Filters

[Robbie]

Is it normal for new filters (sealed in a box) to be covered in dust??

I've just bought 2 from this Amazon seller
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/browse.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P

One UV which looks pretty filthy to me and one Polarising filter which is scratched.


Have I just been unlucky?

 

[sdb123]

Is it normal for new filters (sealed in a box) to be covered in dust??

I've just bought 2 from this Amazon seller
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/browse.html?ie=UTF8&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P

One UV which looks pretty filthy to me and one Polarising filter which is scratched.


Have I just been unlucky?

Send them back.

 

[Andysnap]

Link doesn't seem to work mate, but I would send them back. If they're sold as new and look like that then you don't have to accept them.

Andy

 

[dazzajl]

Is it normal for new filters (sealed in a box) to be covered in dust??

In a word, no.

If they were OK under the dust I'd let it be but if it's scratched I'd return it.

 

[Robbie]

I will try and clean the UV filter, otherwise I won't be able to take my new 70-200 out! But the Polarising filter will have to go back shame as I am on holiday from Thursday and wanted to take it!!

 

[sdb123]

I will try and clean the UV filter, otherwise I won't be able to take my new 70-200 out! But the Polarising filter will have to go back shame as I am on holiday from Thursday and wanted to take it!!

Why will you not be able to use a lens without a UV filter? :shrug:

 

[Robbie]

Because otherwise I'm highly likely to knock it! I don't want to take the risk, its sods law after all...

 

[sdb123]

Because otherwise I'm highly likely to knock it! I don't want to take the risk, its sods law after all...

Seems madness to me. I've never used a UV filter on any of my lenses and not had an issue.

EDIT: Just use the lens hood.

 

[andya700]

Seems madness to me. I've never used a UV filter on any of my lenses and not had an issue.

EDIT: Just use the lens hood.

I think that I would rather risk scratching a filter than the front element of a lens. Mind you I am pretty tight, so I prefer to lose £20 than £200 plus!

 

[Robbie]

My thoughts exactly, I've just spent £400 on a lens, why risk it!

 

[Robbie]

I've managed to clean up the UV filter anyway, its just the Polarising filter that's knackered!

 

[sdb123]

I think that I would rather risk scratching a filter than the front element of a lens. Mind you I am pretty tight, so I prefer to lose £20 than £200 plus!

My thoughts exactly, I've just spent £400 on a lens, why risk it!

I've owned over thirty lenses and never scratched one. I honestly can't understand the reluctance to not use a lens just because you don't have a filter. :bonk:

 

[Robbie]

I'm clumsy, very clumsy!

 

[cambsno]

Not saying its impossible, but must be hard to scratch a lens if the hood is on?

 

[clud17]

I'm clumsy, very clumsy!

me too, you need to practice DE!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUJF6ke1SoE&feature=related
stay with the clip and it will become clear after a minute or two

 

[EdBray]

My thoughts exactly, I've just spent £400 on a lens, why risk it!

Why spend £400 on a lens then put a crappy cheap piece of glass in front of it?

 

[odd jim]

^ agreed!! The only filters I use are good quality CPL's, and only then when I want the desired effect. You are degrading an L series lens down to the quality of the cheap (relatively) UV filter glass.

I cant see how you can scratch a lens with a hood on (as dont all L lenses come with hoods included?). I've never scratched a lens, even without a hood on!

 

[hollis_f]

Because otherwise I'm highly likely to knock it! I don't want to take the risk, its sods law after all...

Just wrap a piece of clingfilm over the front of the lens. Optically it'll be about the same as a £20 filter and it's a lot cheaper.