Wished there were more practical Reviews on lens Filters

gsgary · May 12, 2014

Vince.1551 said:
Thanks guys. And thanks Pix for the link to the thread. The only credible review in the discussion was from lenstip which I already knew. I'm looking for similar test reviews for the latest filters. Aside from lenstip there were no other credible information.

I personally use B+W MRC 010m for most of my lenses. 1 or 2 lenses on Kenko Pro D. I'm hoping for some practical testings on the B+W XS-Pro (out of sheer curiosity on how much better it can perform against the 010M).

I'm a lens filter person. Purely for protecting the front element. I don't like having to clean the front element often. Over time the front coating will deteriorate from frequent cleaning. I rather clean the filter. And I like my glass in pristine clean condition (not within of course which will accumulate dust over time). Free from dirt or smudge.

Except for slight vignetting from ultra wide zoom and the occasional flare (very slight and even Nikon's nano coating cannot effectively remove flare plus I don't shoot at direct light often) I can basically tell no difference in IQ visually and from 100% zoom when using the lens filter I'm using. Pixel count differences are also negligible when using my lens filter setup.

I don't know how some guys can shoot without filter and without cleaning the front element often. If someone can keep his front element clean without filter and without frequent cleaning I gotta take my hat off to you. Well if my glasses are sponsored or paid by company I wouldn't mind cleaning my front element often and sending in for replacement when coating issues occur

My idea of smudge may be compared with the residual leftover on the lens element after you cleaned it with a lenspen. Yes, lenspen will leave a layer of residue on your lens and filters.

Again thanks for the comments everyone and please share with us if you encounter other controlled testings with lens filters.

There is no way i'm going to put a cheap peice of **** on the end of my Canon L lens and Leica lenses

hamlet · May 12, 2014

pixmedic said:
Vince.1551 said:

Thanks guys. And thanks Pix for the link to the thread. The only credible review in the discussion was from lenstip which I already knew. I'm looking for similar test reviews for the latest filters. Aside from lenstip there were no other credible information.

I personally use B+W MRC 010m for most of my lenses. 1 or 2 lenses on Kenko Pro D. I'm hoping for some practical testings on the B+W XS-Pro (out of sheer curiosity on how much better it can perform against the 010M).

I'm a lens filter person. Purely for protecting the front element. I don't like having to clean the front element often. Over time the front coating will deteriorate from frequent cleaning. I rather clean the filter. And I like my glass in pristine clean condition (not within of course which will accumulate dust over time). Free from dirt or smudge.

Except for slight vignetting from ultra wide zoom and the occasional flare (very slight and even Nikon's nano coating cannot effectively remove flare plus I don't shoot at direct light often) I can basically tell no difference in IQ visually and from 100% zoom when using the lens filter I'm using. Pixel count differences are also negligible when using my lens filter setup.

I don't know how some guys can shoot without filter and without cleaning the front element often. If someone can keep his front element clean without filter and without frequent cleaning I gotta take my hat off to you. Well if my glasses are sponsored or paid by company I wouldn't mind cleaning my front element often and sending in for replacement when coating issues occur

My idea of smudge may be compared with the residual leftover on the lens element after you cleaned it with a lenspen. Yes, lenspen will leave a layer of residue on your lens and filters.

Again thanks for the comments everyone and please share with us if you encounter other controlled testings with lens filters.

Click to expand...

This is what I use on all my lenses for protection. Has never failed me. I dont feel I need to do a ton cleaning to the front element. (very rarely for me) minor bits of dust wont show in a picture. i only swab it if i get real dirt on it. (like from the dog park today) otherwise, i leave the elements alone.
View attachment 73693

I thought that lens hood was just there to make my lens look longer. Who knew!

480sparky · May 12, 2014

hamlet said:
I thought that lens hood was just there to make my lens look longer. Who knew!

Hoods are primarily used to reduce flare.

gsgary · May 12, 2014

480sparky said:
hamlet said:

I thought that lens hood was just there to make my lens look longer. Who knew!

Click to expand...

Hoods are primarily used to reduce flare.

Also if you don't use one you are robbing your shot of contrast

Scatterbrained · May 12, 2014

As far as protecting the front element; no, not really. The front element itself is a lot tougher than the filter. I've seen filters break while in peoples camera bags, attached to the lens. This guy is a regular on another board I'm on. He took a 1/2 drill bit with pilot tip and dropped it through a hollow tube from about 4ish feet onto the lens. The filters tended to give up pretty quickly.

As far as protecting the lens coating. No, not really. The coatings are quite tough. I've got a pair of L lenses from the 80's and the coatings are still just fine despite plenty of cleanings and no protective/UV filter ever being used. Modern coatings are even better. That said, there are times when they are still useful. Around sea spray or blowing sand I'd rather have a clear filter on my lens, as the sand can potentially scratch the lens. Same with gritty mud. Also, both my 17-40L and 50L require a front filter to complete the weather sealing; so in instances where I might face "inclement" weather I'll through a filter on the front of them. Beyond that my UV filters sit in my filter pouch.

Scatterbrained · May 12, 2014

Just to reiterate how tough these lenses are:

jmcgloth · May 12, 2014

Okay, I've read the arguments against using UV filters. But all I know is that I was walking through Logan Airport one day, sat down and my UV filter was smashed to smithereens. Not a scratch on the lens. Haven't been without UV filters ever since.

Scatterbrained · May 12, 2014

jmcgloth said:
Okay, I've read the arguments against using UV filters. But all I know is that I was walking through Logan Airport one day, sat down and my UV filter was smashed to smithereens. Not a scratch on the lens. Haven't been without UV filters ever since.

UV filters are quite weak. They break easily. In many cases very easily. The real issue is when one breaks and the shards of glass scratch your lens. Watch the videos I posted, it'll be an eye opener.

pixmedic · May 12, 2014

jmcgloth said:
Okay, I've read the arguments against using UV filters. But all I know is that I was walking through Logan Airport one day, sat down and my UV filter was smashed to smithereens. Not a scratch on the lens. Haven't been without UV filters ever since.

UV filters are a love/hate thing here. technically, digital cameras dont need the UV filter because its built into the cameras now, unlike the older film cameras.
as for protection, it really comes down to your money, your equipment, your call. If it feels good, go for it!

480sparky · May 12, 2014

jmcgloth said:
Okay, I've read the arguments against using UV filters. But all I know is that I was walking through Logan Airport one day, sat down and my UV filter was smashed to smithereens. Not a scratch on the lens. Haven't been without UV filters ever since.

Once again.... I will reiterate. This proves nothing.

In order to PROVE your lens was saved, you would need to subject the lens to the EXACT SAME INCIDENT and have it damaged. Of course, that's impossible to do.

But in the meantime, you're free to maintain your self-delusion.

table1349 · May 12, 2014

jmcgloth said:
Okay, I've read the arguments against using UV filters. But all I know is that I was walking through Logan Airport one day, sat down and my UV filter was smashed to smithereens. Not a scratch on the lens. Haven't been without UV filters ever since.

And do you know where all the glass dust particles went?