Lens filters?? Your thoughts on using lens filters? UV? Polarize? I purchased a new lens a while back and received a free UV filter. I hadn't used it but with the HHH days of summer...

falcnheart7 Loc: RI

Your thoughts on using lens filters? UV? Polarize? I purchased a new lens a while back and received a free UV filter. I hadn't used it but with the HHH days of summer thought I would try it. Did not notice a difference. Wondered if any of you guys use them.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

falcnheart7 wrote:

Your thoughts on using lens filters? UV? Polarize? I purchased a new lens a while back and received a free UV filter. I hadn't used it but with the HHH days of summer thought I would try it. Did not notice a difference. Wondered if any of you guys use them.

I use the UV as a protection filter for the front element of the lens. Use a Polaeize to enhance the sky or eliminate reflections.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Come on now, if you joined in March 2018, you're expected to have seen this issue "discussed" in prior threads. If not, did you consider the search box?

What brand of "free" came with your lens? Did you google any comments on that brand and model?

Quixdraw Loc: x

This is right up there with Canon or Nikon, DSLR or Mirrorless, Tripods or hand held! An absolute fight starter.

falcnheart7 Loc: RI

CHG_CANON wrote:

Come on now, if you joined in March 2018, you're expected to have seen this issue "discussed" in prior threads. If not, did you consider the search box?

What brand of "free" came with your lens? Did you google any comments on that brand and model?

Come on now. I was JUST asking for anyone's thoughts. I've seen multiple topics covered for discussion but certainly don't berate the poster for asking. Jeez

bleirer

I do not believe sensors 'see' uv at all. So it will not help. If it came with a lens in a kit it is probably cheap and makes the picture worse because light changes every time it passes through a material. If you want lens protection spend $60 to $100 on a quality clear filter. Review of top filters https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/

fetzler Loc: North West PA

I use UV filters to protect the front element of the lens. The should not alter the image. Front element protection is more important on some lenses as the front element is very close to the end of the barrel. Some will say that the filter degrades the image quality. (I don't see this). Film is UV sensitive an a UV filter will remove some of the haze in some photos.

Polarizers are an important tool. You can use them to darken the sky, remove reflections from water and other surfaces. Fall foliage often appears more saturated if a polarizer is used.

Neutral Density filters are also useful. They block some of the light. These are important if you wish to use a large aperture in bright light, to make long exposures in bright light, and for video.

Colored filters for B&W can be used for digital but are mostly unnecessary as their effects can be simulated in post. Applying filters in post allows for greater flexibility.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

A UV filter is unnecessary with digital, except for protection, and a clear filter will also do for that. The arguments on using a protection filter or not are never-ending, but if you do choose to do that, you should get a very good quality filter. I doubt your free filter is of very high quality, and might degrade your image quality. A polarizer is definitely helpful for darkening skies and eliminating reflections, but again, get a good one.

falcnheart7 Loc: RI

bleirer wrote:

I do not believe sensors 'see' uv at all. So it will not help. If it came with a lens in a kit it is probably cheap and makes the picture worse because light changes every time it passes through a material. If you want lens protection spend $60 to $100 on a quality clear filter. Review of top filters https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/

Thanks a million for your input bleirer! Appreciated!

falcnheart7 Loc: RI

Thanks. I do know what they are for. Was wondering if anyone else used/liked/preferred them. Cheers!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

falcnheart7 wrote:

Thanks. I do know what they are for. Was wondering if anyone else used/liked/preferred them. Cheers!

I use filters on all my lenses except the 180L macro. But, unless they sent you a free B+W x-PRO MRC filter (a $50 to $80 value, depending on size), the trashcan is probably the best location for a free filter. I've shared the LensRentals analysis in prior threads, again why I asked if you'd done any research prior to re-asking an oft-asked question.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

This topic has been beaten to death on numerous occasions. The Search feature at the top of the page will allow you to find those fights to your heart's content. The only thing I'd add to the current mix is if the filter was included free with the lens purchase, it's probably not worth the price. UV filters protect the front element of the lens and worth the money one invests in them. However, that investment should be made with a high-quality filter. I prefer B+W multi-coated filters.

Polarizers are worth their weight in gold when used appropriately. However, again purchase good quality filters and learn when they add to the photograph.
--Bob

falcnheart7 wrote:

Your thoughts on using lens filters? UV? Polarize? I purchased a new lens a while back and received a free UV filter. I hadn't used it but with the HHH days of summer thought I would try it. Did not notice a difference. Wondered if any of you guys use them.

bleirer

CHG_CANON wrote:

I use filters on all my lenses except the 180L macro. But, unless they sent you a free B+W x-PRO MRC filter (a $50 to $80 value, depending on size), the trashcan is probably the best location for a free filter. I've shared the LensRentals analysis in prior threads, again why I asked if you'd done any research prior to re-asking an oft-asked question.

It's like church or any club or group or other social media. You might already be saved but you go for the community, the shared experience, the camradieri, etc. Besides the more looks the more ads for uhh.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

falcnheart7 wrote:

Come on now. I was JUST asking for anyone's thoughts. I've seen multiple topics covered for discussion but certainly don't berate the poster for asking. Jeez

I would not use those filters however I would recommend using your lens hood on your lenses for flare and for protection. If you find a need for good quality polarizing filter then buy one, uv filters are not needed much any more for digital cameras lenses.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

falcnheart7 wrote:

Your thoughts on using lens filters? UV? Polarize? I purchased a new lens a while back and received a free UV filter. I hadn't used it but with the HHH days of summer thought I would try it. Did not notice a difference. Wondered if any of you guys use them.

I own 1 U.V. Filter - used on one lens for protection from blowing sand, it is a good quality brand from B+W and I could not see any degradation it has caused, where others did when I had a "protection" filter on all my lenses.

I am in the no filter needed camp, preferring the lens hood as my protection for the lens, unless I am using it in harsh conditions, like blowing sand.

Free? Probably worth almost what you paid for it :)