release gizmo to the lens - there is a small screw attachment that should fit into a groove on the lens base, but it's too big to fit in the track and while the screw turns it won't back out??
Thanks for any advice.
BTW - I had to join a waiting list for this lens in June - took 3 months to get it.

GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA

This guy is a good source for NOS and used filters. http://www.filterfind.net/Home.html I queried him about a filter for my Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35, which has an EXTERNALLY threaded lens flange! What were those Germans thinking? He didn't have those, but he did have a screw-on Series V filter adapter, a wide variety of Series V filters, a lens hood, plus a nice little leather case for the whole kit, all in beautiful condition.

http://www.filterfind.net/Home.html

Here's another possibility for new kit: http://photofilter.com/

Good luck!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Look for a clear protective filter. I use the Hoya Pro1 Clear.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hoya%20pro%201%20clear

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/UV-and-Clear-Lens-Protection-Filters.aspx

http://www.techhive.com/article/2030881/lens-filters-protect-your-pricey-camera-glass-here-are-your-options.html

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Why do you need a protective filter? Are you shooting in a hazardous environment? Rely on your massive lens hood to protect that lens from anything but flying debris or fluid spray coming straight at you. But if you are shooting in a hazardous environment then, by all means, get a protective filter, but use an optically clear filter, (not a UV) for protection.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

If you must use one, use an optically clear filter. Not a UV, or Skylight filter...

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Really Right Stuff

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/s.nl/sc.26/category.616/it.C/.f

These guys are the best. Call them and ask what they would recommend.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

Almost any clear or haze filter will protect your lens. I prefer a multi-coated UV filter with a brass or titanium ring. (The multi-coating reduces flare effects.) They cost a little more, but I have found that the filters with aluminum rings can be difficult to install and/or remove. I have also found that I have never regretted spending more money for a better quality product, but I have often regretted spending less money for a cheaper product. But maybe I'm just clumsy and stupid.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Purists say that filters should not be used, however the reference says that the protective lens has little effect on the image quality:
http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/tech-test-using-filters-for-lens-protection-01-16-12.html#.VAmdERY0_hI

Also: Good discussion saying that little effect:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7333331953/should-you-use-a-uv-filter-on-your-lens

Filter prices are based on hype and some on quality. For a simple protective filter, you really do not care if the UV filtration is low transmission. Mount material can be a factor, I prefer low cost plastic since it will not damage the lens threads...a sacrificial lamb.

So... Glass... optical or float glass. Historically, no question optical, float was not flat and "perhaps" could affect the image like a fun-house mirror. Historic is not now. Float glass quality is "near that of optical" and of course much lower cost.
http://www.pilkington.com/pilkington-information
/about+pilkington/education/float+process/step+by+step.htm


So, I would not be concerned about that and would not pay the high price for "name branded" filters and order direct from china without the name brand put on the same filter.

Oh, Oh, left out an important factor... The caveat is the anti-glare coating. If not coated the light bounced back and forth between the back of the filter and the lens and can cause some loss in quality. To be safe we would buy "Good Known Name Brand" filters, right???

If you buy a low cost filter make sure it says multi- coated. Coatings actually roughen the surface of the glass by depositing partials so that the surface is not mirror like.

So obliviously, the name brands are going to be better...NO, BUNK. Actual testing in a scientific side by side shows some name branded to be the worse... ever heard of Canon, Tiffin (expensive!)both historically good brands ?? yuck!! Mucho$ for junk.
"Camera Lens UV Filter Test: Does multi-coating matter? "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-ituue1zeo


Hoya and Promaster came out the best. Hoya now has a "promaster"

There are other youtube videos listed at the right side of the reference video ... too often UHH people give you hype and wet finger in the air (weather prediction) opinions and they are not backed by references. Do not rely on what someones Aunt Sally said... educate your self.

The above is my best estimate without spending a lot of time researching and making it my life's work!! Correct me if I am wrong... But please use scientifically valid reference to back up your comments.

jimlp1 Loc: New Mexico

In my opinion, "Tiffen"(brand) Filters are the best quality for the best price. If you can find them locally, that's cool, if not look on-line by entering "Tiffen Filter" in Google search box, then hit enter/search. I got mine from Abes of Maine in NY... https://www.abesofmaine.com they have a huge assortment.......

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

As Prez Regan said in a debate...Well, here we go again,,, OPINION....
In the side by side you tube referenced above... with test images..., the Tiffen was not good!! So folks be careful of opinions of Aunt Sally and others. Go with Data not opinions.

Jimlp1, do you have data to share??? Perhaps a price vs image quality??

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

I appreciate the replies - and haven't yet ordered any filter. I did read several comments from 2 owners of one filter who made the claim that one brand labeled as multi coated might have been single coated instead.
Over the years it has always been my habit to put a filter on every new lens that I purchase, and I've taken a number of shots that received awards in salons around the world, but you can drive yourself batty wondering if any images might have been a tad sharper or better without the filters. I have found the occasional scratch on a filter, telling me that it did its job. Frankly I'm disappointed that lens manufacturers don't offer an option to purchase a lens with a protective filter in place, for an extra fee and have done with it. I'd have been happy to pay an extra $100 with my new lens instead of shopping around in untested waters.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Here is my personal take on protecting the front element. The best is a screw-in metal cap. While shooting, always use a proper hood, to shade the lens and protect it from bumps. If you prefer a glass filter over a metal cap for protection, buy the cheapest you can find. The colour doesn't matter, simply remove it to shoot. Many will disagree, but this has always been my philosophy and I've photographed in every climate from the desert to the sea, and on the sea, and have yet to damage a front element. Happy shooting. :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

After seeing the quality of B+W filters, I've changed out all of my UV filters to B+W. Pricey, but worth it.
--Bob

Clarkster Loc: Germansville, PA

You may consider looking for a filter that has a brass as opposed to an aluminum ring mount. The brass mounts are less likely to cross thread and jam (not a happy situation). B+ W makes a 95mm haze filter (B+W 95mm UV Haze SC 010 Filter) that might suit.

jimlp1 Loc: New Mexico

Nope, no Data or Price vs. Quality.... However, experience is the best Teacher and a lot of crap posted on YouTube is.... well, just crap....!
in my Opinion..... Actually its the buyers choice to purchase whatever he/she see's fit to use with all the options available in Camera shops or on the Internet.... It's like Canon vs. Nikon, Ford vs. Chevy..... same difference......