Uv filter: What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg...

SHK5796

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

To use a protective filter or not to. Right up there with Canon or Nikon, Chevy or ford. I only use one in harsh environments. But if it hepls you sleep at night go ahead. Just be sure to use a good one.

SHK5796

Thx

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use B+W filters on every one of my lenses.
--Bob

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

swandsch

My two cents worth is; it's cheaper to purchase a UV lens as protection, then it is to replace your favorite lens. I purchase a UV lens each time I purchase a lens. I do, however, have to admit, I have yet to scratch, crack, or break one of my 'protective' UV lens. For me it's peace of mind.

boberic wrote:

To use a protective filter or not to. Right up there with Canon or Nikon, Chevy or ford. I only use one in harsh environments. But if it hepls you sleep at night go ahead. Just be sure to use a good one.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I always use one. Never had it save a lens but it was there to improve my chances if something had gone wrong. For the little amt. of investment on your part, and considering what you spent on the lens, installing on is a no brainer. Do it would be my recommendation!

Hank Radt

Ahhh, a topic where there are no strongly held opinions!

Take a look at these (spoiler, they argue against protective filters):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZkCnPs45s. Start watching about 9:30.

Start about 6:37 where he smears the lens followed by how he cleans it: https://www.photographycourses.biz/videos/technical/getting-sharp-images/sharp-images-5-tips

He takes a fork to the lens at about 2:10 in this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxEJTj_9ADM (sends shivers up my spine, like the Northrup video did...)

And finally, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0CLPTd6Bds

There are a couple of threads here on UHH where the pros and cons are discussed in detail (search on "filters"). And there are lots of articles and videos on the web if you search on "filter lens protection" - some argue for, some argue against. Best to do some research on your own, listen to the arguments here, and then decide.

Here is a decent summary of various types of filters and their purpose: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/guide-filters-lenses

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

A polarizing filter is for specific purposes, none of which are "general" always-on-the-lens...

You can choose between UV or clear for protection of the highest quality glass from companies such as B+W or Hoya with Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC).

SHK5796

Thx

cthahn

That is up to you. A polarizing filter does not degrade the photo.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

I use Hoya clear filters for protection. By "protection," I mean from dirt, fingerprints, scrapes, etc. For impact protection, the filter is virtually useless, since the glass of the lens is stronger. I use Xume magnetic adapters to hold filters in place, so I can remove and replace them very quickly.

pithydoug Loc: Catskill Mountains, NY

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

UV is not really necessary and just another place to collect dust. A lens hood is all you need.

Not sure how the filter will degrade a picture. You will lose a stop or so but that is normal and adjust your setting to compensate. Any cropping or false enlarging will effect the quality of the pixels and not to the good. If you are shooting jpg make sure you have it set to the largest size.

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

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

1. Any filter degrades IQ of your lens.
2. Filters for that lens are large and heavy, which will make your lens more front heavy, if you hand hold this may lead to fatigue of your arm and shoulders.
3. Quality UV filters in your size tend to be very expensive.
4. Any filter degrades IQ of your lens.
5. I use the following to clean my large glass, works well, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541904-REG/Giottos_AA1903_Rocket_Air_Blower.html
6. I also use this https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1097470-REG/zeiss_2127990_lens_care_kit_2oz.html?sts=pi
7. I use the LENS HOOD to protect my lenses.
8. Any filter degrades the IQ of your lens.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

billnikon wrote:

1. Any filter degrades IQ of your lens. br 2. Filt... (show quote)

Thanks for the reply to the question. Good links.

I just use the lens hood for protection. Maybe a polarizer filter for harsh glare at a beach.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

SHK5796 wrote:

What is the best way to protect lens? Like UV filter? I have Tameron 150-600mm lens. Polarizing filter I have bought degrades the picture, when I enlarge/crop he jpeg pictures. Should I invest in UV filter for protection of lens?

What brand of polarizer? A good one will not degrade your image.