Senior Photog

Fellow Hogs,

I need a 77mm UV filter for my d750.
The price range is anywheres from approx.
$15 to $60 or more. How would a low end filter compare to a Nikon filter? Would there be a noticable differemce at 16x20?
If so, at what price range does the quality
really show up? I do not want to detract
from my Nikon 24/120mm lens that came
with the d750. Yes, I am aware that you get what you pay for and I can afford the Nikon filter. I'd rather not pay additional
dollars for a name.
Thank you all in advance for what I expect to be interesting replies.
...Joe in NJ

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

B+W Nano coated UV. Keep in mind. The moment you attach a filter to your lens, it becomes part of your optical system. Don't put cheap glass on your high priced lenses.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/756818-REG/B_W_66_1066111_77mm_XS_Pro_NANO_Clear.html

--Bob

Edit: BTW, I use these filters on all of my lenses.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Someone has given you some bum advice - the filter goes on the lens.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

I stopped using filters years ago and have never damaged the front element of any lens. Save your money and don’t shoot through an extra price of glass, cheap or expensive. You don’t need it.

ELNikkor

Greetings, fellow Senior! I was in the same boat last June when I also bought a D750 with the excellent, sharp 24-120 lens. I came across some very good filters for a reasonable price, but, as they were new on the market, there wasn't a lot of talk about them one way or the other. I maybe took a chance on them (they are "Made in China"), but glad I did. They have thin, but strong metal frames, are German Schott glass, (whatever that is!), and do not degrade the image at all. I bought the circular polarizer, MRC-UV, and 10x neutral density filter. The polarizer and neutral density filters do not have a color cast, but are completely neutral. I pointed the lens at the sun and took photos with and without the UV filter, and could not detect any appreciable flare, nor were there any noticeable changes in sharpness, with or without the filters. I paid around $100 for the lot of them, which may have been a special offer at the time. You can pay more, but I don't think you can get much better filters. They are called "Lenskins". By now, there is probably a lot more on the net about them; but whatever is being said, for me, they were just what I was looking for.

Senior Photog

Thank you! You caught me right before I
used super glue to put it on the eye piece!

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Hello Joe may I ask you why you want a 77mm UV filter there’s no good reason for one unless you lens requires it for moisture purposes!
I use one on a Canon 24-105mm f4 L it’s required on my lens if it’s a light rain or dusty but it’s off when the weather is sunny oh it’s clear glass I paid around 90-100 dollars for it! Other than that I don’t use them, I do have a CPL ND filters and again I only use them when it’s going to enhance the photo!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Like others have said, you will ruin an expensive lens with a cheap filter. The difference is in the optical coating and the quality of the filter glass. I only use Breakthrough Photography filters for this reason.

Senior Photog

Hi Richard,

I want the filter mainly to protect the front
element from scratches. I would rather
not shoot through another piece of glass.

...Joe

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

There is a simple solution to your issue. Don't purchase a low quality filter- invest in a fine quality one. Use it judiciously. If you are working indoors, shooting portraits or family activities or setting up a kinda studio environment simply don't use the filter.
When you are shooting in an environment that can possibly damage your lens such as sandy beaches, salt-air, inclement weather, industrial or construction sites, seriously polluted air with dust or debris,. Motorsports events, splashing water, or shooting in a kitchen where there might be food splatter etc, then USE THE FILTER..

Any filter that you place in the light path has the potential of degrading the image quality- Better quality filters minimize that possibility. Always use a lens shade to prevent extraneous ligh from striking filter or the lens. This will assist in avoiding flare which reduces contrast or can significantly degrade the image and will provide some additional lens protection. Coated filters that help avoid flare are recommended.

Unlike with film photography, in digital work a skylight or UV filter is usually not required to negate the bluish cast that resulted in high ultra violet conditions.

Some brands to consider are B+W, Hoya, Sing-Ray, Zeiss, and Tiffen (Professional).

Senior Photog

Thank you sir!

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Yes. You don't need them in benign conditions, but get good quality for the times when you do need them.

Andy

Bill_de Loc: US

I use B+W or Nikon filters. However, since going digital I use NC (Neutral Clear) rather than UV.

--

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

A high quality filter with an optical coating will not interfere with your camera's performance. It is far too easy these digital days to correct.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Just out of curiosity, what are you filtering?! I suggest, instead of a UV filter, use a lens cap.