protector lens

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Haydn Clarke

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Just got a lens adaptor for my Fuji S4000 and it takes 72mm lenses. It came with a UV and polarising filter but I'd like to get a clear lens to act as a protector for the main lens when not using either UV or polarized. Just ebayed "clear lens" but they're obviously called something else. Anyone know what I should be looking for. Incidentally, the adaptor I got is this — http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kiwifotos-6...T6M6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1328865445&sr=8-4

Thanks in advance.
 
You are talking about filters , not lenses, and I really wouldnt stick another peiece of glass in front of an already cheap adapter. You images will suffer badly.

On digital most people use the UV filter as the protection filter, if they use them at all..
UV filters have no purpose of digital cameras, as they alreay have UV filters built into the camera.

Skylight filters are also clear, but again, I really wouldnt bother.
 
Cheers for the answer. I only ask as my new camera does not have a detacheable lens and I was just wondering if it would be wise to protect the main lens. Looks like the Uv filter will do that ok.
 
Only lens I ever use "protection filters" on are super wide angle lenses... such as my Tokina 11-16mm. And that's only because you get way closer than you think and it's not unheard of to suddenly bump the lens into the thing you're taking the photo of.

In my opinion on 90% of lenses all filters generally do is lower the quality of your lens, or add flare. In 25 years of using a camera I've broken a few lenses, and a filter wouldn't have saved any of them.
 
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I put a UV filter on the end of all my lenses just out of habit. It stops any crap getting on there like finger prints etc. Also I am quite willing to sacrifice a few quid for a filter if it will save my lens.

I can't say I have notice any difference in image quality when the uv filter is on compared to when its off.
 
I've never used protection filters and never broken or damaged a lens in over 10 years. Just be carefull with your gear.
The one time I did use one is when I bought a canon 100mmL macro lens and it had one fitted.
I went out side to take some photos and when I reviewed the on screen, it was like someone had turned a fog machine on. The photos were ruined. Took the filter off, and hey presto one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used
 
wildman said:
I put a UV filter on the end of all my lenses just out of habit. It stops any crap getting on there like finger prints etc. Also I am quite willing to sacrifice a few quid for a filter if it will save my lens.

I can't say I have notice any difference in image quality when the uv filter is on compared to when its off.
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:agree:
Unlike Tom,whom has a very low regard for UV filters, I am very prone to knocking the lens,so have a UV filter on most of mine.
On some of my lenses the glass is set well back so I don't bother with those.
Also ,being on the coast it cuts the haze down a little,when I go to Ingleton Falls it also stops the spray going onto the expensive glass.:eek:
 
I never said I wasn't prone to knocking lenses. I'm the clumsiest mofo on the planet. I still haven't broken one though.
 
I would only use one if I was doing motocross/rally photography (chance of rocks hitting the lens) or working in dusty/dirty locations. Easier to just rub a disposable quickly with a rag than stop and clean the front element properly.

Generally though, the lens hood is all the protection you need when using the camera.
 
The UV lives on the lens, but unless im on the beach in strong winds, the UV comes off with the lens cap.

sand blasting is a lovely cleaner, cleans soot, grime and lens coatings a treat, leaves a nice matt finish:gag:
 
Does anyone really take their kit to the beach in a sandstorm :thinking:

The speed at which sand would cause damage would be gale force I would think. I'd be more worried about sand between the focus and zoom rings, who uses a camera cover on the beach I bet few.
 
Quite interesting read as I bought a clear UV filter when I purchased my D90 kit, may try a few shot's with out and see if i can see a difference I can certainly see why as there's less glass ect to see through
 
SXI - Matt said:
Quite interesting read as I bought a clear UV filter when I purchased my D90 kit, may try a few shot's with out and see if i can see a difference I can certainly see why as there's less glass ect to see through
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Throw it in the cupboard and just use the lens hood. You may not notice the difference now, but as you get more experienced in photograhy and start to take shots you are really proud of you'll soon discover things in photos that annoy you, and you'll learn fast that it could have been avoided by getting rid of the cheap tat in front of your lens.
 
TCR4x4 said:
I never said I wasn't prone to knocking lenses. I'm the clumsiest mofo on the planet. I still haven't broken one though.
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A scratch is just as bad as a break.:p
neil_g said:
Does anyone really take their kit to the beach in a sandstorm :thinking:

The speed at which sand would cause damage would be gale force I would think. I'd be more worried about sand between the focus and zoom rings, who uses a camera cover on the beach I bet few.
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Get some lovely shots of sand flurry's ,just keep you're back to the wind......:thumbs:
 
Think about it.

If you are likely to damage a lens, it will most likely be from being dropped or banging against something hard.

I would be more worried about the damage caused to the VR system, autofocus motor, smaller, thinner internal glass elements and all of those expensive intricate computer chips inside.

Usually the front element is the thickest, toughest bit of glass in the entire lens. That's what they put it at the front! :)

Filters are as good as useless, unless of course you are in an environment where the lens will become physically dirty or covered in something nasty. And I don't mean "dust" or "fingerprints"!
 
neil_g said:
Does anyone really take their kit to the beach in a sandstorm :thinking:

... who uses a camera cover on the beach I bet few.
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As I live on the coast....

lifes a beach

On this beach the only time its interesting is when its blowing a gale:D

Heres what it is normally like

DSC_7978.JPG
 
I have had two lens saved over the years by having uv/skylight filters, on the one the filter was smashed, the other badly scratched, in both cases the lens were undamaged.
IMHO well worth the money, and in the tests I saw a few years back the loss in quality even with really cheap filters was almost impossible to see even at high magnification.
 
Well I figured it might be best for me to at least try them, as I needed to get an adaptor for using polarizing filters etc. and beings that my camera is a bridge camera, with an integral lens, if I was to even lightly scratch this lens then the whole camera is ruined.

Only trouble with the adaptor that I got was that it comes in two sections and if I use the front piece only, I cannot zoom the full length of the lens without hitting the filter/protector lens, and if I use the adaptor with both sections I then get Vigneting when shooting in wide angle. I minor problem though.

Thanks for the answers.
 
HJC1972 said:
if I was to even lightly scratch this lens then the whole camera is ruined.
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I doubt it, you'd be surprised how little little scratches can effect image quality.

Take a look at this: http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches

Even the softness in those pictures isn't caused by the visible damage there, but by the force of the impact having moved the element slightly out of place ;) Unless it's a major scratch, the only negative impact it should have is on the camera's resale value.

If I were you, I would look for a lens hood kit instead of a filter to protect it.
 
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Crikey, that's a real eye opener! I had no idea that a camera would still take a good picture with even a slight scratch. let alone the damage shown in that link. Squishy, the adaptor kit I got, even though it is a bit mickey mouse, has actually got a lens hood.
 
HJC1972 said:
Crikey, that's a real eye opener! I had no idea that a camera would still take a good picture with even a slight scratch. let alone the damage shown in that link. Squishy, the adaptor kit I got, even though it is a bit mickey mouse, has actually got a lens hood.
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Then I would just use that. If you're going to a beach where you might encounter salty spray a filter would be a good idea but for the rest of the time a lens hood does very well to protect from knocks and scratches, without potentially introducing flare/ghosting/harsh bokeh issues.
 
towershot said:
:agree:
Unlike Tom,whom has a very low regard for UV filters, I am very prone to knocking the lens,so have a UV filter on most of mine.
On some of my lenses the glass is set well back so I don't bother with those.
Also ,being on the coast it cuts the haze down a little,when I go to Ingleton Falls it also stops the spray going onto the expensive glass.:eek:
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It won't cut haze down. They only did that with film. A UV filter on digital has absolutely NO iq benefit, quite the opposite.
 
swanseamale47 said:
I have had two lens saved over the years by having uv/skylight filters, on the one the filter was smashed, the other badly scratched, in both cases the lens were undamaged.
IMHO well worth the money, and in the tests I saw a few years back the loss in quality even with really cheap filters was almost impossible to see even at high magnification.
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A filter will smash easily, as they have no impact tolerances built in (any movement within its own frame will crack or smash it).

Chance are the front element would have survived intact regardless of the filter, they are significantly stronger and more resistant than even an expensive filter.

It's like putting an egg in front of your car bumper, nudging it against a wall cracking the egg, then saying "look the egg protected my bumper from the impact, now I won't leave home without one!". ;)
 
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odd jim said:
It's like putting an egg in front of your car bumper, nudging it against a wall cracking the egg, then saying "look the egg protected my bumper from the impact, now I won't leave home without one!". ;)
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Im stealing that! :thumbs: :lol:
 
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