The value of expensive filters: Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while...

binsjohn

Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while I've taken it on faith that more expensive filters mean better photos. Now I'm getting into Leica gear and need some new filter sizes and I'm still asking myself what the differences will really be. Is there any way to know the best way to go without buying multiple filters and comparing them? Any and all insights much appreciated.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

binsjohn wrote:

Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while I've taken it on faith that more expensive filters mean better photos. Now I'm getting into Leica gear and need some new filter sizes and I'm still asking myself what the differences will really be. Is there any way to know the best way to go without buying multiple filters and comparing them? Any and all insights much appreciated.

Someone is going to say, "You get what you pay for." What that means is you pick out an item, pay the cashier, and leave the store with it. You paid for it, and you got it. Before I make any substantial/important purchase, I read everything I can find online. Paying $250 rather than $200 does not guarantee you will get a better product. If you have to do a scientific test, magnifying the image tremendously, to determine which product is better than another, maybe the two are interchangeable.

https://improvephotography.com/40253/nd-filters-30-filters-reviewed-compared/
http://www.lenstip.com/139.25-article-Polarizing_filters_test_2015_Results_and_summary.html
http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html
http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

binsjohn wrote:

Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while I've taken it on faith that more expensive filters mean better photos. Now I'm getting into Leica gear and need some new filter sizes and I'm still asking myself what the differences will really be. Is there any way to know the best way to go without buying multiple filters and comparing them? Any and all insights much appreciated.

After years and years....you've done no experimenting? Most of us do not need or use UV or haze filters....how about step up rings...do you use everything that you have...

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

DaveO wrote:

After years and years....you've done no experimenting? Most of us do not need or use UV or haze filters....how about step up rings...do you use everything that you have...

SOME of us do not need or use UV or haze filters. Not MOST.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've done a bit of inadvertent experimentation. That was in the form of using what I had for years when I started doing digital. When I needed to purchase a filter and decided to go with something better than a $9.95 special. I purchased a B+W and yes there is a difference. Additionally, when I wanted to try another filter, I contacted B+W and spoke with an optical engineer. During the discussion, I was talked out of making the purchase. I was impressed that I'd be talked out of purchasing a product they themselves manufacture. I've stuck with B+W since. Additionally, I'm also very fond of Schneider-Kreuznach lenses. They own B+W. And, yes, there is a definite difference in the quality of the materials they use, as well. The difference was slightly noticeable in processing.

Additionally, think about it this way. You have a $1000 lens. It is made with the finest optical materials and engineering. Do you really want to place another optical component on that lens that doesn't match the quality of the lens?
--Bob

binsjohn wrote:

Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while I've taken it on faith that more expensive filters mean better photos. Now I'm getting into Leica gear and need some new filter sizes and I'm still asking myself what the differences will really be. Is there any way to know the best way to go without buying multiple filters and comparing them? Any and all insights much appreciated.

anotherview Loc: California

Lens filters have become passe. Save your money. Photoshop can emulate lens filters, except for the circular polarizer filter, although the Dehaze effect in Adobe Camera Raw comes close to it.

The UV filter can reduce the bluish tint that results from natural sunlight.

But as important or even more so, the UV filter protects the front lens element from damage. So far, I've had two UV filters destroyed in the process of taking a hard blow to the lens. I can recommend a UV filter for this latter reason. I use Hoya UV filters, but I've used others, too.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

papakatz45 wrote:

SOME of us do not need or use UV or haze filters. Not MOST.

If you do even a small amount of research you will find that your statement is incorrect, particularly with DSLRs.

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

DaveO wrote:

If you do even a small amount of research you will find that your statement is incorrect, particularly with DSLRs.

Unless you have done an extensive poll of all the members of this site you cannot make the statement that "most" do not use filters. My statement that "some" do not use filters is correct. If you have done a poll please post the results.

leftj Loc: Texas

papakatz45 wrote:

SOME of us do not need or use UV or haze filters. Not MOST.

Unless you're shooting film you don't need UV or haze filters.

leftj Loc: Texas

anotherview wrote:

Lens filters have become passe. Save your money. ... (show quote)

Luminar can also emulate a CPL filter.

lamontcranston

I would rather clean any dust, dirt, or oily finger marks off of a B&W or Hoya UV filter than off the surface of an expensive lens.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

binsjohn wrote:

Over the years as I've bought more and more expensive cameras and lenses I've bought more and more expensive filters (UV, haze, CPL, ND). All the while I've taken it on faith that more expensive filters mean better photos. Now I'm getting into Leica gear and need some new filter sizes and I'm still asking myself what the differences will really be. Is there any way to know the best way to go without buying multiple filters and comparing them? Any and all insights much appreciated.

I have Heliopan, B&W and Hoya HMC - the only difference I see is that the more expensive filters use metal rings, and Hoya uses a composite material. Optically they are pretty much the same. The Lenstip review consistently places Hoya and Marumi ahead of the more expensive filters based on objective criteria, not value. I see no reason to spend $$$$$ on a filter when the $ one will do the same job. Brass can wreak havoc on lenses that have composite filter threads, btw. If you have an old lens with a brass filter thread, a filter with an aluminum ring can get "welded" to the brass, making it very difficult to get off.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

papakatz45 wrote:

SOME of us do not need or use UV or haze filters. Not MOST.

Yes, some of us live where the air is clear, and there is no haze.

leftj Loc: Texas

lamontcranston wrote:

I would rather clean any dust, dirt, or oily finger marks off of a B&W or Hoya UV filter than off the surface of an expensive lens.

In dusty dirty conditions I agree a UV or clear filter is beneficial. As for finger marks, don't be putting your fingers on your lens glass.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

rmalarz wrote:

I've done a bit of inadvertent experimentation. Th... (show quote)

Bob, right on.

I did not go so far as to call the manufacturers or even retailers, but I have had a number of Professional Photographer - Instructors say that they prefer B+W and Heliopan Filters to any others. And that those two brands' always use German Optical Schott Glass. I believe there are others brands specific models that may come close but why mess around and from what I've seen the few others that are good are actually more expensive.

I too noticed the B+W and Schneider connection and have used both Schneider Large Format (4x5" and 8x10") camera lenses and Enlarging Lenses. I also own Nikon Large Format and Enlarging lenses.

Just the other day I swapped a new 52mm B+W that just came in the mail (from B&H) for another filter. I can see the difference with out even putting the filters on the lens.

And to think I used to buy used glass filters at Frank's Highland Park Camera (in Los Angeles) for less than $4 apiece. A few of those seem like coke bottle bottoms now.