Need Help choosing a UV Filter for my lens
Oct 19, 2015 18:09:44 #
I have never used a filter before on any of my lenses.It was suggested by some of the people in my photography group that I really should start.I was looking up the Hoya HD3 ultra hard UV filters & they sounded like what I would need.I want to first just buy one for my 55-300 lens but have no idea what size to get.Could someone tell me how I choose the right one, please or is there another filter brand that is better? I don't want to spend a lot of money on them. Thanks for any help you can give.
Oct 19, 2015 18:22:49 #
Marilyng wrote:
I have never used a filter before on any of my len... (show quote)
Marilyn, The size should be marked on the, or near, the front of the lens. It will be a number such as 58, 62, 77 etc. There may also be a small circle with a diagonal line passing through it. That is the diameter symbol. The number will indicate the diameter in millimeters.
If you post the maker of the lens that would help immensely.
Oh, and don't let anyone talk you out of the extra protection that filter will afford the front element of your lens.
Also, I'd recommend looking at B+W filters. Probably the best ones going.
--Bob
Oct 19, 2015 18:32:25 #
rmalarz wrote:
Marilyn, The size should be marked on the, or near, the front of the lens. It will be a number such as 58, 62, 77 etc. There may also be a small circle with a diagonal line passing through it. That is the diameter symbol. The number will indicate the diameter in millimeters.
If you post the maker of the lens that would help immensely.
Oh, and don't let anyone talk you out of the extra protection that filter will afford the front element of your lens.
--Bob
If you post the maker of the lens that would help immensely.
Oh, and don't let anyone talk you out of the extra protection that filter will afford the front element of your lens.
--Bob
Ok Bob I have a number 58 with a small circle with a diagonal line through it to the left of it,would that be it?
Oct 19, 2015 18:33:19 #
Marilyng wrote:
Ok Bob I have a number 58 with a small circle with a diagonal line through it to the left of it,would that be it?
Marilyn, that would be it.
--Bob
Oct 19, 2015 18:35:31 #
rmalarz wrote:
Marilyn, that would be it.
--Bob
--Bob
Awesome,thanks so much for your help.Do you know anything about Hoya uv filters?or maybe recommend a filter?
Oct 19, 2015 18:36:50 #
If you do a search, you'll find hundreds of opinions on this topic. No one that I have seen will tell you that you need a UV filter on a digital camera, though you have not given any info at all other than 55-300. You may consider circular polarizer filters for use at some point, but generally speaking you do no "need" any filters for general photography. Google this if you want to.
Then there is the group who feels it necessary to have a clear filter for "protection." Lots of opinions.
Many lens caps have the filter sizes on them. If not, find your lens on a store sight and get the info there, or put the lens info on this sight and someone will help you. (Nikon 55-300 usually 58mm,be aware the lens rotates for focus, so a polarizer lens requires more adjustment.))
Bottom line, don't be in a big hurry to purchase any filters without having a specific use or purpose in mind.
Then there is the group who feels it necessary to have a clear filter for "protection." Lots of opinions.
Many lens caps have the filter sizes on them. If not, find your lens on a store sight and get the info there, or put the lens info on this sight and someone will help you. (Nikon 55-300 usually 58mm,be aware the lens rotates for focus, so a polarizer lens requires more adjustment.))
Bottom line, don't be in a big hurry to purchase any filters without having a specific use or purpose in mind.
Oct 19, 2015 18:39:16 #
DaveO wrote:
If you do a search, you'll find hundreds of opinio... (show quote)
Thanks for your reply Dave!
Oct 19, 2015 18:39:18 #
The 4 previous posts to mine occurred as I was writing my response. I'm slow!
Oct 19, 2015 18:45:59 #
Marilyng wrote:
Awesome,thanks so much for your help.Do you know anything about Hoya uv filters?or maybe recommend a filter?
Marilyn, I've used Hoya filters up until a few years ago. I then switched to B+W. They are a subsidiary of Schneider Optics. Great products and super quality.
The naysayers will be coming out of the woodwork with "you don't need", etc. My personal approach is, it protects the front element from accidental finger prints, dust, etc.
I clean my filters on a weekly, usually more often, basis. The actual front element probably every other month. The coatings on lenses are microscopically thin. So, the less you touch them the better.
If you scratch, or wear that coating out, the lens is toast. If you do the same to the filter, another filter will cost substantially less than a new lens.
I recommend taking the filter off if you are going to do any photographs of the moon. Other lighting situations may warrant not using the filter. But, for the most part you'll never see a difference in your images.
--Bob
Oct 19, 2015 18:49:59 #
I'm not a fan of them for general purpose, only when needed (like in an environment that may get junk on your lens). They only offer minimal impact protection, but they're good for keeping crud off your glass.
That said, if you want to get one on the cheap, head to KEH and get a used one - a fraction of the price and all of them I've seen from KEH - even the bargain ones - have had perfect glass.
As for brand, any good brand will do - I did a lot of testing and there's really not much difference in protection between brands. Get a good Hoya or B+W or Nikon or Canon and you'll be set.
That said, if you want to get one on the cheap, head to KEH and get a used one - a fraction of the price and all of them I've seen from KEH - even the bargain ones - have had perfect glass.
As for brand, any good brand will do - I did a lot of testing and there's really not much difference in protection between brands. Get a good Hoya or B+W or Nikon or Canon and you'll be set.
Oct 19, 2015 19:06:15 #
Oct 19, 2015 19:44:48 #
rmalarz wrote:
Marilyn, The size should be marked on the, or near... (show quote)
Hoya is better according to an independent test a few years back. My personal experience with both confirms those results.
Oct 19, 2015 19:47:06 #
Marilyng wrote:
I have never used a filter before on any of my len... (show quote)
If you are interested in a cheap filter, save your money. Otherwise choose Hoya then B+W, in that order.
Oct 19, 2015 19:55:43 #
rmalarz wrote:
Marilyn, I've used Hoya filters up until a few yea... (show quote)
Oh I thought it would help as in the winter when the snow is to deep to venture out I take a lot of photos from my sliding glass door.I was told the filter would help,not true then?
Oct 19, 2015 19:57:18 #
Marilyng wrote:
Oh I thought it would help as in the winter when the snow is to deep to venture out I take a lot of photos from my sliding glass door.I was told the filter would help,not true then?
Maybe if they are big enough to use as snow shoes....
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