Thanks for the replies but what I would like to know is what makes a good filter? if I look at a data sheet showing light transmission curves etc. what should I look for
Steve
Are you sure you want a UV filter at all. I have UV filters for all my lens and use them on none. They degrade image quality and do not necessarily provide the protection you may wish. I use hoods for my physical lens protection. I would only use the filters in harsh conditions like flying dust/sand/mud. For regular shooting - at home, weddings, the zoo etc. they stay off my lenses. I would consider using them at a car rally or windy day at the beach.
See here....
- http://www.vanwalree.com/optics/filterflare.html
If you must go ahead with your purchase then B+W filters are very highly regarded, as well as the Hoya Pro1 range. I use Hoya Pro1 and I do notice that contrast is lowered with the filter in place. That's why I try to avoid using it. There are some threads which illustrate truly shocking IQ degradation caused by filters. Check this out....
- http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=61214
- http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=117146
I agree with tdodd. Any decent lens will have a plethora of coatings on it and one of them is certain be for UV, so a UV filter is really redundant on most modern lenses. I never use protection filters, I feel that a lenshood gives adequate protection in most circumstances. I can see the need for a protection filter in extreme circumstances, and to be fair, Canon recommend a filter to protect ingress of water past the front filter even with weatherproof lenses when it's very wet.
You've paid serious wonga for a lens with top quality optical glass, and very hi tech coatings which aid light transmission and colour saturation. Why degrade it by sticking an inferior filter in front of it Good quality filters are expensive for a reason.
Thanks CT and very much appreciated What you have said is the reason for the post, I would prefer not to use a filter, but I know there will be occasions when I would rather have some protection for the lens, so I would like to buy the best quality filter that I can, as I said in the OP money is not the issue, I would like to judge a filter on facts rather than the sales blurb, if I can
Thanks again
Steve
I'm pretty sure it's going to be B+W and Hoya Pro1 you should look at more closely.
If I was really concerned, my kit wouild be under cover, and me with it, before I exposed it to too much risk.
Buy a HOYA PRO1 series filter - and look after it.