Help with UV Filters - confused!

~*~ElmoHolz~*~

~*~ElmoHolz~*~

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When it comes to UV filters I notice they vary by 'mm' e.g. 58mm, 77mm, 67mm etc etc.

Might be a bit of a silly question but what does this actually mean? :bonk:

Does it refer to the size (diameter) of the filter? As each one fits different lenses? Or am I completely going in the wrong direction?

I'm looking at hoya uv filters at the moment, but not sure which would be suitable for my lenses :S

I wouldn't usually use filters as I understand they're suppose to degrade image quality but I have a location shoot coming up with lots of powdered colour and paint so really need that bit of extra protection!

If anyone can share some light on UV filters then that'd be great, thank you.
 
does it refer to the size (diameter) of the filter? As each one fits different lenses? Or am I completely going in the wrong direction?
Click to expand...
correct:thumbs:
 
No point buying a UV filter, digital cameras don't need them.
A circular polariser is a useful filter to buy though.

The size is the diameter, which you'd match to your lens' stated ø printed on the front or manufacturer's specs.
Many users will buy the largest one their lens collection needs, and then use a step-down adapter for those with a smaller diameter.

So, if you had 3 lenses of 72mm, 67mm, 49mm, you'd buy a 72mm filter, and a 67 & 49 mm adapter.
It'd be cheaper than buying 3 separate sized filters, but you'd need to be aware that you may suffer slight vignetting at the widest angle on the smaller lenses.
For that reason, many opt for the slim (more expensive unfortunately) version filters some manufacturers produce.
 
Yep, you don't need UV filters for digital.

Some use them for protection, but there are issues with this (search UV image degradation).
 
If you want it purely for protection, Hoya make a HD protector. Clear glass that is probably a lot stronger than a UV type
 
hobodan said:
If you want it purely for protection, Hoya make a HD protector. Clear glass that is probably a lot stronger than a UV type
Click to expand...

It'll shatter, then damage the element.
 
Its a protector so im sure its pretty strong. Take a look at some of the Hoya HD videos on YouTube, the glass is very tough.

Threads on filters always get side tracked with discussions on whether they are a good option or not and the concensus seems pretty split.

Im sure the OP will make his/her own mind up on that debate
 
Thanks for all the advice, i'll look into the HD protector.

So annoyingly I have 52mm and 58mm, better start looking for adapters too now.
 
The HD range is the latest Hoya high quality filters. Apparently it stands for hardened & they are better than the pro1 range for cleaning off fingerprints etc.

Ive not used the pro1 filters though.
 
Yes just read up on the differences, seems to be water/oil/scratch/dirt resistant.

Think i'm going to go with the pro1 filter as it's a bit cheaper and see how I get on.

Filters and camera rainsleeve and I should be covered for this paint fest!! :)
 
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