filter or not ?
Sep 4, 2019 05:37:59 #
Hi Everyone ..
I've always used a UV or skylight filter on lens.
My purpose has been just protection .
Last Saturday was out shooting in daylight and noticed my
UV filter was dirty .. Tried to clean it but didnt work with just
a cloth , so I removed it and shot without it .
When I got home and processed the raw files when I noticed
that the images were slightly better and more ' punchy ' than with a
filter .
Question is ... What are your thoughts on shooting with or without filter ?
I'm using a D300s ..18-105 ..filter was Tiffen UV protector and shooting in P mode ..
Cheers
I've always used a UV or skylight filter on lens.
My purpose has been just protection .
Last Saturday was out shooting in daylight and noticed my
UV filter was dirty .. Tried to clean it but didnt work with just
a cloth , so I removed it and shot without it .
When I got home and processed the raw files when I noticed
that the images were slightly better and more ' punchy ' than with a
filter .
Question is ... What are your thoughts on shooting with or without filter ?
I'm using a D300s ..18-105 ..filter was Tiffen UV protector and shooting in P mode ..
Cheers
Sep 4, 2019 05:47:06 #
Sep 4, 2019 06:01:05 #
Hamltnblue
Loc: Springfield PA
Another thing to look at is the quality of the Filter.
The higher end filters will give you better results.
Not as good as totally removing the filter though.
The higher end filters will give you better results.
Not as good as totally removing the filter though.
Sep 4, 2019 06:08:51 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
This will be fun...
UV is an integrated part of all dlsr sensor designs.
UV filters are for element protection in bad weather. They could be just clear glass, but the manufacturers hype the grandeur with magical powers.
A hood is the best method for day to day protection. I do use gradient and polarize filters in 90% of my personal work, but that is necessary, and I see no degradation in sharpness from those. I doubt that you will notice any problems unless the filter is cheep plastic or off brand. Reflections and glare are the negatives.
Lens coatings are extremely robust so just clean the lens when needed... and that could be once a year, with mostly blowing off dust.
I destroyed a 24-70 with the shattered remains of a UV filter drop years ago and woke up, but many who have had a cup full of UV flavored kool Aid, will try their best to convince you of the absolute need and benefits.
UV is an integrated part of all dlsr sensor designs.
UV filters are for element protection in bad weather. They could be just clear glass, but the manufacturers hype the grandeur with magical powers.
A hood is the best method for day to day protection. I do use gradient and polarize filters in 90% of my personal work, but that is necessary, and I see no degradation in sharpness from those. I doubt that you will notice any problems unless the filter is cheep plastic or off brand. Reflections and glare are the negatives.
Lens coatings are extremely robust so just clean the lens when needed... and that could be once a year, with mostly blowing off dust.
I destroyed a 24-70 with the shattered remains of a UV filter drop years ago and woke up, but many who have had a cup full of UV flavored kool Aid, will try their best to convince you of the absolute need and benefits.
Sep 4, 2019 06:34:39 #
Sep 4, 2019 06:38:59 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)
I try to only use the highest quality filters and do see a difference between Heliopan and B+W (Schneider) vs any inferior ones I have. I only go "naked" lens indoors at home.
Those shooting long telephoto or long zoom lenses with deep lens hoods don't need protective filters for the most part.
The only REAL reason so many people use UV or 1A or 1B filters instead of clear optical glass is because there are a lot of those around used and because that was what was customary for use with film cameras because film is overly UV sensitive. Digital sensors have built on UV and IR filters.
How deep is a lens hood for an extreme WA prime lens? I have a "Film" 19mm and the front element is right there at the front. I can easily stick a dirty finger right past the hood. What sort of hood do 11mm APS-C Digital lenses have?
Sep 4, 2019 06:39:24 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Lukabulla wrote:
Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)
This has been rehashed several times on this site, and yet, it continues to have a life of it's own. It all comes down to individual differences. Personally I use my lens hood as protection for my front element of the lens.
Many new lenses being produced, (yet expensive ones) come with a coating that actually repels dust.
I always carry my trusty Giottos rocket blaster dust removal tool that I use to clear my front element from dust. I do not use UV filters and do not recommend them.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541904-REG/Giottos_AA1903_Rocket_Air_Blower.html?sts=pi-ps&pim=Y
Sep 4, 2019 06:39:48 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)
I have some lenses that can't have a screw-in front filter - 600mmF4, 150-600mm. 14-24 - I've damaged the front element on the 14-24 and it cost me $250 to get it fixed. I have dropped a 100-300 that had a filter attached - mangling the filter ring but not the lens. A camera bag strap failed another time and I dropped a 24-70 and an 80-200. both had filters, both had front element damage. It's a mixed bag - and Kool-Aid comes in many flavors. I feel safer with a front filter on - especially in inclement weather or in situations where the filter, not the lens, is exposed to the elements.
Tiffen is usually not a very highly rated filter - Hoya uses better glass and coatings. The premium brands use better glass and coatings, and metal rings. Enjoy the Kool Aid - pick a flavor you like - bottoms up!
Sep 4, 2019 06:43:11 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
Gene51 wrote:
I have some lenses that can't have a screw-in fron... (show quote)
... see what I mean, It get's fun
Sep 4, 2019 06:45:53 #
Sep 4, 2019 06:46:07 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
Lukabulla wrote:
Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)
I'm not surprised that your pictures looked better without that DIRTY filter. Using a filter is a habit from the 1950's film days. Keeps my precious lens front element clean, and un marked.
Sep 4, 2019 07:14:37 #
Rehashing filters? We can't go 24-hrs without two threads ... https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-608974-1.html
Sep 4, 2019 08:37:34 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)
I am a strong believer of an ultraviolet filter. In part because it avoids a very minor amount of haziness. It will also prevent damage to the first element. Please read what I had written on a separate post.
Sep 4, 2019 09:06:51 #
I use B+W clear filters on my lenses to protect them from dust, sand, fingerprints, fumbled lens caps and general grunge. I would rather clean a filter than clean a lens. I don't count on the filter as protection against drops or bangs. The only real protection against dropping a lens on a concrete sidewalk is luck.
Sep 4, 2019 09:10:04 #
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