More truth about UV/Protection filters. A comparison challenge. Step up

[Chamelion 6]

If I can add to the debate. Here is my test I had with UV and No UV filter. Wasn't going for a good picture as you can tell. It was shot on a tripod. The shutter speed is slightly different between the two but I don't think that will affect too much. First one no filter and second one with cheap filter on lens. Other then that they are exactly the same, no editing, same WB, shot in raw then into Lightroom 3 and exported to Jpeg. This is why I stopped using UV filters. It effects pictures big time when there are windows in the picture. You can see my fence in the reflection on the wall on the second one.

But now the question is, is that a defect or an effect?

UV filters are not supposed to be just a neutral clear piece of glass, they are designed to filter out certain wavelengths of light. Depending on the nature of the light in that reflection it is possible the filter is doing exactly what it was designed to do.

I'm not saying that is the case here, I don't know, but given that posibility the over all, the images are very similar in quality. I don't see any real degredation in the "quality" of the image as rendered.

As for the usefulness of this debate... I see it less about proving a point or getting anyone to accept my personal view. I'm, personally, very interested in this discussion because I interested in seeing how and what these thing do and don't do. I figure I'm gonna learn from the discussion, and that makes it worth the effort. Intellectual curiosity if you will.

 

[Dao]

Seriously, debating about if someone should use a protection filter is meaningless.

Eat at home or dine out?
By organic food or not?
Drive a hybird, electrical or regular gasoline car?
Wear a white t-shirt or black?

Those are personal preferences. People make their decision based on their own view and often different people have different priorities. So it is not a sin to use or not use a UV filter.

If you buy and use the UV filters and feel happy about it, by all mean buy them and use them.

 

[kundalini]

The fact of the matter is, no matter how raw this test was, none of the guru's DARED taking a guess at which was which. Why?

Because it was a flawed experiment to begin with by introducing the many variables.

I'll do it in an outdoors setting which is where I zap most of my shots.

Can you guarantee exact lighting conditions outside? That could be another variable. Take note of Pgriz's reply.

Since you are an investor, what's your ROI with the energy you've devoted to prove UV filters are worthwhile? It's still a personal preference. Please be sure to know that I do appreciate the effort.