UV Filters

ElJosh

Hi,

Do the brand of the uv filter really matter? Like will a 20 something dollar Hoya Filter work better than some 2 dollar one? Because I'm using it more for protection than anything, and don't modern camera have like a low pass uv filter thing on the senor?

Thanks

ziggy53

I am one who prefers to use a protective filter over many/most of my lenses. I do recommend the Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) as a very good cost versus performance. B+W also make very nice multi-coated filters.

Stay away from Tiffen and the other cheap brands.

UV filters have a minimal impact on image quality unless you go with the very cheap ones, which will affect contrast and sharpness. I do suggest testing any lens/filter combination just so you know of any compromises in quality. I do take the filter off when I feel I need the very best from a lens.

gecko0

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but if I recall, most reading I've done on this topic stated that digital sensors are not affected by UV the same as film is. I only use clear protective filters as well and haven't noticed any issues related to not having a UV filter. ??

ziggy53

gecko0 wrote: »

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but if I recall, most reading I've done on this topic stated that digital sensors are not affected by UV the same as film is. I only use clear protective filters as well and haven't noticed any issues related to not having a UV filter. ??

Yes, digital SLR cameras typically have a "band pass" filter in front of the sensor that filters out both IR and UV and allows visible light, so a UV filter on the lens is basically not needed. Since UV filters tend to be just as cheap as the clear "protective" filters, either will do just fine.

gecko0

thank you for the info, ziggy! FYI to the OP since I forgot to mention the actual filters I use...I'm using Hoya Digital Pro1 clear filters and have been happy with them.

ElJosh

Thanks Ziggy. I'll looking to those brands.

photogreen

ElJosh wrote: »

Hi,

Do the brand of the uv filter really matter? Like will a 20 something dollar Hoya Filter work better than some 2 dollar one? Because I'm using it more for protection than anything, and don't modern camera have like a low pass uv filter thing on the senor?

Thanks

If you use expensive glass you have to use expensive filters. Hoya is a great brand

rpcrowe

photogreen wrote: »

If you use expensive glass you have to use expensive filters. Hoya is a great brand

I agree with photogreen. IMO, spending $50 for a filter to protect a lens that is worth $70 on the used market is not good economy. However, since i shoot with expensive glass, I use a either Hoya Multi-Coated or B+W filters and have been quite satisfied.

The UV filter performs no other service for DSLR cameras than protection. But, I always use one if I am shooting in conditions (blowing sand, rain, etc.) that might damage my lens.

For the front-line (pun intended) protection, I would strongly recommend that a photographer ALWAYS USE A LENS HOOD both indoors and out. A hood will protect the front element from a lot of trauma and will of course, reduce or eliminate flare.

There is absolutely no reason NOT TO USE A HOOD. Chinese knock-off hoods can be found on eBay for a relatively low price. I use both eBay and OEM hoods on my Canon lenses and have found little if any difference except cost.

Overfocused

The only time a UV filter is good on digital is for weather sealing on some lenses. I'd make sure to buy a good one like Hoya / B+W in case you leave it on 24/7. It'd probably be better to just get a circular polarizer for that aspect of it.

@crowe

China's $4 hood or canon's $36 hood.... hmmmm.