Why I Use a UV Filter for Lens Protection (Page 2): Did you consider the possibility that the lens would have been intact, regardless of the presence of the UV filter? UV filters are...

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

StevenG wrote:

The lens cap broke, and the UV filter was smashed to bits. However, the lens was completely in tact, with absolutely no damage!

Did you consider the possibility that the lens would have been intact, regardless of the presence of the UV filter? UV filters are thin enough to push your thumb through them without much effort. It does not take much force at all to break them. However, the front element on the lens is typically a fairly thick chunk of glass... unless you are super strong, don't expect to be able to push you thumb through it!

I'm not saying it is impossible the flimsy UV filter played a role in keeping your lens from shattering, but it is more likely the filter did nothing at all.

Let's say, you have a steel plate. you place a glass sheet over it. Then you shoot an arrow at the glass-covered steel plate. The glass shatters, yet there is no apparent damage to the steel plate.
Can one therefore conclude the glass actually protected the steel plate from destruction?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Haydon wrote:

Just bought the popcorn to watch the rest of the thread :)

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Some years a go I looked at my lens in preparation top cleaning it and there was a rather long scratch inn the filter- don't know where, when or how, but...
At the time there was, as I recall, a somewhat raging debate about the use of protective filters - Have continued their use without ever looking back

Silverman Loc: Michigan

StevenG wrote:

Over the years I have read a number of pros and co... (show quote)

Glad your UV saved your Camera Lens, that would have been a " Heart-Stopping" for me, since as a Retiree with limited income, replacement would have been a difficult task.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

Silverman wrote:

Glad your UV saved your Camera Lens, that would have been a " Heart-Stopping" for me, since as a Retiree with limited income, replacement would have been a difficult task.

Exactly my sentiment.

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

StevenG wrote:

Over the years I have read a number of pros and co... (show quote)

Either your camera bag has 0 padding, not closed with snaps, or the bag feel 100 feet to break both the lens cap and the filter, but yet NO damage to the lens, very interesting. Something is not right with your story, sorry, it just does not add up. My camera bags are all padded and I have individual compartments for each lens, and yes, I have dropped my bag and have had 0 damage.

Plieku69 Loc: The Gopher State, south end

I have them on some, not all my lens. I have read all the pro and con arguments.
My Canon 100mm Macro has the front element so close to the end of body that it gets bumped easily. It has and needs protection.
I also have a lens, bought on UHH, that had evidence of a broken filter. There was no observable damage, but the focus mechanism was damaged.

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Many will say where is your lens hood? ...

So, where is it?

As a note... the shattered bits from your protective filter can destroy the lens coating and can be left in the cracks to be wiped and scratched around later.

There is no way to defend glass shattering onto your lens. The distortion when the metal ring bends in a corner hit, usually breaks the edge of the lens body.

The very best method for 100% protection from impact is, a hood.

Too many drink the Kool Aid and waste their money on BS marketing and voodoo.

StevenG wrote:

Over the years I have read a number of pros and co... (show quote)

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

catchlight.. wrote:

Many will say where is your lens hood? ... br br ... (show quote)

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

I used to use a UV or Skylight filter for my F2 Photomic way back and have a UV on my 7Dii. I fell on my Nikkormat and damaged the alignment and had to send it back to Japan for realignment. Didn't realise that I cracked a rib and 30 years later a fragment showed up as a 'shadow' on my lung...

Dik

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

catchlight.. wrote:

Many will say where is your lens hood? ... br br ... (show quote)

My lens hood was on the lens. It is the kind of lens hood that fits on the lens in a backward position when not in use. When it is to be used, it is removed from the lens, reversed, and screwed onto the lens in the “frontward” position. The lens does not fit in the camera bag when the hood is in the “frontward” position.

StevenG Loc: Long Island, NY

billnikon wrote:

Either your camera bag has 0 padding, not closed with snaps, or the bag feel 100 feet to break both the lens cap and the filter, but yet NO damage to the lens, very interesting. Something is not right with your story, sorry, it just does not add up. My camera bags are all padded and I have individual compartments for each lens, and yes, I have dropped my bag and have had 0 damage.

Your right! I made the whole thing up.

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

StevenG wrote:

Your right! I made the whole thing up.

Didn't say that. What I said is I don't buy what your selling.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

StevenG wrote:

Over the years I have read a number of pros and co... (show quote)

Frankly, I do not want an extra piece of glass between my sensor and my subject when photographing. Used to use them all the time, but after discussing with several local pros, decided I would not use them any longer. I do have total replacement insurance to cover any accident that I may have with my photo equipment.

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

twillsol wrote:

Frankly, I do not want an extra piece of glass between my sensor and my subject when photographing. Used to use them all the time, but after discussing with several local pros, decided I would not use them any longer. I do have total replacement insurance to cover any accident that I may have with my photo equipment.