UV Filter (Page 3): I think you are better off with a lens hood.

jdventer Loc: Wallingford, CT, USA

Emelen wrote:

What is the latest wisdom concerning placing a clear or UV filter on a lens for protection ? Some say that you are putting cheap glass over good glass and some feel that it is good protection with no harmful effects.

I think you are better off with a lens hood.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

jdventer wrote:

Emelen wrote:

What is the latest wisdom concerning placing a clear or UV filter on a lens for protection ? Some say that you are putting cheap glass over good glass and some feel that it is good protection with no harmful effects.

I think you are better off with a lens hood.

A lens hood does provide some protection, but I would rather wipe fingerprints, rain drops or mud splashed by my dog off of a filter with my handkerchief, than directly off of the lens.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

There is no latest wisdom. Just a lot of opinions. Pros and cons are pretty well presented here. Decide for yourself. This subject was hashed over less than a week ago.

pinkycat Loc: The Garden State

Bmac wrote:

Emelen wrote:

What is the latest wisdom concerning placing a clear or UV filter on a lens for protection ? Some say that you are putting cheap glass over good glass and some feel that it is good protection with no harmful effects.

Probably one of those issues that can be argued back & forth forever. Unless I have a polarizer on, the UV is always on my lenses for protection. 8-)

Same for me. My UV saved my lens when my camera dropped accidentally. Always a filter for me!

Emelen Loc: Westchester, NY

Thank you all for your advice.I am as confused as ever. I think I will do my own test. I will shoot with and without filter and compare. I will report back.
Again, thanks for all the advice.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

I did an experiment of shooting the same scene, once with the UV, the second without. I couldn't tell the difference--though some on here told me I could. Noticed that my UV lens on my 70-300 zoom was seriously dirty this week--I would rather clean the filter than the lens. Also, I've scratched UV filters in the past--saved the lens! I'm committed to using UV filters on all of my lenses.

Robbie7 Loc: Northampton. England

I keep a UV on my lenses all the time when snapping, if I am taking something special. I take it off and put it back on when finished.It takes seconds and gives me peace of mind.

DougW Loc: SoCal

Why not use an 81a, protects and warms things up a little.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Bmac wrote:

Emelen wrote:

What is the latest wisdom concerning placing a clear or UV filter on a lens for protection ? Some say that you are putting cheap glass over good glass and some feel that it is good protection with no harmful effects.

Probably one of those issues that can be argued back & forth forever. Unless I have a polarizer on, the UV is always on my lenses for protection. 8-)

Same here! Been doing it for decades. My Sony 18-55mm would have been destroyed earlier this year when the camera dropped to a ceramic floor if I didn't have a UV on it. The UV was shattered and the ring bent - the lens came out unscathed.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I've had that experience twice. The filter took the shock, shattered and probably saved me from a very expensive repair.

marcomarks wrote:

quote=Bmac quote=Emelen What is the latest wisdo... (show quote)

Bear123 Loc: Wild & Wonderful West Virginia

A lens hood and UV filter, cheap insurance to protect a $1200 lens. Don't waste your money on exedended warenties.

33RIVERS Loc: Central MN

I tend to err on the side of caution. If there is to be any image degradation surely it can be corrected in PP. Whereas the elements we shoot in can leave permanent marks on the glass that could have been deflected by the UV or GLASS filter.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Baz wrote:

I belong to the old school of fitting a UV to a ne... (show quote)

Adorama sent a UV filter along with my Sigma 150-500. I didn't use it a first and then thought I'd try it. I thought my lens broke until I realized I left it on there...all my pics had gone soft. I took it off and all was well again. I got rid of it.

The Sigma also has that humongous hood to protect it. I might use the UV on some of my smaller lenses but not on Bigma.

As a minimum hold up and look through your filter before you put it on your lens. If you can see anything it is degrading your image. If you can't see it then it might be OK but even that isn't assured as it might cause reflection when attached.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

MtnMan wrote:

quote=Baz I belong to the old school of fitting a... (show quote)

I'm quite surprised Adorama would send you a piece of crap UV filter with a nice lens. You should have complained. UV filters don't normally do that.

MtnMan Loc: ID

marcomarks wrote:

I'm quite surprised Adorama would send you a piece of crap UV filter with a nice lens. You should have complained. UV filters don't normally do that.

So was I. They didn't want to give me my money back because I didn't try it within their 30 day return policy.

Helen Oster made them.

One of the funny things was one of the customer service people told me something to the effect that, "You don't know what you are talking about. All our house brand filters are made in Japan of the best quality materials!"

I happened to have it in my lap at the time so asked here, "So why does it say "made in China" on it?" She checked and apologized...her management had misinformed her.