foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I asked that question a long time ago. No answer yet.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Well, I have some high mark-up low-cost filters I'd like to interest you in ....

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

The Marumi Lens Protect Super, clear filters are also very high in quality.

Paul Diamond Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA

I, too, used to always have a UV filter on each lens (in the 'olden days'). Because I wanted the best contrast/acutance and resolution for my D800E and D850 camera body/lens combos, I bought expensive optically flat multi-coated filters. After reading this topic on UHH some years ago, I decided to test my camera/lens systems with and without the filters. Did I see greater quality without the filter or with it?

Even hundred dollar filters weren't so great! In my tests, every side-by-side shot was compared to see what benefit or detriment was created in a filter vs no filter photo. The filters literally 'lost' and I began removing them from my lenses. With digital imaging and good post production, I can duplicate almost any benefit of using a filter without the reduced image quality or distortions caused by the expensive filters.

Lesson learned. And happily shared here.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I guess you had a hard time reading the original post.

Bill_de Loc: US

OP said that in his case the UV filter did protect the lens. If I read that wrong, my apologies.

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selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

His evidence shows that the filter broke because the metal ring holding its glass was impacted from the side.

But there is no evidence that the filter actually protected the lens.

If the filter had been struck directly from the front it would have broken in a different manner, inwards toward the lens. If that were the case the filter would have been impacted from the front and the broken filter glass would have likely been pushed toward the lens front surface. The filter might easily have touched the surface of the lens.

The bottom line is that the filter provides almost no impact protection for the front surface of the lens.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Sigh.

The strap was a woven Hyperion wrist design. There is a small Titanium snap hook with a Pelikan fastener that got twisted around and unlatched. The spring that holds the latch shut is being returned for warranty replacement.

U/V filters make my images look soft: Try cleaning them every now and then.

U/V filters block light: I only use Breakthrough Photography X4 U/V filters which pass 99.2% of available light on average. On this Ken Rockwell and I agree (Ken is a pretty nice guy, great to go out shooting with). See Mfg's chart.

Internal Elements and Function of Lens are Affected: Nope, I used it the next day, this time with a CPL, and there are zero problems.

Not meant to protect the lens from physical damage: You are correct, but in this instance, it was an added, no-cost benefit. And,

No love without no glove: 🤣🤣🤣

UV coating that will degrade the image: No it won't. Unless you are using a $25 "Protection Filter" that you got at Best Buy.

In short, another fake news UV filter protection post: What do you think I did, tapped the U/V filter with a hammer to break the glass? Seriously?

Is this (alleged) degradation something you can see: I doubt that any of us have vision so acute that we can discern a .8% degradation in light transmission

It was the glass that saved you: No, 'twas Beauty killed the Beast. I could not resist.

A UV filter may also alter the color balance: With modern camera and lens systems, not to mention post-processing software, the impact on color balance is too minuscule to mention. Also, glass and coating science has improved lightyears ahead of where it was in the days of film.

Those straps seem very sturdy and could actually cushion the fall if it fell onto it: Yeah, but the strap was dangling on my wrist like a limp noodle when the clasp failed.

that would make me even just 0.3% better: Yes, buy more gear. GAS, GAS, GAS!!

Use of CPL filters: Other than some specialized Dark CPLs for astrophotography in bright urban areas, I never use CPLs any more, unless I am shooting near bodies of water and want to control reflections.

I am not trying to be snarky (well maybe a little), but I am astonished that 113 of you commented.

P.S. Breakthrough Filters is going to honor a warranty and repair my filter for just the cost of postage to return it.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Nothing should surprise you when you brought up one of UHH’s favorite subjects.

Nickaroo

I make sure that I have one on my 600mm f/4 Nikon lens, especially when I know for sure that we will be running through the woods trying to squeeze some last minute shots and all the while we are at the point of saying "And Here's One For The Park Ranger Who Told Us To Be Careful". Hey protection always works, especially when I was at Michigan spending my parents Hard-Earned cash for my education. I did not ever want to go Home at Thanksgiving and tell them Guess What? You know, the one in-the-oven.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

I have clear protective filters on all of my lens.

Don

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

That IS!!!!! protecting the lens.
Even recently someone here asked about how to fix bent filter threads on a lens.
Guess what, the lens actually has more than glass as part of the construction, if you look real carefully.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

So a filter protects the filter threads?

I don’t think that’s our top priority.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Actually, that IS the one protection - maybe the only proven mechanical protection .....and, of course they keep airborn contaminates off the glass also.......
.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

For you wealthy people but for us hard working people that is a big issue as well.