First shot with the Canon T3i

[KmH]

Lets clear up a couple of things:

There is an opening in the lens known as the lens aperture. The size of that lens opening (aperture) can be changed so it is more or less open.

So using the terms like "low aperture" or "high aperture" are not as hekpful as the terms 'smaller aperture' or 'wider aperture'.

The spikes of light in your photos are caused by the phenomena known as 'diffraction', the effects of which get more problematic and noticeable when a small aperture is used.

A small aperture is represented by a small number, and a wide aperture is representd by a larger number.

Because they are fractions - f/9 is a much larger number than f/32 is, and f/3.5 is a larger number than f/9 is.

 

[jowensphoto]

Most will tell you that a UV filter is pointless (I agree) and will only degrade your shots. I don't use one unless I'm shooting somewhere that could cause damage to the lens (ie: beach).

 

[KmH]

58UVP - Tiffen 58MM UV Protector Filter at Abt
filter i got

The image sensor in your camera already has a UV filter in front of it.

As you can see in the video I posted, lenses are A LOT tougher than UV filter salesmen would like you to know about.

Added to the front of a lens, a filter usually causes more problems that it solves, like: image degradation, more and worse lens flare, loss of image contrast.

Use a hood on the lens instead. A lens hood reduces lens flare, enhances image contrast, and gives a measure of lens front element impact protection.

 

[iresq]

Jumpin on the the no UV bandwagon. Correcting bad information one post at a time.

 

[Keedo]

wow, everyone is helpful here. i appreciate it soo much, i am going to return the filter and pick up a hood instead. off to learn some panning shots, thanks again everyone