UV Filter usefulness/harm?

[StevenLindberg]

Hello!

I was given a UV Filter along with my first lens (a Nikon 18-70) and I was wondering if it has any downsides. When should I take it off? Is more UV light EVER useful for a photo? When is it harmful? Presently, it's being used as an impact barrier on my lens.

 

[Kerbouchard]

The only thing a UV filter is good for on a DSLR is to protect the front element from scratches, although there is a lot of evidence that a filter can actually cause more damage due to all the broken shards of glass if there was an impact.

As far as UV light and filtering it out, your digital sensor is not affected in the same ways as film was. No upside whatsoever.

As far as downside, when shooting into a light source, it can, and often does, cause glare, contrast issues, and ghosting.

I am in the UV filters belong in the trash 'camp'.

This is one of those internet debates that will never end. If you do a search for 'UV filter' you will be able to find tons of opinions.

 

[StevenLindberg]

I can appreciate your opinions on the glass-shards side of things. I once dropped my camera (in its bag) and drove the lens cap into the filter. Without that, it would've been my lens. Still, with what you're saying, it may become a bag-only tool.

Thanks!

 

[Kerbouchard]

I can appreciate your opinions on the glass-shards side of things. I once dropped my camera (in its bag) and drove the lens cap into the filter. Without that, it would've been my lens. Still, with what you're saying, it may become a bag-only tool.

Thanks!

Something to consider, your filter is further out than your front element is. A filter is also much thinner and is usually of poorer quality than the actual lens element.

Good chance that without the filter on, nothing would have been there to break, but obviously, it's impossible to know for sure.

 

[KmH]

Without that, it would've been my lens.
Thanks!

As pointed out, you don't know that and can only speculate.

 

[naptime]

wow!

 

[usayit]

This thread comes up once in a while with neither side really agreeing. What both sides do agree on:

* If you do use a filter, use really good quality ones (usually multi-coated). They can be fairly expensive.
* Take it off if shooting into a bright source
* Its a pure personal preference.


I use filters. Why?

* My lenses are very expensive and I can't replace them easily.
* Some of my older lenses have soft surfaces. I have seen quite a few vintage lens examples with swirl marks from constant cleaning.
* I never use caps. front or rear
* It allows me to clean them quickly without worry of introducing cleaning scratches; shirt, paper towel... whatever.
* Have had one dropped lens that could have resulted in front element damage. It required the aperture ring to be repaired and the filter ring was bent from impact.

I'm not one to baby lenses....

 

[SCraig]

The only thing a UV filter is good for on a DSLR is to protect the front element from scratches, although there is a lot of evidence that a filter can actually cause more damage due to all the broken shards of glass if there was an impact.

As far as UV light and filtering it out, your digital sensor is not affected in the same ways as film was. No upside whatsoever.

As far as downside, when shooting into a light source, it can, and often does, cause glare, contrast issues, and ghosting.

I am in the UV filters belong in the trash 'camp'.

This is one of those internet debates that will never end. If you do a search for 'UV filter' you will be able to find tons of opinions.

I agree with absolutely everything he said, except for the next to last line. I'm in the "If a filter saves one lens from being scratched (Note: I didn't say "Broken") then it was worth it" camp.

 

[StevenLindberg]

Thanks for the varied opinions, guys!

Also, I really hope that video wasn't you, KMH. No one should do that to glass.

 

[Josh66]

I'm in the "If a filter saves one lens from being scratched (Note: I didn't say "Broken") then it was worth it" camp.

This is another one that might make you a little less over-protective:
LensRentals.com - Front Element Scratches

 

[EIngerson]

I have one on every one of my lenses.

 

[SCraig]

This is another one that might make you a little less over-protective:
LensRentals.com - Front Element Scratches

Thanks, I appreciate the link. I'm aware of how much damage they can normally take without damage, but at the same time having a filter on the front of my lens makes **ME** feel more comfortable. I'm not concerned about the minor loss of fidelity, if I were that concerned I wouldn't be shooting with zoom lenses either.

Again, this is just me. I'm not trying to force my opinion on anyone else, this is just how I personally prefer to treat my lenses and it's worked for me for many years. Everyone else can do as they please, and so will I. I do appreciate the link though.