Hi. I was hoping someone may know something about UV filters. I recently purchased a couple UV filters for my cams. I heard it is a good idea to use them as a lens protector. I also heard they reduce glare. Sounds good to me, but I as wondering if they effect the picture in any other way like blocking out certain rays resulting in a less saturated image? I thought I remember something about that. Is there a reason why I would not want to use UV protection? Thanks, -Jeff :-)

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I asked this question to the salesman when buying my D70 and he looked at me like I was nuts not wanting to protect my lens. So I have the UV filter. Have not noticed anything bad about them. I thought they may reflect light back as that has happened a long time ago when using film and doing time releases.I guess only under ideal conditions would I risk keeping the filter off the lens.

Thanks. Cool reading. :-) Many conflicting opinions. Overall sounds like a good thing to use...for protections, and glare reduction. I think I'll still use it in most cases. I forgot to ask how a UV filter would effect a polarizer when "stacked". I assume using a UV w/polarizer prob. doesn't effect the polarizing "effect". If I remember correctly, I think I read about special 2-in-1 polarizer/UV... by the way...not to be rude, but I asked if using a UV filter would affect saturation/color, not if it would casue flares and streaks. Thanks again...much appreciated . -Jeff :-)

I agree with the above we have discussed this before. You get what you pay for so if you get a decent make like Hoya you will not notice anything to worry about.. The glass on your lens is worth protecting and they also cut out haze on sunny days so add better colour in my view

I have a quantary uv filter...but got a hoya polarizer. for my 55 mm I have a quantary uv as well as polarizer. I figure the less-popular quantaray will will work just as well as the hoya. Things were not cheap, unlike some of the quantaary lenses. (by the way, I have a new 28-90mm quantary lens zoom lens...it works well for what it is. I am no expert, but works for me. This one got high rates around web sites that rate such lenses.) I hope I am right bout the filters. I figure...how can one screw up a flat slab of glass. It's not like it's a lens w/many parts and glass shapes....In my opinion...some of this kind of thing boils down to marketing hype. People tend to think the most popular, best, most-expensive brands are always necessary for top performance. Even me/ -Jeff :-)

I agree with you and no doubt that there are great value for money products but I have found that some glass imperfections in some cheaper products can cause the artifacts that call such filters into question.. As you have spent your hard earned cash on your lenses makes sense to get something to protect and get the most from the optics.. With care there is no need for filters of this type at all.. But accidents can happen.. Its your choice.. The law of diminishing returns applies for that reason I go with something like Hoya rather than the Canon ones for my own camera as they cost half

Fist off, thanks everyone for taking the time to respond here..I greatly appreciate your imput. Thanks kindly :-) Secondly...not to be rude, but I asked if using a UV filter would affect saturation/color, not if it would casue flares and/or streaks. peace/coolj001 :-)

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

Very interesting infos here! Thx for that guys!

I pulled some clear plastic Saran wrap around the lens hood and secured it with a rubber band. Never had a problem. If it ever tears, just put some more on. Much cheaper than an expensive filter. Polyvinyl is the only way! ;] Good discussion gang!

A UV or Skylight filter IS a worthwhile investment, especially if you have a non-removable fixed lens camera. I've had a few instances when getting in close for a macro shot, where a branch or twig rubbed against the filter and scratched it. Better that than the actually lens. Also, I take my camera to the NJ Shore alot and the filter protects against the salt air mist and blowing sand.

Thanks Donald for answering my questions. Thanks everyone for the input..I appreciate it :-)....so even though I assumed the quantary filters would be good enough I may be better off w/ the slightly more costly hoya...It's not like I have the most elaborate lenses to begin w/...but now I am in a delima. I am thinking of returning some merchandise ;-) I hate doing that...oh well. The quantary filters were nearly as much as the popular hoya...so I am wondering. I wish I was some sort of expert w/a lab. Then I would know for sure. -jeff :-)

or i may just say f--k it and go w/the saran wrap/rubber band technique. ;-)

LOL@Jeff!!! Couldn't help here I'm afraid! I don't use any filter at all so...! O_o

I have made a decision. I am keeping my filters, Quantaray, Hoya, whatever they may be. I am lucky to have any filter at all let alone some popular brand name filter! I must learn to count my blessings and these blessings include my quantaray filters. I think the name "quantarary" sounds more cool than Hoya. I may also try the saran wrap technique....prob. works wonders. I suspect there isn't much of a noticable difference between the Hoya and Quantaray filters, and wonder if anyone has actually compared the two, or if I detect some filter prejeduce here. I am no pro...what do I know? Seems to me a filter is nothing much more than a flat slab of glass(or plastic saran wrap). I must realize I don't need the best/most expensive filters. Like if I was to go get the most expensive, finest sable brushes would I become a master painter? Will it make me more more cool? Thanks again everyone for your input. I appreciate it. :-)

ROFL@Jeff!! Geez man u make me laugh!!

Thanks Tibet for the most kind comments. I appreciate it...as always most kind one...I always appreciate your comments...I feel honored when you comment on my mere musings and postings...but...I wonder...,does this mean...am I sexy? ???

LMAO!!!!!!!!! Do u feel sexy??

i wish...:-( why...do you feel sexy? :-)

...why, are you a polititian?

Because if u feel sexy, then u r sexy! ;) Do I feel sexy?? Sometimes! :)

Message edited on: 06/28/2005 11:17

"Seems to me a filter is nothing more than a flat slab of glass ..."

Or possibly not so flat. Or possibly the glass used is not quite as pure as it can be. Or possibly the build quality is not as good as others. Or possibly its coating, if it has one, is not as even as it could be. If filters were just flat slabs of glass, you wouldn't have 3-4 companies standing out amongst the crowd.

Quantaray is the name used by Ritz(I think) to sell a re-branded budget line of lenses, filters and other accessories. When I first bought my Sigma lens for my film camera body about 4 years ago I also went ahead and got a Quantaray UV filter to save a few bucks (up until then, everything I had was Canon). The thing wasn't coated correctly, had too much of a red hue and flared at the first hint of cross light. Final straw for me was when the glue failed and the filter jiggled and rotated in the ring. That was just my experience. Not saying it's indicative of anything. Just that like with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

That said, do what you feel comfortable doing. It's your gear. I don't think anyone here really cares what you put on the lens (I have yet to have someone run up and look at the brand of filter on my lens). As long as you're happy, what else matters?

-=>Donald