Protective filter or no filter that is the question: I realize this has been debated since the beginning of time and all my searches result in ancient opinions dating back to before...

jpy15026

I realize this has been debated since the beginning of time and all my searches result in ancient opinions dating back to before color film but I thought I'd ask what are the latest opinions are considering the current optic technology of today's current lenses?
Skylight ?, UV?, None?
What say you?
Thanks in advance

Quixdraw Loc: x

jpy15026 wrote:

I realize this has been debated since the beginning of time and all my searches result in ancient opinions dating back to before color film but I thought I'd ask what are the latest opinions are considering the current optic technology of today's current lenses?
Skylight ?, UV?, None?
What say you?
Thanks in advance

Only you can choose your true religion. No other can decide for you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you only shoot digitally, go with a clear if you don't like finger prints and dust on your lens and have some aspiration of selling the lens later. If you don't care, don't use a filter. It's your lens; it's your decision.

MW

If you must get one get clear, not skylight or UV. Those are relevant to film not digital. Hoya has a pricey line of protective filters that are very good optically and are close to un-smudge-able. Also dust tends not to stick on them. Cheap protective filters may degrade picture quality.

Having written the above it’s only fair to mention that I don’t use a protective filter. I do usually use a lens hood but that’s to avoid problems with sun flare rather than physical protection.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

CHG_CANON wrote:

If you only shoot digitally, go with a clear if you don't like finger prints and dust on your lens and have some aspiration of selling the lens later. If you don't care, don't use a filter. It's your lens; it's your decision.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

quixdraw wrote:

Only you can choose your true religion. No other can decide for you.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I use clear glass filter only because it makes me feel better

Linda S.

I typically can be careless...I use a clear filter...avid amateur.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

jpy15026 wrote:

I realize this has been debated since the beginning of time and all my searches result in ancient opinions dating back to before color film but I thought I'd ask what are the latest opinions are considering the current optic technology of today's current lenses?
Skylight ?, UV?, None?
What say you?
Thanks in advance

I've found they do help. I have several broken filters and lenses that they were attached to were just fine. I have several lenses for which no filter is available or reasonably priced, and aside from the build up of "cleaning marks" they are fine as well. I do like the pristine look of a front element that has been under glass.

Most of the time the images are barely affected - if at all. But one lens, a 100-300 F4 by Sigma is not happy with a UV/clear/skylight filter in front of it.

It's a bit ironic that the proponents of naked glass use CPL, ND and GND filters when needed - or am I missing something?

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

I have a clear glass 'not-filter' for those beach days when the wind is coming from the south (Gulf of Mexico) and I don't feel like gunking up my lens with salt water, or if the sand is orbiting at high velocity around my head. But those are rare times so I usually don't bother taking it out of the bag. But that is only personal opinion and not gospel as Quix mentioned earlier

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Gene51 wrote:

I've found they do help. I have several broken fil... (show quote)

Yep, if it's needed (clear or otherwise). But I am nowhere good enough to discern any noticeable difference in my photos with or without

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

jpy15026 wrote:

I realize this has been debated since the beginning of time and all my searches result in ancient opinions dating back to before color film but I thought I'd ask what are the latest opinions are considering the current optic technology of today's current lenses?
Skylight ?, UV?, None?
What say you?
Thanks in advance

Just UV for protection of front lens element. Good quality like Hoya or B&W

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

Although I have seen a few articles claiming that the manufacturers don't recommend protective filters, I use them. I put it on a new lens and leave it there. I use clear, not UV or any other actual filter. I use good quality clear ones and don't second guess myself. Just my 2¢. Reasonable persons may differ.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Curmudgeon wrote:

I use clear glass filter only because it makes me feel better

I was about to say the vvery same thing

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Although a current product, I had to go to a 2007 release to find a Canon product manual that includes a reference to using a filter to complete the water-resistant aspect of the lens design.

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