Filters as lens protectors.

[africanrefugee]

Hi All.

I do not wish to open a huge can of worms here, but judging from what I see on the net, I fear I may be, but is it advisable to use a UV filter as a lens protector. As a newbie, I have always done so up to now, initially using cheap ones. I have been striving to improve my images, and now fear the poor filters may have (but again may not have) affected my image quality. I have just purchased a 70-200 f4L IS lens and want to ensure it is protected. My photography is primarily outdoors, and I would prefer to clean a filter regularly (and replace it if and when damaged) than risk cleaning my lens and possibly damaging the coating.

I know from experience that my spectacles lenses scratch easily (usually within 12-18 months) and the coatings easily get damaged by heat. These are plastic lenses, and whilst the old glass lenses were less prone to scratching, the glass lenses were more prone to chipping/pitting.

I now understand that UV lenses may affect night time photography (light flare) but would it not be worthwhile using the UV as a protector and only removing it if it appears to affect light flare. The 'L' lens is an expensive bit of kit and I want to protect it as best as I possibly can. I was thinking of possibly a Hoya HMC or Canon protector.

Please note I appreciate all useful practical advice but do not wish to hear a diatribe from snobbish purists.

[Gaurav Prabhu]

Since you own such a high quality lens, it is highly recommended you get a good filter. A Hoya filter would do great. They are water repellent & even dust repellent. See the new HD filters of Hoya.

[sk66]

Many do use them as lens protectors (I don't, I often don't even use lens caps). If you do use them, get decent ones. They don't have to be the ultra expensive, but avoid the ultra cheap.

[africanrefugee]

Thanks for the advice. After posting this question I came across this link to a you tube posting from a Nikon advice site: YouTube - Ultraviolet (UV) Glass Filters Tutorial (HD) . They do recommend using filters as protectors, but you would be surprised at some of their recommendations and also some of the filter makers they advise against.