DW

Hey folks, wanted to get some feedback on UV filters. Good idea, bad idea?

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

BAD: , creates flare, your shooting thru more glass.
Good: Protects the lens if you drop it.

Jim Bob

Use search function. This topic has been discussed ad nauseam.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

No need on DSLRs (unlike film cameras where some film was sensitive to UV). If you want one for lens protection, then a clear (high quality) filter is preferable. Whether a filter is useful for protection (and from what) and how much image degradation (if any) it causes is a long-standing debate on UHH. Just use the search function, and you'll likely find a number of discussions on the subject.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Is the UV really needed if using a Lens hood?

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

If you use the search function at the top of the page you will find a multitude of discussions on this subject.

Yackers Loc: Norfolk, UK

I have UV filters on all of my lenses. I have invested a lot in my collection of L series lenses (and other mid range Canon lenses too) and I would much prefer to have to replace a UV filter than have to buy a new lens. No matter how careful you are glass gets scratched and I know what I would prefer to get damaged out of a UV filter costing a few quid and a lens costing several hundred. UV filters do reduce image quality (it is negligible) however it is a sacrifice I am willing to take.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Someone somewhere 'didn't' break their lens when they dropped it and thus the idea that a UV filter will save your ass was born. If you carry wound dressings in your wallet then a UV filter is a must have!
UV light is invisible to our eyes but may add blue to your images if the sensor can detect it (Faulty) and add sunburn to your face Red or Brown This is not a fault and will fade in some cases!
UV degrades certain plastics over time.....your camera (not usually the lens) is plastic! Do not rub sun cream on your camera! However, UV interacts with your skin and makes vitamin D which is necessary for you. Do not attempt to ban UV just because you stand in the sun too long!
Bees can see UV and flowers reflect different colours using UV to guide them to their nectar- Hawks cannot see in the UV range, they just focus better. Starlings whose feathers reflect the most UV mate earlier and have bigger broods than those that reflect less. Obviously male Starlings can see this! If starlings are a problem for your photography buy a cat!
UV breaks down ozone (that we cannot breathe) into two oxygen molecules (that we can breathe) However, this damage to the ozone layer allows radiation to enter our atmosphere. Thankfully sea water replenishes ozone as it evaporates. Do not drop your camera on the beach. UV filter will not stop the sand from ruining your camera!

Have fun

Jim Bob

Mac, I posted this identical reply. Why does this UHH crowd feel the need to say the same thing over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again?

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

UHH is an aviary ... parrots mostly.

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

I did not see your post when I made mine. I do agree that on many (most?) threads there is much repetition as well as comments that have nothing to do with the original post. I am sorry my post has upset you and hope you will be able to get to sleep tonight.

Jim Bob

No problem. I appreciate the fact you are aware of the propensity of many toward redundancy.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

BTW JB, I posted the same reply (use the search function - discussed many times before). When I started writing my reply, you had not yet posted yours, but by the time I posted, I saw yours just before mine. My guess is that this happens often - several people respond within a short period of time to the same question. I do share your frustration when someone posts an answer that's already been provided pages ago in a discussion because they didn't bother to read the entire thread.

Jim Bob

Well sometimes we hit the thread after it's already run a few pages and perhaps it is expecting too much for everyone to read all that has been previously posted. But it only takes a few seconds to scan down the first page of a post or for a new poster to check the search feature for that matter. In today's world everyone is looking for the quick and easy fix.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Because its the same question , over and over!!!!