Should I bother view a UV filter?

DrPips

DrPips

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Dom
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Hi All,

I'm going to get my shiny new 15-85 canon lens tomorrow with a circular polariser as I use this quite a bit. Should I bother getting a UV filter to keep on the lens all the time?

I have been advised to keep a skylight on all the time, but when I posted some pics that had lens flare some people were saying I shouldn't bother, they cause more problems than they solve.

Any ideas?

Dom
 
Hi Dom,

Until recently I always used UV filters for protection until I read other threads suggesting the lens hood offers more protection. Still keep them for if I'm going anywere dusty or near the sea etc.

And also as mentioned above make sure they are good quality and not el cheapo rubbish
 
Keebsuk said:
If you buy one avoid cheap ones at all cost. Buy a decent, coated filter either Hoya or similar.

Andy
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What difference does the coating make? I have them for the premise of protection as I don't always have the lens hood on but the UV filter is on 100% of the time..
 
I do not use any filters at all on my lens. Been alot of threads on here about do I dont I and most say dont.

Always have a lens hood on so if that does not protect it then well the lens will be in bad shape if anything happend to it anyways.

spike
 
MindofMel said:
What difference does the coating make? I have them for the premise of protection as I don't always have the lens hood on but the UV filter is on 100% of the time..
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An Uncoated filter will cause flare and ruin your photos. I personally dont bother with any filters expect the polariser when the need calls.I Just use the lens hood.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sure I get the lens hood on order straight away. Bit annoying that a £600 lens doesn't come with a hood anyway though!

Dom
 
DrPips said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sure I get the lens hood on order straight away. Bit annoying that a £600 lens doesn't come with a hood anyway though!

Dom
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Nikon lenses do. ;)
 
Get the hood, and use the money saved from not buying a protection filter to get a Hoya HD polariser. It is lighter toned than other CPLs (1.2 stops vs 1.7ish) and has excellent multicoating.

Whoever told you to get a skylight filter should bone up a bit more on these things - if you must have a protection filter (and it will degrade quality in some situations, possibly badly) then get a UV or plain protector, and make it a good quality multicoated one.

Personally, I have one UV filter that fits all my lenses, but it only ever goes on when absolutely necessary. Always use a hood though.
 
DrPips said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I'll make sure I get the lens hood on order straight away. Bit annoying that a £600 lens doesn't come with a hood anyway though!

Dom
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That's Canon for you. My 70-200mm f4.0 comes with the bag and hood, because it's an L lens, but the more expensive 17-55mm f2.8 doesn't because it's not! Bit of a sore point with a lot of people, and they certainly know how to charge for the hoods.
 
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