ICUQT Loc: Columbia, NJ

Hi,
What is a good UV filter that won't break the bank. I need to buy one for my Canon and my Sony . I guess I need to get a different one for all of them due to different sizes? Thanks.
ICUQT

Vietnam Vet

dont skimp on filters, spend more than you think you can afford

ICUQT Loc: Columbia, NJ

Thanks Vietnam Vet,
How much do you think a good one will cost me? AND Thanks for your service.

Trustforce Loc: Chicago, Illinois

I did a little research and decided that buying a better uv filter from either B&W or Hoya made a lot of sense even though the price is 3 to 4 times what a Tiffen filter costs. Both are high optical quality glass with brass frames and excellent coatings. I bought a B&W "nano" uv for a new nikkor lens I just purchased and am very pleased with the product.

Joe Blow

You don't really "need" a protective filter in front of your lens. Back in the old days of film, ultra violet light would expose film past what the visible light did. Then the lens makers started coating their lenses to reduce unwanted UV lights, flare, and other issues. These coatings could be rubbed off if not cleaned carefully. UV filters were used both to reduce the unseen UV light and to also protect the end glass from cleaning.

Today, UV exposure is easily corrected before hand by the settings on your camera. It may also be corrected in post editing. At the same time, lens coatings have become much better. Today's coatings resist oil, water, finger prints, and dust. They are also very resilient to cleaning, especially with inexpensive alcohol lens cleaners. A protective UV filter is unnecessary.

You don't need a UV filter but there is little harm in using one. Any dust on the front element is simply too close to the focal plane to be noticeable in the final shot. I should point out that even the distortion caused by an average filter is difficult to notice unless analyzed side by side with hi tech equipment.

The moral of the story is getting a UV filter is not necessary and can only damage your wallet. If spending $25-$100 on a protective filter gives you peace of mind, then get one. If you don't have one on your lens then don't worry about it.

Trustforce Loc: Chicago, Illinois

I couldn't disagree with joe's post more. Yes modern lens coating has improved, but which would you rather have break if your lens drops, a filter or the front lens element. I think the answer is a no-brainer. Buying a decent filter is insurance and to my mind, necessary.

Hank Radt

Take a look at this thread, and look at some of the videos, especially the one by Steve Perry: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-491954-1.html

John Cline Loc: Elkins Park, PA

Why not buy a cheap filter with a metal rim and take the glass out; still protects the lens with no degradation of the image.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

VIVITAR

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Don't let naysayers talk you out of this. They seem to love to live dangerously. I use these are all of my lenses, but not all of the time. B+W XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter or B+W 77mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano Filter. There are a few times when removing the filter renders far better images.
--Bob

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Here is professional photographer Steve Perry on the subject:
https://youtu.be/P0CLPTd6Bds

The only filter a digital camera need is the circular polarizing filter. It eliminates flares and reflections, as well as increase colors in the sky. Furthermore, a natural density filter can is useful for long exposures. That’s it, that’s the filters you should consider getting. Period. Fin. End of story.

Now, please click the link above and listen to what Steve has to say about it.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

At last an educated answer on this topic. Thanks!

Jim Bob

Neither educated nor relevant.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

This is professional photographer Tony Northrup on the issue:
https://youtu.be/YcZkCnPs45s

At the end of the clip he shows how much force it takes to scratch a lens and what the image quality impact is.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

These links should help you decide.

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/
http://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test_Introduction.html
http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/2262/are-digital-sensors-sensitive-to-uv

Is your main concern UV or lens protection? I use clear filters for protection from dust, grit, salt spray, and damage from wind-blown debris, not from someone hitting the lens with a hammer.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/UV-and-Clear-Lens-Protection-Filters.aspx
https://www.dpreview.com/news/2266928733/confused-about-protective-filters-for-your-lens-roger-cicala-breaks-it-down
https://fstoppers.com/gear/do-uv-filters-really-protect-your-lens-shocker-not-really-83968

Consider Xume magnetic filter adapters for fast removal. Also, step-up rings will let you use a larger filter on a smaller lens.