bob100

I know there is lots of debate on the pro and cons of using a filter on the front of an expensive lens. If you come down on the side of wanting to put a filter on a lens would there be a difference in quality (in this case meaning the least optical harm) between Nikon, B+W, Hoya or other brand filters? For an example if you had a premium piece of Nikon glass like the 105mm f1.4, would you put an NC or UV filter on it and if so, which brand would be the best to use. Thank you for offering your insights on this question.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Would I put a UV filter on the lens? No! Why? Because it serves no actual purpose. Use a lens cap and hood if you want to protect the front of the lens.

mikee

If you really, really, really want to use a filter, then Breakthrough Photography looks like they have the best glass.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

This topic has been discussed on the forum a number of times - it’s still a legitimate question. The response by member “Rmorrison1116” reflects the concensus of many - a good lens hood and lens cap provide better, more cost effective protection than a filter.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Not if the wind is blowing the rain or spray stright into the front of the lens when shooting.

User ID

`

Always using filters. Never without.
Won't buy a lens with bulging front
glass cuz I can't put a filter on it.

Do the purists who fear loss of IQ
have any technical grounds for that
fear ? YES. Whenever you plan to
print your image several feet wide
and view it from 2 feet away, do be
sure to remove your filter ! And be
sure to focus by magnified live view.
And use a 15lb tripod. And shoot at
base ISO. Etc etc.

Now I am NOT being absurd. There
are photographers who do all of the
above [or at least most of it]. Their
boring pictures are more than sharp
enuf to prove that all that stuff does
promote maximum IQ. Join the club
if that's your thing. I hear it's fun !

.

bob100

Thank you!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Use B+W XS-PRO MRC filters, their top line. The clear is pure protection of the front lens element and so 'clear' you wonder if the glass is even there.

bob100

Thank you

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I've shot many times with wind blowing spray on to the front of my lens. It's really annoying and one has to wipe the mist off the lens but, if you are out in rain or ocean spray and you are not using a water resistant lens, you're asking for trouble. If you truly believe a UV filter will protect a non water sealed lens from rain and ocean spray, you will be replacing your lens a lot sooner than you want to.

For OP...
Have you ever photographed the moon with a clear glass filter attached? Have you ever shot something that has bright points of light in it, with a clear filter attached? Have you ever shot indoors in an area where there are bright lights in the periphery? Even the clearest of clear filters are subject to reflection and ghosting. This is one of the reasons I don't use them.
Unless the OP has really inexpensive lenses, I guarantee, I say, I guarantee, the front element of the land is a whole heck of a lot stronger than the thin glass protector filter. As for fingerprints, don't touch the front of the lens.

I'm not telling you not to use them, that's totally your call. I'm telling you the truth about why I don't use them.
And to be totally honest, I do own a Canon L series lens that actually requires a front protective filter to make it fully water resistant. I don't take it out in the rain.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

If it's raining, I'd have plenty other, more serious concerns than the issue of the front element of the lens getting wet or not! Such as, how can I prevent water from seeping into the camera or lens. The front element can handle a little water spray just fine.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Personally, I use a rain coat if it's more than a light sprinkle. I don't particularly care for the idea of my camera body and lens taking a shower. If you need to be in inclement weather, dress your self and your camera accordingly.
I also use the rain coat for long night exposures when the temperature is kissing the dew point.

ed2056 Loc: Warwick, RI

I was always taught that if you put a cheap filter out front of an expensive lens, you now have a cheap lens. I personally use Nikon, Hoya, Promaster, and Tiffen filters.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I use B&W filters for everything. You have thousands of dollars in a lens, don't put a piece of shit glass in front of it

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Never heard of that brand?