recommendation for a good lens filter: I have read the past posts about whether or not to use a lens filter and after having to replace one filter instead of the lens I have decided to...

skornfeld

I have read the past posts about whether or not to use a lens filter and after having to replace one filter instead of the lens I have decided to get them for my two latest lens. I am looking for a recommendation(s) for a good filter. Not looking for ND or graduated filter, just one to protect the lens I have. Not sure if the one I have (Tiffen) was the kind to get again or if there was something better.

Bill_de Loc: US

I mostly use Nikon n/c (neutral clear).

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mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

skornfeld wrote:

I have read the past posts about whether or not to use a lens filter and after having to replace one filter instead of the lens I have decided to get them for my two latest lens. I am looking for a recommendation(s) for a good filter. Not looking for ND or graduated filter, just one to protect the lens I have. Not sure if the one I have (Tiffen) was the kind to get again or if there was something better.

If you want one that will actually protect the lens from impact you're pretty much limited to the Sigma WR ceramic line. They are very pricey though. While there are many here who will suggest that other filters that crack after the slightest impact will somehow provide impact protection to the front element, there is no hard evidence they will do that. Having said that, if you not prepared to pay the large premium of the Sigma's, then I would get one of the cheaper filters from any one of the several brands that will be suggested.

skornfeld

thanks - not cheap but also not the most expensive according to a quick google search. Thanks and will see what the other hogs say, but hopefully it will not turn into one of those long debating threads.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

skornfeld wrote:

thanks - not cheap but also not the most expensive according to a quick google search. Thanks and will see what the other hogs say, but hopefully it will not turn into one of those long debating threads.

I guaranty you it will. This is one of the most contentious subjects here.

By the way, here's a video showing the Sigma WR ceramics in action. There is NO other filter that will survive the kind of impacts the Sigma will. I was a major anti-filter advocate until I came across these. I have two of them, a 67mm and a 72mm which cost around $200 for the pair. My feeling is if you go cheap it will just give you a false sense of security, a placebo if you will.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax9NU8lbvYQ

skornfeld

I hope not as my question is not whether I should or not, already decided I am. But we shall see. Thanks again, great reviews also.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

skornfeld wrote:

I hope not as my question is not whether I should or not, already decided I am. But we shall see. Thanks again, great reviews also.

Your intentions and decision won't make any difference at all. People will still duke it out, regardless.

skornfeld

Lol

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

You can't beat B+W filters. They make a clear filter if you don't want to use UV.

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

I use B+W filters.

Jim Bob

skornfeld wrote:

I have read the past posts about whether or not to use a lens filter and after having to replace one filter instead of the lens I have decided to get them for my two latest lens. I am looking for a recommendation(s) for a good filter. Not looking for ND or graduated filter, just one to protect the lens I have. Not sure if the one I have (Tiffen) was the kind to get again or if there was something better.

1) Hoya
2) B+W

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

skornfeld wrote:

I have read the past posts about whether or not to use a lens filter and after having to replace one filter instead of the lens I have decided to get them for my two latest lens. I am looking for a recommendation(s) for a good filter. Not looking for ND or graduated filter, just one to protect the lens I have. Not sure if the one I have (Tiffen) was the kind to get again or if there was something better.

http://breakthrough.photography are the only filters I will use now.

Bill_de Loc: US

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

http://breakthrough.photography are the only filters I will use now.

I just went to their website, and although they have a small product base, they have a ton of information.

Thanks for mentioning them.

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asiafish Loc: Bakersfield, CA

B+W are excellent. They use Schott glass, which is the same company that makes glass for Leica and Zeiss. Heliopan are also top-notch and also use Schott glass, but cost a little more than B+W.

Roger Lee

Marumi, a quality but almost unknown company in Japan makes high quality filters at decent prices.

http://www.2filter.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/Marumi_DHG_Clear_UV_Filters.html

Or their better line, more scratch resistant.

http://www.2filter.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/Marumi_Super_DHG_Clear_Protective_Filters.html