Lens Protection

Nanobot

Nanobot

Nanobot

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Joined
18 Sep 2008
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985
As a new SLR user, I like to look after it (likewise with any kind of gadget for that matter) and thinking and reading about lens filters to protect the front of the kit lens (and I dont mean the lens cap). Just wondered if I am being too protective of it or if anyone else does the same.
I already have a hood but I find it can pick up specks with static etc and just wanted something like a filter as a guard.
I have just got a circular polarising filter which I believe is always a good thing to have and at the moment that is the only filter I have. I am suspecting that the CP filter is only good for landscapes etc and finding it a problem with portrait shots so wondering if any other filter is worth getting like a UV filter or any other that can be recommended.
I think Tooks (thanks!) recommended also an ND Grad filter which is on my list but as with the CP filter, I am guessing they're both good for outdoors and not portraits? Sorry if it all sounds OCD. :o
 
First thing I do with any new lens is stick a UV filter on it.
I'd rather scratch a £20 filter than a £450 lens.

Still to do some real shots with my Cp, ND or IR filters but they seem very cool.

D.
 
You don't want to be using a CP filter all the time - you're stopping some of the light from entering the lens. Again, you lose light with ND grads. Bearing in mind it's likely to be dark indoors, you want the fastest shutter speed you can get, and so you need all the light you can get.

A CP filter is generally used to remove reflections - in the real world, that's darkening skies and looking through windows...

A graduated ND filter can be used for landscapes, where there is a large difference in light between the sky and the ground (during daytime). Half of the filter is dark, so it reduces the amount of light coming from the sky, so that you can expose for the sky and ground correctly.

So you want a UV filter to protect your lens. It's clear and there's negligible effect on image quality. But it can cause filter flare, so it might not be appropriate all the time. However lots of people just leave it on the lens and forget about it. You can actually buy clear filters, but a UV filter is fine.

Check the lens to find the size thread you need to buy the correct UV filter.
 
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Drac01971 said:
First thing I do with any new lens is stick a UV filter on it.
I'd rather scratch a £20 filter than a £450 lens.

Still to do some real shots with my Cp, ND or IR filters but they seem very cool.

D.
Click to expand...

If you spend £450 on a lens you really need to spend more than £20 on a UV filter, or you may as well have spent £100 on the lens.

IMO don't worry about it unless you are shooting in on the beach in fast winds or right next to gravel rallys etc.
 
Amp34 said:
If you spend £450 on a lens you really need to spend more than £20 on a UV filter, or you may as well have spent £100 on the lens.

IMO don't worry about it unless you are shooting in on the beach in fast winds or right next to gravel rallys etc.
Click to expand...

Maybe if I was buying from a camera shop but £20 will usually get a decent Hoya on the bay. Also I'd love to know where I can pick up a 150mm Macro AF-S F2.8 for £100 :)

But point taken a cheap filter will spoil a good lens.

D.
 
I'd recommend a 'protector' filter. Newer lenses already have a UV coating so a filter with yet another coating could cause image problems

Either a Hoya S-HMC, Pro1 or something from the B+W MRC range are very good.

I personally use Hoya Pro1D Protector Filters.
 
2Thumbs said:
I'd recommend a 'protector' filter. Newer lenses already have a UV coating so a filter with yet another coating could cause image problems
Click to expand...

For this reason I've been buying Nikon neutral colour filters instead of UV filters, though frankly I've not scrutinised enough to see a tangible difference :confused:
 
I've got a 77mm B+W one which I swap around on my 17-55mm and my 70-200mm VR. Some times I shoot with it sometimes I dont but like said before if i'm in dodgy conditions then I use it.

If your using a cheap £20 one then your better off using clean film. Works and can be had from Tesco's for 89p a roll ;)
 
i use none, no point in putting a cheap bit of glass infront of a £1000 lens, I've got insurance for if i break it! Decent filters cost as much as the excess, and still degrade slightly.
 
Thanks for all the replies, they're helpful to know, and glad it was a sensible thread.
I can understand how a cheap filter can impact an expensive lens but I still like to protect it. Thanks again, going to have a look for a good protector/UV filter... Running low on pennies so will have to be an affordable one. :(
 
I never use a UV filter on my lenses unless I'm going somewhere where I know there's grit, sand or if it's going to get particularly mucky. I agree with rG-tom that that's what insurance is for, but I don't want to have to replace my kit unless I have to, so a little bit of protection in high risk areas doesn't go amiss.
 
Well I finally decided on a Pro1D UV filter after deliberating over the pros and cons of false economy. Didnt fancy a cheapo one even though I am only learning, I dont want to then pay for yet another one in the near future.
Just need a smaller bag now - looking at something small and not bulky, low profile and not too flash or attention seeking. already have a lowepro trekker which I got (impulse buy) in a sale but the lowepro topload mini zoom looks small enough.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a case/bag with shoulder strap that is small and discreet? Dont need compartments or places for lots of lenses, just enough for body with lens.
 
Willis said:
If your using a cheap £20 one then your better off using clean film. Works and can be had from Tesco's for 89p a roll ;)
Click to expand...

I paid £21 for a 58mm Hoya Pro1D and they're far from 'cheap'.

If we're talking 77mm only, then you're right. But you can't talk generally as people need different sizes.
 
Nanobot said:
Well I finally decided on a Pro1D UV filter after deliberating over the pros and cons of false economy. Didnt fancy a cheapo one even though I am only learning, I dont want to then pay for yet another one in the near future.
Just need a smaller bag now - looking at something small and not bulky, low profile and not too flash or attention seeking. already have a lowepro trekker which I got (impulse buy) in a sale but the lowepro topload mini zoom looks small enough.
Does anyone have any recommendations for a case/bag with shoulder strap that is small and discreet? Dont need compartments or places for lots of lenses, just enough for body with lens.
Click to expand...

crumpler pretty boy xl? i love mine, shame it's too small for the 1DS :(

crumpler1.jpg


Very well made and inconspicious :)

Tom.
 
Cheers Tom. That does look ideal, like the discreet messenger shape.
My itchy finger opted for a lowepro topload zoom 1 last night for around £18 and I needed another SDHC so will see how that pans out (no pun intended). Some pictures of the TLZ show it as being quite compact, and some show it as being quite tall which is puzzling. If its not how it seems, I will just exchange it for the above. The official site seems to have moved the Pretty Boy range on, but it is still available online so will see how the TLZ goes. A mate of mine is looking for a new SLR too so can always donate mine (for a small fee :D if its not suitable).
Thanks again.
 
rG-tom said:
crumpler pretty boy xl? i love mine, shame it's too small for the 1DS :(

[ img]http://neo-fusion.co.uk/gallery/gallery/Camera_Stuff/Others/crumpler1.jpg[/img]

Very well made and inconspicious :)

Tom.
Click to expand...

I got one of them, but It's hardly in conspicuous with brght flourescent orange flashing on it. I took the top padding off.

But it is nicely made.
 
Was going to ask for pics of the inside but just seen some review images of the insides and it looks better. Going to go for the plain Olive one, didnt feel 'brave' enough for the splash of orange. :)
 
personally i never use UV filters, I have some for the lenses but only when i'm in a situation it would be foolish not to have one.
I use hoods to protect against bumps and knocks. Keeps some weather elements off too.
 
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