Bob Locher Loc: Southwest Oregon

The subject of filters has surely been around for a long time, but I am a relative new comer as perhaps others might be, so here is a bit of recent experience that I believe is helping me get better pictures.

Initially, I did not use filters on my lenses. Then a number of people pushed me to use UV filters primarily to protect the front element of the lens. So I ended up buying filters for my lenses. I figured they were pretty much all the same so bought cheap ones.

Later I got to thinking on whether there would be a difference in the various brands of filters, so I researched it on the internet. And found this very interesting report:

https://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test.html

I read it carefully. Although the report is relatively old now, it certainly seems authoritative and I was impressed. I expect not a lot ha changed on this subject. I am making changes as suggested by the article. Hello Hoya!

Cheers

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

Bob
If you use the "Search" function at the top of the page, you will find many discussions on the use of filters. Other than CP and ND filters there is a split on their use. Reading the reasons for the yeas and nays may assist you in deciding.

repleo Loc: Boston

The report is about UV filters so naturally the results are skewed towards UV performance. I prefer clear filters for 'protection'. I wonder if there is an equivalent report for clear filters. I've been using B+W filters.

Update:
Found this. I think I have answered my own question.
https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/

Bob Locher Loc: Southwest Oregon

Thanks for the comments; all very interesting. My goal is to protect the lens without turning a $1000 lens into a $200 lens!

Cheers

Bob

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

A lot has changed in filter glass manufacturing since 2009. Do more research.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I was surprised about the ratings, Tiffen at the bottom, wow, they have been around forever.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

I don't understand why UV filters are necessary for digital cameras. I thought all camera manufacturers include UV filters either on their sensors or in coatings on their lenses.

Bob Locher Loc: Southwest Oregon

You are absolutely correct about UV filters on digital camera sensors. The reason most people use a UV filter today is simply to protect the front lens element from damage, scratches and dirt. But it is becoming obvious that some filters are of far better quality than others, in that a poor filter can hurt the quality of the picture - causing loss of resolution etc. As with everything else in photography, it is pretty easy to spend a lot of money and not get what you are paying for... So I value independent tests of such things as filters.

JaiGieEse Loc: Foxworth, MS

I use a [Pro]Master HGX UV (72mm) filter on my Nikkor 18/200 lens. I did some research and discovered that [Pro]Master filters are actually re-labeled Hoya filters, and it seems that my HGX is equivalent to the Hoya filter that aced first place in that survey.

The filter wasn't terribly expensive, but neither was it cheap. I think I paid $89 at a good camera shop. Amazon has listings for the same filter running between $89 and $159.

I've had zero issues with the [Pro]Master filter.