filter or not ? (Page 2): It will be very obvious at about page 16 of endless argument that UV filters are the cats #ss... even though no professional uses them... Sure there are...

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filter or not ?

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Sep 4, 2019 10:00:56 #

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

It will be very obvious at about page 16 of endless argument that UV filters are the cats #ss... even though no professional uses them...

Sure there are times... but wouldn't you think factory installed UV filers would be included in the box if there was any credibility.

The sermon ends with the same outcome each time, and that's why time sharing, life insurance for dogs, UV filters and vitamin pills for pet fish all have something in common...

Sep 4, 2019 10:53:53 #

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I no longer use UV filters, but back when I did, my experience was that a very clean UV filter has virtually no impact on the image. With the exception of shooting into a light source or a very bright reflection - then the effects of glare may be slightly increased with the filter on.

Sep 4, 2019 15:40:45 #

Vietnam Vet

So your pictures are better when you don’t use a dirty filter?

Sep 4, 2019 15:46:55 #

Vietnam Vet

catchlight.. wrote:

Regardless of your personal preferences there are professional photographers who use them

Sep 4, 2019 16:03:30 #

repleo Loc: Boston

Lensrentals did an unscientific impromptu test on the effects of filters on IQ. They took test shots with five stacked 'good' filters and five stacked cheap filters and compared the results with a no filter shot. The 'good' filters had remarkably little effect on the IQ but the cheap filters were pretty awful. Conclusion - 'certainly lends credit to the idea that a high quality, multicoated UV filter has little effect on image quality.'

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2011/06/good-times-with-bad-filters/

Sep 5, 2019 07:33:50 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I use UV filters, but the top of the line filters, as they are part of the optical system attached to the camera. There are only a few specific times that I find the images are affected by the use of a filter. I've done tests specifically addressing image quality and have yet to see any visual difference between photos taken with and without a UV filter.

In your mentioned situation, it was probably the "dirty" aspect of your filter.
--Bob

Lukabulla wrote:

Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)

Sep 5, 2019 08:03:34 #

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I've switched to clear glass.

Sep 5, 2019 08:21:21 #

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

I stopped using “protective” filters years ago. Now I only use one if shooting waterfalls (if there is mist) or in windy, dirty conditions. BTW the filters I was using were all B+W or Heliopan but the additional glass still degraded the final IQ.

Sep 5, 2019 08:29:43 #

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

And then,
... when you buy a new car, be sure to get the $1500 deluxe paint protector system... and don't forget the plastic seat covers.

Sep 5, 2019 08:44:03 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Shooting through a dirty filter will never improve an image. If you want lens protection, try a clear filter, preferably a clean one.

Sep 5, 2019 08:57:51 #

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Let me begin by saying that in my more than 50 years photographing I never used a UV filter for "protection." Something similar to your concerns was discussed here a couple of days ago and in that thread I said that I care for my gear and I only use the lens front cap to protect my lens. I have never had any issues using the front cap.

I mentioned also that if the filter was dirty it would ruin the images. Possibility of flare is more pronounced when using a filter. Your images are now better because your filter with dirt on it was degrading the images. By the way, be very careful when cleaning the surface of the lens because damage to the delicate coatings is always a possibility. If not familiar with the procedure any photo store will teach you how to do it.

Sep 5, 2019 08:58:59 #

franburst

I take photos of racing sailboats. I often get splashed so use a clear glass filter. Keeping it clean is a challenge but have discovered Zeiss Lens Cleaning Wipes. Problem solved. I have found that photos without the filter are sharper. If I'm using a lens hood, I don't use the filter. It all depends...
You can purchase the wipes at Walmart in the optical department. $5.00 for 100 wipes. Hope this helps.

Sep 5, 2019 09:13:48 #

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

CHG_CANON wrote:

Rehashing filters? We can't go 24-hrs without two threads ... https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-608974-1.html

It probably wasn’t deliberate, but could have been, for spite.

Sep 5, 2019 09:35:39 #

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Duh uh! It’s only logical that removing a dirty filter of any kind will improve the clarity of your images.

Stan

Sep 5, 2019 10:28:24 #

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Lukabulla wrote:

Hi Everyone .. br I've always used a UV or skyligh... (show quote)

Throw it away. You will never trust it again and you don’t need anyway. Only put a filter over your lens when you need what that lens does.

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