Should you use filters to protect your lenses?

[DerekSalem]

I use a Hoya Pro1 UV filter on every important lens I use. I've never dropped a lens...but never know when it'll happen. With the right filter, though, you can see an increase in colors or other things. My pictures look fine!

 

[djacobox372]

I might use a filter on an expensive lens that I plan on reselling in the near future, but that's it.

A scratch on a lens doesn't degrade image quality, and shouldn't be worried about unless you want to resell (buyers obsess over scratches).

And the filters I do use always have "made in germany" written on the side of them

 

[MWG]

I'm all for filters, but don't go cheap. I use b and w filters, and have step up rings so i can use the same size for my three lenses, it can save you money in the long run. Get yourself a UV, circular polarizer, and a neutral density. It's all you really need and it can make an impact on certain types of images. The ND filter is great when captures moving water, waterfalls, currents, etc. Hope this helps.

 

[quiddity]

was watching a vid of proper handholding technique by that nat geo dude and i got the impression he uses uv for protection but removes the filter when shooting...makes sense to me

 

[Forkie]

Lens coatings are alot tougher than people give them credit for.

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I don't use them. I'd rather use a lens hood. Plus, lens hoods look cooler.

 

[sleist]

I have found that the air pocket created between the lens and the filter keeps the camera from sinking when I drop it in the ocean. I've actually never tested this theory, but believing it makes me feel so much better.

 

[tesas]

i do use filters to make my pictures look good!

 

[tesas]

I use a Hoya Pro1 UV filter on every important lens I use. I've never dropped a lens...but never know when it'll happen. With the right filter, though, you can see an increase in colors or other things. My pictures look fine!

yah! i do that too!

 

[tesas]

Lens coatings are alot tougher than people give them credit for.

This


I don't use them. I'd rather use a lens hood. Plus, lens hoods look cooler.

no! its cooler when you use filter! try it!

 

[tesas]

wow! you guys are serious! i just use a cheap pro cam but my pictures look great!!!! its all about talent man!!!!

 

[benlonghair]

I've learned to stay away from UV filters unless it's some weather related reason (ie blowing sand). Here's why:

Sun to my right, look at the lower left corner, between rows 5 and 6. That's flare caused by the filter.

 

[RJT]

I use top-quality B+W MRC UV filters on each and every lens I have.

I'd rather replace a scratched or damaged lens filter than a very expensive lens.

Agreed Mike , me too , I like B&W , expensive but high quality , with some of my glass costing equal or more than a body ,don't want an el cheapo filter on the front of it...kind of like aftershave on a pig.

 

[Forkie]

I've learned to stay away from UV filters unless it's some weather related reason (ie blowing sand). Here's why:

Sun to my right, look at the lower left corner, between rows 5 and 6. That's flare caused by the filter.

Err, are you sure that's a sun flare and not a Greenfly sitting on your filter?! It looks like you're standing in full shadow there.

 

[sugo]

Oh my! I nearly had a stroke watching that YouTube video a PP posted :lmao:

I would have a panic attack every time my lens got accidentally touched/smudged like I had rubbed off the coating on a butterfly's wings! lol

 

[tirediron]

I am sure he meant UV. I agree with Tirediron. I do have UV filters, but really have gotten away from using them and trusting my hood. I have bought cheap filters and saw the quality drop dramatically.

D'ohhh.... yes, he did. He really did mean UV! :er: