Filters?

hartgeh3 · 30 Mar 2006 at 18:17

Hi all,

is anyone using any filters with their 350D? I want 1 or 2 to protect the lens from dust and dirt, which I have in there now

Was looking at the Hoyo ones, but not sure what size?
Have the standard 18-55mm and a Sigma 70-200mm.
also whats the best way to clean it? compressed air?

thanks

MacX · 30 Mar 2006 at 23:03

Really, if you are thinking of getting UV filters to use as physical protection, then there are two schools of thought.

1) 'Those UV filter saved me smashing the lens element against that sharp pointy thing! Could have cost me loads of money otherwise!'.

2) 'Bah! Filters as protection! What a load of rubbish and waste of money. It's another bit of glass that'll just get in the way of taking a sharp picture! '.

I personally hover in the middle. My paranoia

makes me put an expensive one on the front of my Canon L glass when abroad in more extreme, arid conditions. Otherwise I'll leave it off.

If it's just a bit of dust and grease on your lens you are worried about, then I'd say don't bother. Lens elements are pretty tough, and just a good cleaning routine with blower brushes, microfibre cloth, and maybe a dab of those special lens fluids on the cloth for stubborn marks will do.

If you already have a bit of dust IN the lens (did I read that right?), not a lot you can really do about that. Unless you have lens which are vaguely enviromentally sealed with 'O' rings (which yours probably aren't), it's going to be a bit of a minor hazard. The dust particles most likely will not show up on any picture you take. If people can take pictures through chain fences without them showing on the image a bit of dust is not a problem.

Dust on the sensor is a different matter though :eek:

and I think sensor cleaning has been touched on here several times.

Does that help a bit?

hartgeh3 · 31 Mar 2006 at 01:08

thanks for the info mate, think i wont bother then, its on the lens itself. Will just get a microfibre cloth instead

AdWright · 31 Mar 2006 at 09:39

hartgeh3 said:
thanks for the info mate, think i wont bother then, its on the lens itself. Will just get a microfibre cloth instead

I bought a Giottos Rocket as well - it's a bulb blower. It's best to try and blow the dust off before just wiping it around!

The rocket is also good for gently blowing dust off the sensor

MacX · 31 Mar 2006 at 10:18

AdWright said:
I bought a Giottos Rocket as well - it's a bulb blower. It's best to try and blow the dust off before just wiping it around!

The rocket is also good for gently blowing dust off the sensor

I have one as well. The one I have is a bit big for carrying in my pocket though! I agree it would be a good idea to get some sort of blower brush as well for removing loose dust before wiping.

Luke · 31 Mar 2006 at 11:51

So does anyone rate UV filters for the advertised colour deepening? (as advertised on the packets on mose UV filters).
Is this just marketing gimmickry?