jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

I just spent another small fortune on another lens - a Nikon Z 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens (my cameras are a Z6ii and a Z7ii). Uses a 77 mm filter size. I was looking for filters and I see them priced all over the map - from USD $7-ish up to about $50. I have always thought UV filters were primarily to protect the lens - I really don’t know that they do anything else. But does anybody have any idea how to determine if the more expensive ones are worth the additional money. What do you get for a more expensive one?

Jeff

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Tiffen or Hoya have always worked well for me.
I'd definitely stay away from the dollar-two-ninety-eight ones though....

jeffhacker Loc: Dallas, Texas

I’ve usually bought Hoya before, and been happy. But what’s the difference? Better glass? Coating? I have no idea. My 100-400 mm uses a 77mm as well, and I’m thinking about buying a cheap filter to put on the one that’s staying home if I’m traveling, and using the Hoya I already have on it on the new lens (which I think I’ll probably end up using more often)? But if there’s a good reason to spring for the better one after spending $2,500 on a new lens I’d probably do it.

Bill_de Loc: US

With HOYA's approval, Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. delivers HOYA brand filters around the world.

https://hoyafilterusa.com/pages/about#:~:text=A%20comprehensive%20optical%20manufacturer%2C%20Kenko,of%20photographic%20and%20optical%20accessories.

Do we ever really know where/who products come from?

---

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

High price doesn’t guarantee top quality, but cheap is cheap.
There are a number good filter makers, I use B+W Master 007 Clear MRC nano filters to protect from blowing sand and salt spray.

User ID

Given the $$ range that you mention I would go $30 to $35 on a Hoya or other well known but nonexotic brand. (Based on B&H $$.)

User ID

Havent yet seen the pic that was worth taking good gear out into blowing sand and salt spray ... unless acoarst my employer owns the gear.

Theres likely a few Hawgsters who proudly do such things cuz it makes them feel "serious" about prowling for images, legends in their own minds, but lacking in legendary images.

I see that "blowing sand and salt spray" thing EVERY time protective filters is discussed. Its kinda laffable, unless it pays hugely good $$.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have a 100-400 Panasonic Leica lens. When I got it, I included a good quality UV filter to protect the front end. I struggled with 'sharpness'. One day I took the filter off and the lens got sharper! Now I rely on just the lens hood.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

UV filters are not for protecting a lens. Many people use it with that purpose which has made the maker of those filters richer. The best lens protection is the owner. Always, when not in use, keep the lens cap on and when in use always use the lens hood. In my more than 60 years photographing I never used a UV filter which, incidentally warms slightly an image. With digital we do that in post or we set the right WB.

If you want to "protect" your lens with a UV filter and it has already been suggested, invest your money in a Tiffen or a Hoya.

TerryVS

B+W are great with a price tag that's higher that what you're looking at but not horribly so. You just bought an expensive piece of glass so you really don't want to put crappy glass in front of it, right. You seem to be unsure of what a filter does. Steve Perry of Backcountry Gallery put this video out years ago and it's worth a watch: https://youtu.be/P0CLPTd6Bds?si=D_hzP8UDlcSfYhN5

I can't remember if this board strips links but if so got to YouTube and search UV Filters - Do you need them or not.

You'll find people are in one camp or another here, about like asking if Nikon is better than Canon etc. The video has some interesting test done by someone that is very good at what he does.

Personally I used them in the film days as a working photojournalist. Coatings have changed in 40 years! I don't anymore.

As another side note I work in broadcast TV. There is a filter on my company gear, a very nice lens with built in doubler etc. It's about $20K worth. That's only because we work in conditions I suspect you'll never take a camera into and we clean the lens with whatever is available. When your live hit is 30 seconds out in a rainstorm you use whatever is dry. That said I've never had to replace a filter. The glass is just about bulletproof these days.

Best of luck in your decision but buy good quality if you're going to do it.

Terry

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-664117-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-740126-1.html

Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

Edit: I use Canon "Protect" Filters on my Canon lenses as well as a lens hood for protection.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Haha... If the weather is that nasty "I" won't go out in it....... Let alone take a camera into it.

But there are some who gotta get "the shot", no matter what.

I'll get skylight, UV, or clear.
I've not noticed any difference, but then I've never done comparisons of with/without either.
I just use them.
I'm NOT going to pay $150 for a filter, I don't care how much the lens cost!
I'll definitely not pay $5 either!

Bill_de Loc: US

You miss all the fun.

---

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

For UV filters, which I have never used, Tiffen and Hoya make great UV filters.
You know, if you extend the lens hood on your 70-200, that is the best protection for you front element and your lens in general.
With my lens hood properly on, in 45 years of professional photography, I have never had a problem.
Before you buy you should watch the following.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0CLPTd6Bds

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I live by the ocean and always use a filter for sand and salt spray