sonwolf
Established
Are Voigtlander lens coatings tough enough to handle a LensPen cleaning without marring the surface?
The Voigtlander lenses, especially the Ultrons, perform noticeably better without a filter. My paranoia regarding cleaning the lens surfaces holds me back from being naked and happy.
To answer a question before it is asked, I use B+W UV MRC's on all my lenses. These filters clean beautifully with a LensPen.
The Voigtlander lenses, especially the Ultrons, perform noticeably better without a filter. My paranoia regarding cleaning the lens surfaces holds me back from being naked and happy.
To answer a question before it is asked, I use B+W UV MRC's on all my lenses. These filters clean beautifully with a LensPen.
sonwolf
Established
With a filter mounted on the Ultrons, the lenses display more obvious flare. I realize the filter is not causing the flare but it does seem to accentuate the effect. A few times when flare, especially veiling, annoyed me, I removed the filter and noticed an improvement. Not a solution to the problem, just a lessening of the effect.
Has anyone else noticed this tendency?
Has anyone else noticed this tendency?
sonwolf
Established
If you believe filters have no effect on image quality, take a look at the test ShootSmarter conducted:
http://www.shootsmarter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=167&acat=16
http://www.shootsmarter.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=167&acat=16
sonwolf
Established
There is no charge for joining ShootSmarter, you just have to register. The website is definitely worth a look.
The information on controlling TTL flash is alone worth the registration hassle.
The information on controlling TTL flash is alone worth the registration hassle.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
Just fondle the camera.
Why take it out and actually use it?
Why take it out and actually use it?
PICHA
Established
Try a Heliopan filter. they are the only filters coated on both sides (and made of Zeiss glass).
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Wait, you're a naked owner of a Voigtlaender? :angel:
Gabriel M.A.
My Red Dot Glows For You
Emm...if you're a naked owner of a Voigtlaender, there should be no need to take anything out...
feenej
Well-known
I thought the question was gonna be about chafing. You know, they don't hang straight down.
40oz
...
The coatings people are so worried about are there to reduce flare. I'm really not understanding why someone would permanently mount a flare-producing filter on a coated lens to protect the anti-flare coating. What's worse is the idea that one must pay as much as possible for the flare-inducer. I seem to see numerous posts regarding the improved flare resistance of modern expensive lenses as a major justification for their purchase, so what gives? Buy an expensive lens for superior flare resistance and image quality, then mount a flare-inducing and non-focusing filter to it to ensure every picture suffers? Might as well just use cheap lenses and spend the balance on film instead.
If filters didn't cause flare, they wouldn't be coated. And lenses are coated and still suffer from flare. So spare me the "yeah, but XXX brand filter is coated so it alone WON'T flare." If filter coatings were so good they *completely eliminated* flare, they'd coat lenses with the same stuff, now wouldn't they?
Also seems kind of silly to pay more than a few bucks for a lens that is coated with something so soft as to cause irrepairable harm if it is ever so much as touched. And why rub something on your lens surface regularly if you are so concerned about the coatings? I'd ditch the lens pen and filter and use a blower and brush, resorting to a soft touch with a soft cloth and cleaner for smudges.
But then, I have numerous shots of ugly flare from filters followed by much better flare-free shots of the same scene. Yeah, it's probably because I haven't spend enough money yet :/
Filters have a use, just like tripods and flashes. I'm not sure why something that is good to use for specific shots *must* be good to use for every shot.
If filters didn't cause flare, they wouldn't be coated. And lenses are coated and still suffer from flare. So spare me the "yeah, but XXX brand filter is coated so it alone WON'T flare." If filter coatings were so good they *completely eliminated* flare, they'd coat lenses with the same stuff, now wouldn't they?
Also seems kind of silly to pay more than a few bucks for a lens that is coated with something so soft as to cause irrepairable harm if it is ever so much as touched. And why rub something on your lens surface regularly if you are so concerned about the coatings? I'd ditch the lens pen and filter and use a blower and brush, resorting to a soft touch with a soft cloth and cleaner for smudges.
But then, I have numerous shots of ugly flare from filters followed by much better flare-free shots of the same scene. Yeah, it's probably because I haven't spend enough money yet :/
Filters have a use, just like tripods and flashes. I'm not sure why something that is good to use for specific shots *must* be good to use for every shot.
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aniMal
Well-known
Hehe - I really agree... Stopped using filters years ago - and have so far never gotten any real heavy scrathces or damages.
Besides, the back element tend to give MUCH more flare if damaged. So, being careful cleaning and always putting on caps on the back of the lens seems to work fine for me at least!
Besides, the back element tend to give MUCH more flare if damaged. So, being careful cleaning and always putting on caps on the back of the lens seems to work fine for me at least!
selma-1
Established
Filters
Filters
I have had the the same problems over the years with, use filters, or don't use filters. I have been shotting for over 45 years and have studied the pros and cons, Currently I use Multi Coated Filters on all of my lenses. I use a combination of Nikon, Contax, Heliopan and B+W. I also use a lens hood with all my lenses. I have seen many an occasion where the lens was saved due to the use of a filter or lens Hood. Some years ago my Nikon 20-35mm f2.8 cost $1600.00 and the use of a lens Hood and Filter saved this lens from damage when it took a tumble on loose gravel . I replaced the Lens Hood and Filter. The lens was fine.These include dropping, the elements, Salt Water Spray, Etc. Use or don't use a filter is personal preference, but if you ever scratch a $500.00 + lens, you will wish you had one.
Filters
I have had the the same problems over the years with, use filters, or don't use filters. I have been shotting for over 45 years and have studied the pros and cons, Currently I use Multi Coated Filters on all of my lenses. I use a combination of Nikon, Contax, Heliopan and B+W. I also use a lens hood with all my lenses. I have seen many an occasion where the lens was saved due to the use of a filter or lens Hood. Some years ago my Nikon 20-35mm f2.8 cost $1600.00 and the use of a lens Hood and Filter saved this lens from damage when it took a tumble on loose gravel . I replaced the Lens Hood and Filter. The lens was fine.These include dropping, the elements, Salt Water Spray, Etc. Use or don't use a filter is personal preference, but if you ever scratch a $500.00 + lens, you will wish you had one.