Filter or protection

[dslrchat]

When I purchased my XTI and 2 lenses, I noticed both lenses have a "filter" on them.
Tiffen Haze 1
Are these actual filters (have any actual purpose) or just to protect the lens from dirt scratches etc.
Thanx

 

[ZacMan1987]

Combination of both.

Haze filters cut down on some of the "washed-out" look you get when shooting in bright sunlight. They also happen to be really cheap, and used a LOT, so they serve as a great thing to keep between your lens and whatever danger it might be exposed to.

Haze filters will often be used in conjunction with other filters as well.

 

[JimmyO]

http://www.google.com/search?q=Tiff...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Both

 

[christopher walrath]

Course you can reduce the washed out affect by stopping down in manual mode.

 

[evo5gsr]

Can someone elaborate on this "washed-out" effect?

 

[Ben-71]

Outdoors, at high altitudes (especially on snow/ice) or at sea or sea shore, either the UV-absorbing atmosphere is thinner or there's much reflection of UV. ​

The result may be a bluish cast or low contrast & hazy far objects.​

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A UV blocking filter would solve much of this problem.​

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Also, air-born particles (water, dust, smog) may scatter both UV and part of the visible spectrum.​

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To reduce this haze, a UV filter is not enough. A haze filter solves this better.​

It blocks both UV and part of the violet-blue visible spectrum, therefore shifting the overall color balance a bit towards the warmer hues.​

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With black & white, a yellow, or orange, or even a red filter may be used for an even greater effect, more penetration through haze and dramatic dark sky & white clouds.​

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Red light penetrates better though air-born particles because its much longer wave length. ​

As it zig-zags less, it bumps into fewer particle on the way, and less of it is scattered.​

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In all other conditions, a UV or a weak haze filter has no effect, but can protect the lens. ​