Help - Filters, UV IR Clear oh my!!!

[ShaneF]

So i placed an order today for a 70-200 2.8II IS and a 24-70 2.8 II and i though well that's an ass load of money i better get some protective filters to protect my new investment.

Now im one of those people who believes uv filters dont anything so i had decided on just a plain old clear glass filer Hoya or B+W. Now doing some research i got in a little deep as usual not thinking there is going to be so many options. So now im here for advice, there is pro and xs pro and hd and mrc...all clear glass protective filters. Dont know why they are still called filters but anyway can you guys help me out here.

I just want a good 77mm and 82mm protective filter with multi coating so its easier to clean that will not effect my images and protect my lens and if the lens hoods still fits on that's a bonus So many choices...argh!!!


Please share your wisdom and opinions because im clear out of both at this point. double ARGH!!!

 

[480sparky]

Optically clear filters are still called filters as they filter money out of your wallet.

 

[ShaneF]

yeah i know, im just trying to protect my investment the best i can

 

[480sparky]

If you're truly worried about the front elements of your lenses, I'd suggest just paying more attention to your surroundings and make a conscience effort to be more careful. That costs far less and won't affect your images.

I look back on the days I shot film with 11 lenses, most of which I put a filter on. And NOT ONCE did I ever replace a filter. NEVER. I sold the lenses with near-perfect filters still on them.

I've switched sides and now shoot nekkid. And even though I have purchased decent UV filters for my stable of lenses, I have yet to use one.

 

[Rob99]

They do nothing to help protect your lens in normal shooting conditions. Why spend that much on lenses just to hurt IQ with filters that don't do anything?

The only time I used them was when I used to shoot motocross in a dusty, dirty, rocks flying environment.

There are many many many threads on here on this topic.

 

[ShaneF]

For the same reason i put a protective case on my 800.00 cell phone, i paid a butt load of money for it so why not do the best i can to protect it. These new hd clear glass filters are not supposed to effect image quality at all.

 

[480sparky]

For the same reason i put a protective case on my 800.00 cell phone, i paid a butt load of money for it so why not do the best i can to protect it. These new hd clear glass filters are not supposed to effect image quality at all.

$800 for a cell phone?

Is it lined with 24k gold and encrusted with diamonds or what?

 

[ShaneF]

Thats funny, they should put that in their commercials. I have that same lens with a scratch on it form just putting it in my shorts pocket, hence the overbearing need to protect the new expensive lenses. Peace of mind i guess is what it comes down too.

 

[ShaneF]

For the same reason i put a protective case on my 800.00 cell phone, i paid a butt load of money for it so why not do the best i can to protect it. These new hd clear glass filters are not supposed to effect image quality at all.

$800 for a cell phone?

Is it lined with 24k gold and encrusted with diamonds or what?

lol are the 17,000 tele lenses filled with crack cocaine? i dont set the prices.

 

[Rob99]

Anytime you add another piece of glass in front of the sensor you are going to affect IQ. Of course they are going to tell you they don't, they are trying to sell them to you. Wouldn't be very effective marketing if they said buy these to protect your lens but they hurt IQ.

It's your money you can do what you want but your lens hood and caps are all the protection you should ever need in most environments.

 

[480sparky]

...... I have that same lens with a scratch on it form just putting it in my shorts pocket, ..........

:er: :er: :er:

 

[ShaneF]

if i had the time to put the cap on i would of, situation did not allow it. it was stuff it in my pocket or have something nasty happen. Not worried about the $80 kit lens though.

 

[JohnTrav]

I thought the same way as you OP. I bought a 70-200 f/2.8L and a 50mm f/1.4 and wanted to protect my investment. What I did notice though is how it was hurting my IQ. It was light night and day when I took the filter off in terms of IQ especially on my 70-200. I had a cheap tiffin filter in y 70-200 and a B&W filter on my 50mm. They were both UV filters. The B&W filter was Better but I still noticed a difference.

Usually the hood is enough to protect the front glass element. Unless you are under some crazy conditions.

Even when I shoot paintball I don't use a filter. Filters will also break a lot easier than a front element.

 

[Derrel]

Who has heard the joke about the guy who bought $17,000 worth of condoms off of e-Bay? He was concerned about ALWAYS having protection, so he wears a condom around, 24/7. He's ALWAYS protected.

 

[480sparky]

I coat all my gear with this stuff: