Filter or no filter when photographing spiders and other insects using macro lenses?

[Tommyk]

I know this is a rather simple question and maybe should be obvious to me but I wanted opinions from you guys are you using filters or not and if so what type? polarizing, clear? I know it would probably result in a loss in f-stops but what are you guys doing . One of my concerns is adding more glass with such magnification would I lose optic quality? For example a 105mm with extension will bring me in real close should I use filter for so close in ?

 

[Overread14 2]

If you are shooting over water a polarizer can help remove or at least reduce the reflectiveness of the surface of the water.

Similarly you can use it with flash for Taming those Annoying Highlights: Cross-Polarization Flash Macro Photography | NatureScapes.Net ? The Resource for Nature Photographers

Otherwise the only time I'd use a filter is for protection and that would require that you're shooting something like muddy water that could splash onto the lens.

 

[Tommyk]

If you are shooting over water a polarizer can help remove or at least reduce the reflectiveness of the surface of the water.

Similarly you can use it with flash for Taming those Annoying Highlights: Cross-Polarization Flash Macro Photography | NatureScapes.Net ? The Resource for Nature Photographers

Otherwise the only time I'd use a filter is for protection and that would require that you're shooting something like muddy water that could splash onto the lens.

Thanks but no I wouldn't be shooting over the water , just in general should a filter be used for protection if not over water when very close to insects, is there chance of insects jumping on the lens or so most people skip the filter for insect macro?

 

[Overread14 2]

Well some bugs will jump at the lens (eg jumping spiders) but most don't. Unless you're going after bugs that spray (like some stink bugs) you shouldn't need a filter. A few hairy spider legs will have so little effect on your lenses optical performance that you'll get just as much "damage" from air blowing past the lens.

And yes using a f2.8 lens close up feels really risky at first - use the hood if you've got one and keep an eye for sticks and twigs.

 

[786soul]

I don't think you'd need to worry much aside from the whole spraying bugs thing (so maybe just keep a filter handy INCASE you need to use it) but I wouldn't use one all the time. If anything just keep a little air blower with you to keep the lens element as clean as possible.

 

[petrochemist115 140]

I've always thought filters should only be used if they give an effect you want. In macro maximizing light is often one of the necessary so filters get used less than other photography. However I might occasionally want a polariser for a macro subject, and have recently been doing close ups in Infra red - needing a filter to block the visible. My only attempts at true macro in IR have so far been plagued by hot spots.

 

[Tommyk]

Well some bugs will jump at the lens (eg jumping spiders) but most don't. Unless you're going after bugs that spray (like some stink bugs) you shouldn't need a filter. A few hairy spider legs will have so little effect on your lenses optical performance that you'll get just as much "damage" from air blowing past the lens.

And yes using a f2.8 lens close up feels really risky at first - use the hood if you've got one and keep an eye for sticks and twigs.

thank you very much sounds good

 

[Tommyk]

I don't think you'd need to worry much aside from the whole spraying bugs thing (so maybe just keep a filter handy INCASE you need to use it) but I wouldn't use one all the time. If anything just keep a little air blower with you to keep the lens element as clean as possible.

will do thank you

 

[Tommyk]

I've always thought filters should only be used if they give an effect you want. In macro maximizing light is often one of the necessary so filters get used less than other photography. However I might occasionally want a polariser for a macro subject, and have recently been doing close ups in Infra red - needing a filter to block the visible. My only attempts at true macro in IR have so far been plagued by hot spots.

Thanks guys that help a lot.