To filter - or to not filter...

M38A1

...that is the question.

I have a few lenses and some have clear/UV filters, others don't. I always just had them for a protection element, but started to think why compromise the glass quality with yet another piece of glass.

So, do you generally filter them for protection or not? Feel free to chime in with comments/insight as well.

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ziggy53

I do keep a high-quality (Hoya HMC or B+W) filter over most of my lenses and remove the filter on occasion and as the need requires. The lenses which do not have filters either tested poorly with a filter for my needs or they are inexpensive lenses which do not warrant protection.

I have been very happy to have the filters on when:

People sneezed on the filter during a shoot.
I bumped the filter on something that could have impacted either the filter ring of the lens or the front element of the lens.
Outdoor shoots where it's easier and safer to clean the filter after dusty conditions.
I hand off a camera to someone and find fingerprints on the filter later.

I love that if I truly need to remove the filter, for contra lighting or similar conditions (for example), the lens is going to be very clean underneath.

Richard

I do the reverse--I only put a UV filter on when I think I will need it for protection against a hostile environment, like dust, sand or water. I always use a hood though, to avoid collisions. So far, it has worked, but Ziggy's advice is probably best.

craig_d

I have B+W MRC #010 UV filters on most of my more expensive lenses. Some of my cheaper lenses have filters and some don't.

I favor the B+W MRC filters because they seem much more resistant to ghosting and flare than other filters I've used. Hoya Professional and Sigma EX filters also work well in my experience. But I don't like Tiffen or no-name filters.

I used to use hoods religiously, but eventually I became annoyed with the time I spent putting them on and taking them off, and stopped. It doesn't seem to have made much difference.

HoofClix

I filter all the time when at horse shows. Conditions are so extreme that I just want the glass to be totally protected. As Ziggy says, it's easier just clean off the filter. I do this quite often during the day at horse shows. Can always take it off if there is the need.

Makeroftoys

I used to be in the sometimes yes, sometimes no camp.

Then: I was doing a shoot of some cub scouts, and caught a mudball on my lens. (They were *supposed* to be throwing mud; one handful just slipped and went sideways.)

Not 5 minutes later, another lens got a big, hairy fingerprint. (my fault; I must've put it into the bag with a loose lens cap.) That one had no filter.

Cleaning the first one was easy- Having thought ahead for 'murphy factors,' I had a filter and hood on it. So. . . pull the protective gear, let it soak in the sink for 30 sec, rinse with distilled water, let dry. Inspect and replace the skylight filter when it turned out to have a *CHIP* smack in the center of it.

On the other hand, that fingerprint was hell to remove, and if my hand had been even a little muddy. . . . 'nuff said.

Between the $45 skylight filter and hood, I probably saved $1200 worth of zoom lens.

I'm a convert.

JohnBiggs

No filters here.