Another "Not there when you most need it" moment!!!

molested_cow · Oct 28, 2011

I bought a 77mm Hoya UV filter by mistake some time ago but felt it was too troublesome to return it, so I kept it.
Then I moved back to home and am pretty sure I have the filter with me some where.

I got my sister a lens yesterday that uses 77mm filters, so I did not get the UV filter for it since I already have one.
Then I got home, and could not find it anywhere!!!! Somewhere in my memory, I saw it recently, somewhere. Hate moments like this!

We are leaving for a trip later, was wondering if I should go to the store and grab whatever 77mm UV filter they have for protection. Hate to have a new lens damaged on the first use.
I'm sure the moment I get another filter, the old one will magically appear in front of me in a very convenient manner.

Overread · Oct 28, 2011

I can't find it, but somewhere is a video of a 50mm f1.8 lens being hit with a hammer and hardly showing any damage (till they changed to the hook end).

Anyway for general use a filter won't offer that much protection at all over the front element. Its good against things like dust and grit and sand and salt water and also in such environments for providing a quick to clean surface without having to worry about scratches (since the filter is cheaper to replace).
However against heavier impacts its useless and often more a risk (it will shatter as it is much thinner glass - and then all that abrasive glass shoots right back onto your front element).

Also since your digital camera and lens are already blocking out most UV light before it hits the sensor itself they don't have that much effect unless you are at a very high altitude and thus dealing with highly inflated UV amounts.

molested_cow · Oct 28, 2011

Nah not expecting the lens to survive any physical impact. It's more for dusts, grease and water. For me it worked excellent when I was traveling in the desert, then to the American North West (foggy). At times, I just wipe it with my shirt for a quick shot and never have to worry about the actual lens element.

Interesting that you mention about uV at high altitude. We are going to a place at about 4000m in altitude, so probably a good idea to get a UV filter.

molested_cow · Oct 28, 2011

Found it!!!

When I bought it, I read reviews that complain about how easily the coating gets scratched. Woah it really is! I took it out of the box and some dust/fibers got attracted to it, so I used the lens brush to dust it off and woah la! Scratch on the coating!

I also have a B+W multi coated filter and no problem with scratch. Should have listened to the reviews.

Compaq · Oct 29, 2011

For the moment, I can't seem to find the quick release plate for my tripod!!!!!!! :gah:

dots · Oct 29, 2011

Suggest you always keep it on the tripod, not screwed to the camera body. Otherwise you will go use your tripod one day and the plate will have been left at home...having been removed from the camera and left on a table etc. The amount of times i see useable tripods in charity shops but missing the plate lol