UV filters - much of a difference between them?

julianhj

julianhj

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I've just bought a lovely 17-40mm f4L, and I'd like to buy a UV filter for it. Previously I've tended to go for Hoya Super HMC and Digital UV or Skylight filters. Rather than go for similar on a whim, I thought I'd ask is there a particularly recommended brand or model. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
 
I use B+W filters myself. They are expensive, particularly the slimline versions, but definitely very high quality.
 
Excellent, I'm just looking at those now, as I've been very happy with my B+W ND110. I can't see if there are different versions of the UV filter on B+W's website, so I assume there is just a standard type from them?
 
julianhj said:
Excellent, I'm just looking at those now, as I've been very happy with my B+W ND110. I can't see if there are different versions of the UV filter on B+W's website, so I assume there is just a standard type from them?
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B+W do make the slim versions of UV filters, but they're normally only available to order. This is certainly the case with Robert White, which is where I purchased most of my filters from (the ordinary ones, not slimline). On their website, they do list them:

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/filters.html?lens_filter_effect=468&manufacturer=27
 
Why do you want a UV filter on a DSLR?
 
julianhj said:
Ahh, good to know, thanks. I think the slim ones are a little out of my price range though.
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You may be able to get away without having to use the slimline version, but I'm afraid I know nothing about digital SLR's. For what it's worth, I have the Nikkor 20mm wide-angle for my 35mm SLR's and use the normal filter without any vignetting whatsoever. But I'm not so sure whether you could do the same at the 17mm end of your lens. There could be a slight risk it may just show slightly on the corners of your image at this setting.
 
I had some Hoya and a Tiffen filters for my lenses, but I got some really soft images while I had them on. When I took all my filters off and protected against dogs noses and clumsiness by putting lens hoods on I started getting the images that I should of got i.e. sharp and clear. I never shoot with filters unless it's a CPL or a UV in bad weather or dust only.
 
Carl V said:
You may be able to get away without having to use the slimline version, but I'm afraid I know nothing about digital SLR's. For what it's worth, I have the Nikkor 20mm wide-angle for my 35mm SLR's and use the normal filter without any vignetting whatsoever. But I'm not so sure whether you could do the same at the 17mm end of your lens. There could be a slight risk it may just show slightly on the corners of your image at this setting.
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Like this

DSC_0406.jpg
 
ST4 said:
Like this
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Yes, this is an example of vignetting and it can also be caused by lens hoods protruding too far as well. Sometimes it just comes out as a subtle light fall-off on the edge of the frame.
 
julianhj said:
I've just bought a lovely 17-40mm f4L, and I'd like to buy a UV filter for it. Previously I've tended to go for Hoya Super HMC and Digital UV or Skylight filters. Rather than go for similar on a whim, I thought I'd ask is there a particularly recommended brand or model. Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
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If you want to stick a UV filter on you may have well have stuck with the kit lens.

It'll degrade iq and as for protection, just use a hood.
 
odd jim said:
If you want to stick a UV filter on you may have well have stuck with the kit lens.

It'll degrade iq and as for protection, just use a hood.
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Really? A good quality UV filter is that much of an issue? What about my grads and polariser?
 
julianhj said:
Really? A good quality UV filter is that much of an issue? What about my grads and polariser?
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Yes really.

A grad and polariser serve an aesthetic purpose, that's why you use them, for effect. Therefore they have a specific use.

What does a uv filter do for the image other than degrade it?
 
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