Lens Shade vs. Filters for protection: Shade proponents got it right, Mostly! (Page 2): Thanks!! But isn't there a problem? The strength of the screw in metal lens caps is that when...

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

jerryc41 wrote:

You can have both screw-in metal and convenience. Look at the Xume magnetic filter adapters.

http://www.xumeadapters.com/

Thanks!! But isn't there a problem?

The strength of the screw in metal lens caps is that when the lens falls the filter thread does not deform and of course the front glass element is also protected.

If the cap were magnetic it would certainly be very convenient but now there's the risk that the cap might pop off in a fall resulting in more damage. I tend to look at these as better than the clip on caps but not as good as the metal ones.

WereWolf1967 Loc: Knoxville, TN

Bridges wrote:

It seems every few months there is a five to ten p... (show quote)

I always keep my lens hoods reversed on the lens barrels when not in use. Conversely, I always keep a lens hood attached on the lens when in use. I learned the hard way many years ago while traversing some rugged terrain, that a camera body, motor drive and expensive lens can and do swing out in front of one and can easily contact rock/stone surfaces with unrestrained forward energy. I tore a chunk of glass out of the front lens element on my Leica 80mm f/1.4 lens. Thank GOD for the still in effect Leitz 3 year full passport warranty. It even covers for D.A.'s like me. I shipped it to them, sent along my statement and 2 weeks later, I received a brand new lens in a sealed box. Anybody that doesn't believe that Leitz cameras and lenses aren't worth the cost well.........

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

WereWolf1967 wrote:

I always keep my lens hoods reversed on the lens b... (show quote)

My lens hood story isn't as dramatic as yours but is also a good lesson for us. My problem generally is getting hit by branches as I hike through the bush and when I'm in a place with a lot of people the lens often gets smacked by people passing me.

None of these are issues as long as there is a lens hood on the lens. What is an issue is the little kids who race around with their ice cream cones. On a number of occasions I've almost had an ice cream smeared across my lens. Thankfully the lens hood protected me from that fate too.

Since I tend to use mostly sealed lenses particularly where there are a lot of people, having the ice cream smeared along the side of the lens is ok, I can continue to take pictures and clean the lens barrel after. Were it not for the lens hood, I'd have had to stop each time and spend a lot of effort recovering my front lens element before continuing.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Capture48 wrote:

In my opinion filters for protection are a SLR thing, left over from non-digital age. With the lens coatings manufactures use these days, it just does not make sense to put a cheep piece of glass in front of my good glass. But these filter makers have to try to sell them to stay in business, so they sell them as if they were a condom. If you are careful you don't need protection, and lens hoods offer just as much protection as a filter
if not more. Bonus, they come with your lenses.

No offense meant as we all have our preferences. Recently I was at my favorite camera store in Colorado Springs. I asked about filter protecting the front of the lens and the owner brought out a small box filled with various filters that were cracked or smashed. He explained that every one of them had been brought in by a customer who had dropped the camera and it had hit on the front of the lens. Fortunately and again, in every case, the lens glass was untouched while the filter was smashed or cracked beyond use. I realize the UV filter or clear filter does nothing to protect the photograph from UV rays. But the protection of the filter protecting the glass at the front of the lens is unbeatable in my opinion. I have filters on all of my lenses and a lens hood as well. I also have a lens cap on every lens I own. For me it is cheap protection for the front glass both from the elements or from dropping your equipment.

Fortunately each of us gets to make our own decisions.

Dennis

WereWolf1967 Loc: Knoxville, TN

Bugfan wrote:

My lens hood story isn't as dramatic as yours but ... (show quote)

I don't know what's worse, the stone or the Ice Cream. Ice Cream when melted can insinuate itself into some micro sized places where it can elude cleaning and gum things up especially in today's looser lenses.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

WereWolf1967 wrote:

I don't know what's worse, the stone or the Ice Cream. Ice Cream when melted can insinuate itself into some micro sized places where it can elude cleaning and gum things up especially in today's looser lenses.

Actually I'm not sure which is worse either. Alas in the bush stones are inevitable. In busy places lots of people and kids are inevitable too. But I can avoid the kids. So I've learned how to do that, particularly the ones with ice cream cones. And when I can't avoid them I hold the camera up high which usually does the trick too. Well ... until the day when I meet a seven foot kid I suppose or until giraffes start eating ice cream cones too..

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

jerryc41 wrote:

You can have both screw-in metal and convenience. Look at the Xume magnetic filter adapters.

http://www.xumeadapters.com/

Toward the end of the video demonstration it says, "We suggest you always use a lens hood, just to be safe."

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

WereWolf1967 wrote:

I always keep my lens hoods reversed on the lens b... (show quote)

This story actually highlights the stupidity of hanging a camera around your neck on a strap, as well as the benefits that can be afforded by using a filter and/or a hood.

WereWolf1967 Loc: Knoxville, TN

lighthouse wrote:

This story actually highlights the stupidity of hanging a camera around your neck on a strap, as well as the benefits that can be afforded by using a filter and/or a hood.

Hey, I resemble that. Actually, I am a alumni of the college of dumb a** and stupidity. I graduated Summa Cum Laude.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

WereWolf1967 wrote:

Hey, I resemble that. Actually, I am a alumni of the college of dumb a** and stupidity. I graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Seem to recall now that I did a similar thing once, except the strap actually pulled out of one end ... just slipped fractions of a millimeter over an extended period of time until ........ clang, bang, bing, crash, splat.
I have never used a strap since I don't think.

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

I like metal caps too- still have on some lenses. If you really are looking for metal caps, a quick search gives this hit, as well as numerous available of miscellaneous mm's at E-Bay, Amazon, etc.

http://www.lenscaps.com

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

lighthouse wrote:

This story actually highlights the stupidity of hanging a camera around your neck on a strap, as well as the benefits that can be afforded by using a filter and/or a hood.

when hiking and climbing, I agree. for walking around a neck strap or harness makes sense. I even use a neck strap when I mount my camera on a tripod or monopod.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Capture48 wrote:

In my opinion filters for protection are a SLR thing, left over from non-digital age. With the lens coatings manufactures use these days, it just does not make sense to put a cheep piece of glass in front of my good glass. But these filter makers have to try to sell them to stay in business, so they sell them as if they were a condom. If you are careful you don't need protection, and lens hoods offer just as much protection as a filter
if not more. Bonus, they come with your lenses.

Have you or has anyone tested the filters by taking pictures with and without the UV filter installed?

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

Yes. I have shot both with and without IR, SkyA-1 filters on lenses dating back to 1960s ("AI converted" Nikkors screwed onto a D-7000). I can live with any virtually indiscernible "light loss" incurred. That's what all the buttons and dials are for. I would much rather "scrape" dust off of a filter, than the lens's front element... And, yes- lens hoods are good for bumps too. My 2.8 135mm Nikkor with "built in" lens hood can attest to falling down "inclines" in Colorado and elsewhere - none the worse for functionality.