Author Topic: Filter or no filter (Read 6418 times)

vonkara · « **on:** November 06, 2007, 14:41 »

I always installed filters on my different lenses to prevent scratch and everything. I never think about the effects on sharpness (and overall quality) before I look at a topic about it on an other forum.

Most people there say, that it's just another glass in front of the lens and that make the overall quality decline...

What is the best for stock photography. Do filters in general are too cheap?

leaf · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2007, 15:07 »

yeah i am at a bit of a toss up on this one.

I have filters on some of my lenses but not all and sometimes take them off when i think that it is degrading the quality, then a month later put them back on for safety

I have lens hoods on all the lenses though so that provides quite good protection - I have also heard that the front glass (on L lenses anyhow) is a bit of a protection lens and can be replaced if it gets seriously scratched.... but this is all heresay, It would be nice to know the facts.

hatman12 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2007, 15:29 »

I don't use any filters. Ever. But I am concerned about the risk of scratches so I always have the appropriate lens hood attached and keep the lens cap on when not actually shooting.

My new Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 worries me with the large front element even though it is slightly recessed.

Pixart · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2007, 15:30 »

In studio - no filter
Outside - filter

I live on the prairies. Pretty windy here as a rule and that dust gets everywhere. Based on the amount of crap I've had to remove from my filters, it's a wise choice for me. Lenses have a protective coating, and every time you rub is a micro-abrasion - so the less you have to mess with them the better. Man, its nerve wracking rubbing junk off a $2,000 lens.

I also always use a lens hood.

sharply_done · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2007, 16:04 »

I don't use filters, either. I used to, but then saw the light(!) after reading this article.

For cleaning - especially in the field - I wholeheartedly recommend using a LensPen.

madelaide · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2007, 16:24 »

Has anyone here done practical tests to compare image quality with and without a UV filter. A good UV filter, of course, multicoated and such.

I always use one, I've done that for decades. I never noticed any issue unless the filter was dirt for some reason (dusty environment, for instance), but then the lens would show the same problem.

Now, only recently image quality has been so important, "in pixel level" I mean. Before all I would need was an image that displayed well as a slide projected on the wall, or in digital an image that would look good when filling my monitor. Now I have to worry if every little pixel is what it should be...

Regards,
Adelaide

pr2is · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2007, 09:07 »

I have, although by no means it could be claimed very scientific... but IMO, good enough for practical purposes. I took several pics with and without Hoya Pro1 Digital UV, some in cotrolled lighting and some outside, as fast as I could to avoid drastic changes in lighting. Then at 100% placed color samplers in hihglights, shadows and midtones and compared readings. Difference was within negligible, IMO (say 228/235/218 vs 226/235/215). I didn't see anything different in terms of sharpness.

I guess it's worth it to spend 10 min to test one's particular filter/lens combination. As far as I am concerned, it's nothing to worry about, I wonder why pro- and contra-filter sides wouldn't post tests to illustrate their concerns or lack thereof, simple enough to do

Void · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2007, 11:42 »

Filters come in very handy and it is good practice to learn about all the different ones.
I personally dont use the UV or skylight ones, I think they are useless, shooting for over 20 years and I have yet to scratch the lens glass.

As far as stock goes, I think ND and circular polarizers are must haves!
I often use them in the studio as well as outdoors.

Pixart · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2007, 12:03 »

LOL, the only time I scratched a lens was about 15 years ago - a longish lens that fell - can't remember what happend now... But, the filter left a BIG scratch when it shattered.

I was outdoors a lot this summer, and in major wind shooting for about 10 hours one day. I had to clean a film that was almost like glue off the filter, it was very difficult. Oh man, was I glad I had one on that day. I don't know what the heck it was, combination of pollution and dust I guess.

I am lucky that my two most prized lenses have the same thread size.