UV or not UV, that is the question

[sf]

I am curious, who uses a UV (protective) filter on their lenses? I tend to keep them on all my pricey or rare lenses (like the RF645 lenses), but don't worry about it on the C35 or the Yashica GS.

Is it true that you compromise some image quality, especially when using a really cheap filter like a Hoya? Should I buy a pricey filter for my pricey lens?

 

[FrankS]

I do, just as you: on the pricey and rare (to find unscratched) lenses.

You are not going to improve image quality with a UV filter, so some compromise is likely. Remove the filter in backlit lighting conditions to reduce chance of flare and reflections.

Better quality filters are worth it.

IMO only

 

[back alley]

i only keep a uv/skylight filter on a lens if the weather is poor or if it's windy.
i guess i prefer to have the filter get all wet and snowy or have the sand hit it instead of my lens.
but mostly i don't use them anymore.

in almost 30 years of shooting i have never scratched a lens while out shooting.

joe

 

[JoshRoot]

Any time you put something between your lens and your subject, you are going to lose some image quality. Now "some" can mean a lot of different things. Most of which depend on how much you pay for your filters and how anal you are about test charts and MTF graphs.

That having been said, I don't ever bother with UV filters. I think they are silly. If something is going to happen to my lens or camera, it is MUCH more likely to be a large event rather than a small one. Like my M6 + 50mm that got run over by a car.

 

[ch1]

I always put a UV or Skylight on my lenses - espescially the Nikkor RF's and now certain Nikkor F-mount Manuals - they just aren't making them anymore!

 

[35mmdelux]

"Is it true that you compromise some image quality, especially when using a really cheap filter like a Hoya? Should I buy a pricey filter for my pricey lens?"

give me a break. You buy great gear and then put a cheap filter on them like it had cateracts?

Consider either not using filters on any lens or use something like B/W or Heliopan multi-coated filters. Best is not to use them at all.

 

[Frank Granovski]

I am curious, who uses a UV (protective) filter on their lenses?

I almost always have a filter screwed for protection and other. Unfortunately, I only have a skylight and 2 yellows for my 40mm/F2 'cron and the G2 has no filters at this time. I couldn't find any locally. Maybe Leo's got some in. We'll see. 😎

 

[Finder]

I can't see a difference with or without a filter and I have seen no actual proof that they do compromize image quality. I have had the filter save the lens a few times. I have also tossed a filter because it became too dirty - that is easier and cheaper than replacing the front element of the lens.

 

[oftheherd]

Ed Romney in his book on basic camera repair, recommends keeping the lens clean rather that to keep cleaning the lens. Makes sense to me. I may not always, but I do try to keep a UV filter on my lenses. Especialy the better ones. However, for sure, it is a debate that people enter with religious ferver.

 

[Poptart]

I use skylights on most of my lenses because the less rubbing of the coated front elements, the better. Any filter should do the job; it's just a thin piece of flat glass.

 

[ed1k]

Sometimes or somewhere you may find the UV filter improves quality of the image. I'm talking about places well above the sea level or very hot'n'sunny summertime or Antarctida or... For just protective function NC filter would be a cheaper solution, IMHO. I don't think clean UV filter compromises image quality, it's too far from optical elements to play significantly. Though it may add reflections and flare as Frank mentioned (actually this information is available in a tech sheet which is usually included with filter).

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I use Heliopan, B+W, Leica or Nikon filters on all my RF lenses as the dust and moisture i always end up cleaning off them, reminds me why i keep them on! For my purposes i've never noticed a loss of image quality but i do remove when shooting in backlit situations if i'm indoors to reduce fare.
I always use a lens shade too.

Simon

 

[Andrew Touchon]

I use B+W MRC UV filters on my lenses. I doubt that I could tell any difference in the quality of my photos when doing hand held photography. Filter induced flare has never been a problem.

 

[RML]

No protection at all. Can't abide it. Did so on my Siga telelens for my Eos but somehow it deteriorates image quality. Ever since I'm just careful and put a hood on my lenses.

 

[pvdhaar]

I also don't use UV filters at all. I think protecting your lenses is going it the wrong way round. I'm careful with my cameras and don't bang them around. I also feel that everything that you put in front of the lens, with the possible extension of a hood, induces reflections, and deteriorates image quality.

But then again, I'm primarily using fairly recent lenses. These all have multi coating and glass selections that do a decent job of filtering UV by themselves.

I can imagine that when you're dealing with older glass formulas, and either single or non- coated surfaces at all, that there can be quite some UV hazing up your images even under normal outdoors situations. In this case you need UV filters, not for protection, but for image clarity.

 

[sf]

"Is it true that you compromise some image quality, especially when using a really cheap filter like a Hoya? Should I buy a pricey filter for my pricey lens?"

give me a break. You buy great gear and then put a cheap filter on them like it had cateracts?

Consider either not using filters on any lens or use something like B/W or Heliopan multi-coated filters. Best is not to use them at all.

That is true, and I knew this to be the case, but always had a hard time talking myself into spending $80 on a UV filter. But, I think I will because I do't want to compromise with the RF645. I bought it specifically because I did not want to compromise anything.



Of course, I also have those great lens shades on those lenses . . . maybe I could even buy a backup 65mm just for taking out on sketchier days. I am overly protective, I know, but I kind of have to be that way because I can't afford to replace pretty much anything, and I treat my cameras as valuable things BECAUSE they are! You make your child wear a seat belt, suntan lotion, etc. You make your lenses wear filters when necessary - and I suppose you would not want your kid to wear a nasty cheap seat belt . . . .
Bottom line - if you value it, protect it - but do it right. That is the message I get here from your replies.

Thanks, Tomorrow, I shall buy a nicer filter. The Hoyas certainly could not be better than the bottom of the barrel. Glazers gets a little more business from me!