Does the brand of UV filter matter?

I think, like all filters, consistancy is the most important factor; I have pretty much standardized on Hoya, if I use an off-brand I might not be able to get another matching one as easily for another lens.
 
Stick w/ Hoya, B&W or Heliopan. The latter two are brass and less likely to "freeze" on the lens.
 
a warning

a warning

Regardless of brand it's worth it to test out your filter when you get it. I've had cheap filters and expensive filters that have all worked out great, but I had one terrible experience with a Hoya UV filter. I bought it along with a new lens and put it on immediately. A long story, but the lens exhibited weird aberrations which i thought were caused by my technique or the lens. It took me an embarassingly long time (and many screwed up photos I can never retake) to figure out what was wrong. Once I removed the filter it was literally like getting a new lens.

Now whenever I get a new filter I take a few minutes and make some test shots with and without, just to make sure things are kosher. Well worth the effort and peace of mind. And I still use a few Hoya filters, I don't mean to badmouth them from one bad copy. Just wanted to give some general advice.

cheers
todd
 
Yes it does matter. Don't put a cheap filter in front of a quality lens. B+W, Heliopan, Hoya are good. You can get cheaper B+W filters from Asia through eBay in some sizes. They have alloy rings rather than the more expensive brass rings - same glass though.
 
Thanks, good replies. I have 2 B&W filters and 3 Tiffens. is the use of brass that important? I live in Florida. What about multi-coated?
 
Yes, you can buy very good knock-off B+W filters, as well as other expensive brands, from eBay via China.

The packaging is good and the filters look the same. I imagine the metal of the frame and the multi-coating isn't as good, but in reality, filters are just another piece of glass and unless the filter is grossly defective, it would be near impossible to tell cheap from expensive.

Some shoot into light bulbs and the sun searching for differences with their $150 filters, but in my opinion that's idiotic.

.
 
Last edited:
Oscar Levant said:
Yes, you can buy very good knock-off B+W filters, as well as other expensive brands, from eBay via China.

The packaging is good and the filters look the same. I imagine the metal of the frame and the multi-coating isn't as good, but in reality, filters are just another piece of glass and unless the filter is grossly defective, it would be near impossible to tell cheap from expensive.

Some shoot into light bulbs and the sun searching for differences with their $150 filters, but in my opinion that's idiotic.

.
Click to expand...
so then a $10 Sunpak or Quantary would be OK? I am thinking not.
 
My only problem with a cheap filter was that it got stuck in the thread of a lens. After that, I resolved to use only well known brands. as they never stick on my lenses filter threads.
 
I use filters because my lenses goop up, close to the ocean.

I use mostly B+W filters because they are easiest to clean.
 
kshapero said:
so then a $10 Sunpak or Quantary would be OK? I am thinking not.
Click to expand...

Why not? I have a mix of brands... some expensive; others cheap (like those brands you mention). I can't tell the difference, and I'm srue you woudn't be able to in the final product. So... why are you thinking not... aside from the "snob appeal" of B&W?
 
I've been wondering about Leica vs. B+W UV/IR filters - the price difference is typically £80 vs. £35 respectively for 39/46mm filters.

I had always thought Leica filters were made for leica by B+W
 
All appear equivalent as "thumb print" filters. However, I would like to see a detailed comparison of UV filters' absorption spectra.

Back in the dark ages, Tiffen made the most effective "UV" filters.

yours
FPJ

Which is exactly what the original post is.:eek:
 
Last edited:
SolaresLarrave said:
My only problem with a cheap filter was that it got stuck in the thread of a lens. After that, I resolved to use only well known brands. as they never stick on my lenses filter threads.
Click to expand...

I've heard about experiences like this but, interestingly, have only experienced it once since 1980.
 
Cheap is good. :) My Series 6 filters are a variety of brands and came either cheaply or free. In comparison tests with and without the filters, I notice no difference other than the shutter speed used, even with the green filter that has coating issues on it. I'm more concerned with shutter speeds than filter degradation.
 
The brand and type of UV filter DOES make a difference, in the following ways:

Coating - Uncoated and single-coated filters are more prone to flare compared to multicoated filters. The best multicoatings feature a hard top layer (B+W MRC, Heliopan SH-PMC, Hoya HD) that makes them noticeably easier to clean than regular multicoating.

Construction - Brass filter rings tend to bind less than aluminum ones, though they're heavier. Sometimes cheap filters don't secure the glass very well, so it rattles. Cheap filters don't blacken the edges of the filter glass, either.

mabelsound said:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1052805

Recent thread about a recent test--Hoya beats B&W and kills Heliopan.
Click to expand...
Hoya is the best...as far as UV blocking goes. The same test noted...
In the latter categories [flare, vignetting] the MRC filter has no flaws. It is worth adding that the B+W filters have the best build quality and they are very easy to clean.
Click to expand...
B+W MRC and Heliopan SH-PMC are the best filters you can get (unless you need the most UV blocking). Hoya HD are probably close, and Hoya SMC are also good. Like all photo gear, you have to decide what kind of quality you need vs. how much you're willing to pay. I usually shoot hoodless, so the best flare resistance and ease of cleaning are important to me. I only buy B+W MRC filters. My polarizer and B&W color filters are MRC also.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom