Coolj - UV filters remove a percentage of the UV component from light. It does not effect the visibile light. So, it won't change the saturation/color of your images. It will, in certain circumstances, change the way the sky looks - but that's kind of why you want them. It cuts down on the UV haze you see when taking landscapes. If all you want is protection and don't care about cutting down on UV, you can also buy a good quality clear optical filter. Does nothing but protect the lens. I won't get into the UV or not UV thing again and if they cause problems. :) Suffice it to say that everything you've ever seen from me (with the exception of 1 event) has been done through either a UV, Skylight 1A or Circular Polarizer. And most people know my anal nature when it comes to image quality.

Here's the thing, it really does matter the quality of your filter. The greatest lens in the world can become average or even downright unusable with a crappy filter stuck on it. Poor quality filters can cause loss of sharpness, hazing, artificting, fringing, flaring or a combination of those.

If light goes through it to reach your sensor or film, then it matters. You spend all that money on bodies and lenses, why go cheap on the most inexpensive part, the filters? Especially when you're talking about UV filters, which are the cheapest type of lens filter there is. You can get a Hoya or B+W or other excellent quality UV filter for $15-30. Why even consider going budget there?

-=>Donald

Message edited on: 06/24/2005 08:06