Best quality filter........

[andy_fozzy]

Hi all.
I generally don't like filters, but I don't like the Canon 17-40mm F4 L hood even more
So I don't use the horrible thing, which is now risking me damaging my front element.

So I'm thinking of getting a UV or protector filter for it.
As a rule I don't use them, as I like to get the best possible IQ I can.
So what filter would cause me the least loss of IQ?
If money were no object, what would you get?

Cheers, Andy

 

[dalex_257]

Hi all.
If money were no object, what would you get?

None - use hoods. This is especially true for wide lens as your 17-40 is - at wide angles *any* quality glass filter will compromise the optical path and contribute to reflection and flare. The reflections will cause overall contrast degradation and details lost, flare - well you know the effects.

I generally only ever use filters if they serve a purpouse in picture forming - e.q. polariser, colour correction etc.

 

[footman]

Something like a B&W clear glass filter? Top quality glass.

 

[trencheel303]

Hi all.
I generally don't like filters, but I don't like the Canon 17-40mm F4 L hood even more
So I don't use the horrible thing, which is now risking me damaging my front element.

So I'm thinking of getting a UV or protector filter for it.
As a rule I don't use them, as I like to get the best possible IQ I can.
So what filter would cause me the least loss of IQ?
If money were no object, what would you get?

Cheers, Andy

For the 17-40 I use Hoya's HD UV filter, 77mm. Get it for about 50 squid off Amazon. I also use the hood - might as well, even if it is a bit chocolate teapot. The hood and filter never come off mine, as it's the lens I'm most likely to use in iffy conditions, and the IQ does not seem to be affected at all.

The reflections will cause overall contrast degradation and details lost, flare - well you know the effects..

This is just speculation - with a good filter, this won't happen.

 

[andy_fozzy]

None - use hoods. This is especially true for wide lens as your 17-40 is - at wide angles *any* quality glass filter will compromise the optical path and contribute to reflection and flare. The reflections will cause overall contrast degradation and details lost, flare - well you know the effects.

I generally only ever use filters if they serve a purpouse in picture forming - e.q. polariser, colour correction etc.

Cheers mate.
I'm the same - only filters I own are ND grads (Cokin) and a B&W 10 stopper.
Wouldn't normally use them for protection, and I've even advised against doing so in a few posts on here.

BUT, the 17-40 hood really is HUGE, and really gets on my nerves!!!

And on my 5D 17mm is very wide, so wouldn't want to get any vignetting, which I might risk doing so with a filter on.

 

[andy_fozzy]

For the 17-40 I use Hoya's HD UV filter, 77mm. Get it for about 50 squid off Amazon. I also use the hood - might as well, even if it is a bit chocolate teapot. The hood and filter never come off mine, as it's the lens I'm most likely to use in iffy conditions, and the IQ does not seem to be affected at all.

Cheers Kris

Likewise actually, the 17-40 is the one I'd use in iffy situations, such as the example shot below:


Lynmouth Sunrise by andy foster2007, on Flickr

Although the water looks pretty calm, I was just a few feet away from the water, and the spray was covering me and the camera pretty bad.

I've used a Hoya Pro digital filter before and seemed pretty good.

I'll check the one you mentioned out. Thanks allot

 

[trencheel303]

it's also good to remember that the filter completes the sealing.

 

[andy_fozzy]

it's also good to remember that the filter completes the sealing.

Appreciate your advice.
Cheers bud

 

[Carl V]

I'd highly recommend B+W filters and use them all the time for my black & white films. Not cheap, but outstanding quality.

 

[dalex_257]

This is just speculation - with a good filter, this won't happen.

Unfortunately it's not - based on my experience.

Of course I am not talking about it happening all the time - the degree of this will vary from situation to situation. The problem is that you are unlikely to notice those effects from the look on the tiny LCD screen so this will come out in post processing (when developing RAWs).

 

[dalex_257]

BUT, the 17-40 hood really is HUGE, and really gets on my nerves!!!

And on my 5D 17mm is very wide, so wouldn't want to get any vignetting, which I might risk doing so with a filter on.

I am actually going the opposite way now - getting rid of all my clear glass filters (used Nikon clear filters that cost a fortune consider what they are but apparently they have the best spectral characteristics with minimal effect on the image/colour). For the casual shooting with walkabout lenses I'd use the usual hoods but as you say some can be pretty big. My solution to this is to get those soft hoods (Hoya did some of them) that collapse down and up making them larger or smaller (they are not the bellows type). I find them quite convenient and use on a few of my lenses now. For the shooting in stationary conditions with tripod, ND grads and PL, I am currently contemplating to get a compendium (Lee bellows hood with filter slots)

 

[Dave Stone]

Use the hood Andy. With a filter you are increasing the chance of flare. Without the hood you are increasing it even more. The hood isn't pretty but it's there for a reason.

the spray was covering me and the camera pretty bad.

Maybey consider a weather sealed camera

 

[trencheel303]

the hood's not that big...

 

[HoppyUK]

<snip>

This is just speculation - with a good filter, this won't happen.

Not speculation at all. You will get flare and ghosting with any filter. I've posted comparison pictures often enough, taken with a 17-40L as it happens, with Hoya Pro-1 UV filter.

Cheers mate.
I'm the same - only filters I own are ND grads (Cokin) and a B&W 10 stopper.
Wouldn't normally use them for protection, and I've even advised against doing so in a few posts on here.

BUT, the 17-40 hood really is HUGE, and really gets on my nerves!!!

Don't be such a wuss.

And on my 5D 17mm is very wide, so wouldn't want to get any vignetting, which I might risk doing so with a filter on.

it's also good to remember that the filter completes the sealing.

Why do you keep banging on about this Trenchers? Does it matter?

At the end of the day, I have a UV filter for all my lenses, just in case. To date, I am pleased to say that I have never used it. (Might offer to sell it to Arkady )