Got lucky and found a mint Nikon 300 mm F4....considering a polarizing filter.....any thoughts..?? most all of my other lense have them for protection and reflections...
thanks all......
gw
GET A "UV" filter first. gj36
JimH
Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
Actually, most will tell you the CPL is far more useful. Since the UV only serves as 'protection', the CPL performs the polarizing benefits, and protects.
I wouldn't use them both at the same time, though. Keep the CPL on outside in anything above dim sunlight, and take it off inside. Put the UV on to protect the front element in other situations.
And don't skimp on the CPL - chances are anything under about $40 is optically impure. Hoya, B+W, Tiffen are recommended.
KB
Loc: Tennessee
Don't buy a UV. It can only degrade your images, so it's money down the drain. The money you save can be added to the CPL budget. Buy a 'good' CPL and use a lense hood for protection.
Manny
Loc: Maryland, but headed to Kentucky
KarlB wrote:
Don't buy a UV. It can only degrade your images, so it's money down the drain. The money you save can be added to the CPL budget. Buy a 'good' CPL and use a lense hood for protection.
Why not get a decent UV? What kind of data do you have that shows they will degrade your photos?
I have heard big name professional photographers say that UV filters can degrade your image and why would you use a inferior piece of glass over your ED or L lens.
My response is if I did not pay for most of my equipment(loaned to them) or was able to purchase at very large discounted prices I wouldn't need to protect my lens either.
Protect your lens with the best filters you can aford.Unless you have a dirty filter or a big oily smudge you will have no problems.
JimH
Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
Karl B is just slightly alarmist. Studies I've read have shown that GOOD QUALITY UV filters do not degrade the light entering most lenses to any appreciable degree. Repeat, GOOD QUALITY UV filters. We're talking $80-120 bucks, here folks. Not the $5.99 Bowers from Walmart.
http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-SUPER-HMC-Haze-UV/dp/B00009R9EQ
Thanks for all your suggestions.......will probably go with the cpl......hoya or better....quality most always pays...
happy shooting
Just keep in mind that a Circular Polarizer can cost you an f stop. I use high end (expensive) UV filters on my Canon L glass and have never had a degradation problem. I have had several instances, where the filter saved my expensive glass. I use my lens hoods, but that won't stop a rock from flying into your front element (I sometimes shoot in extreme situations). You don't always want a polarizer on your lens and it is easy to forget the thing is there.
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