Do I need a lens filter?

[tasmo2]

This may sound like a stupid question, but I am new to all of this. I see lens filters for sale on amazon, and it says it protects your lens. Is this in place of a lens cap because you can just leave it on? Is there a difference in them that I would need to know? Thanks!

[SusanH1970]

I used to use UV filters as protection, but then did some reading up on the different schools of thoughts on them. I also studied images I'd taken with and without them and realized (because I was using cheap filters) that they actually took away from the images - why put a $15 piece of glass over a much more expensive piece? - Although none of my lenses are exactly super-expensive, LOL.

I ended up going with lens hoods. I'm notorious for letting my camera bang up against a door or such, and would rather have the edge of the hood take the brunt than the side of my lens.

The only time I wished I'd had a filter on was shooting at the zoo one day and an elephant flung shredded hay at me and some got on my lens. But a quick clean-up with my blower took care of that. I always keep my cleaning kit in my camera bag.

I'm sure you'll hear lots about both sides of the story. There are much more expensive, high quality UV filters that don't degrade image quality and may actually help in certain situations. Then there are also neutral density filters, circular polarizing filters........

But I stick with my lens hoods for protection because with the type of photography I do, I don't have a need for the effects of ND's and CPL's.

[Christi V]

I was going to ask about the same thing, so will just add to the thread.. I got the multi coated ultra violet high definations lens filters... is this more for bright sunny days, or can you leave it on all the time?

[dcclark]

You can leave it on all the time. UV filters aren't useful for actually filtering UV light (your sensor already does that for you -- it's a holdover from film days). So, a UV filter will just help protect the lens physically.

[candidrachel]

I use a UV filter on permenently because it protects the lens from scratches and its way cheaper to change a filter than a new lens.

[OsmosisStudios]

The only time I use a filter is when there is a real risk of the front element getting dirty. WHenever mud, dirt, sand, strong winds, water, etc are present. Its just easier to change/clean a filter than it is to clean a front element.

[WooD]

I've read so many threads on different forums about to use or not to use a UV filter.

A couple days ago I shot a high school weight lifting teams portraits. I decided to take my filter off my 17-55, and see if it made any difference.

If it did, I cant tell. It is a pretty expensive B+W filter thou.

[FrankLamont]

Any MC UV should do it.

Ghosting and flaring is just bad with plain UV filters, though.

[LeeR]

My first week of photography class I was hiking in the woods with a borrowed camera when I fell, camera first. One look at the front of the camera and I could see that the glass had a huge crack across it. I was heartsick. The friend who loaned me the camera took one look at it, laughed and called me 'the luckiest bonehead on the planet.' He then proceeded to unscrew the filter revealing an unscathed lens, replaced it, and on we went, as if noting had happened.

That has happened to me a couple of times since but it only has to happen once to understand the value of investing in this kind of protection.

As a humorous side note; when I was shooting a lot of weddings I would often use a star cross filter instead of a UV. These filters are clear glass with tiny scratches cut in them . The scratches catch the light from specular highlights in things like cnadles, lights and even engagement rings, giving them a starburst effect. As long as there are no specular highlights it does nothing but protect the lens. However, every once in a while a starburst would appear in a place you would not expect or even desire; like the minister's glasses, the mother's shiny nose or a father-in-law's bald head. Try explaining that in the wedding proofs!

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by LeeR

My first week of photography class I was hiking in the woods with a borrowed camera when I fell, camera first. One look at the front of the camera and I could see that the glass had a huge crack across it. I was heartsick. The friend who loaned me the camera took one look at it, laughed and called me 'the luckiest bonehead on the planet.' He then proceeded to unscrew the filter revealing an unscathed lens, replaced it, and on we went, as if noting had happened.

And this is why I always good a good filter on lenses I care about. It's fine to say well, I'll use a filter when I plan on being in harsh conditions. But the point is, you don't plan for accidents. They happen. There may not be a sandstorm or saltwater spray in your house, but trip on your carpet and faceplant your $1000 lens into your coffee table...

As a humorous side note; when I was shooting a lot of weddings I would often use a star cross filter instead of a UV. These filters are clear glass with tiny scratches cut in them.

I still have one of these in my 35mm SLR kit, which I totally forgot about... should dig it out since I have an adapter...