High quality UV filter make a difference?

[NaOH]

I know to invest in a higher quality polarizer. But does a a really high quality UV filter actually do anything besides protect the lens?

 

[jEnus]

I'm wondering this question as well. Also, what are soem good brands for Polarizer/UV filters?

 

[montanafan]

As far as most photography goes, they're just useful to protect the lens. With today's digital photos and all the tweaking people can do in processing, I wouldn't think they'd make any difference at all to the quality of the final photo.

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: montanafan
As far as most photography goes, they're just useful to protect the lens. With today's digital photos and all the tweaking people can do in processing, I wouldn't think they'd make any difference at all to the quality of the final photo.

That's what I was thinking. I took a couple of scenery shots with a cheap vivatar UV filter and it looked identical as if I used nothing at all.



I've only bought Hoya filters so far as I have heard good things about them. I think Tiffen and B + W are other brands to consider.

 

[montanafan]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: montanafan
As far as most photography goes, they're just useful to protect the lens. With today's digital photos and all the tweaking people can do in processing, I wouldn't think they'd make any difference at all to the quality of the final photo.

That's what I was thinking. I took a couple of scenery shots with a cheap vivatar UV filter and it looked identical as if I used nothing at all.



I've only bought Hoya filters so far as I have heard good things about them. I think Tiffen and B + W are other brands to consider.

Yeah, for he UV filters I just get Promaster, Sunpak, or something like that. For circular polarizers I get Hoya.

Edit: Oh, and make sure you get the multi-coated circular polarizers. I think the Hoyas say super-multi-coated or something like that.

 

[NaOH]

I think lens hoods actually do something.

 

[montanafan]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY
I think lens hoods actually do something.

They help to reduce flare, but don't prevent it entirely.

 

[aphex]

i've had some multicoated filters of both hoya's and B+W's, the B+W's tend to last longer IMO.

 

[BoomerD]

http://www.photo.net/equipment/filters/digital

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I personally don't use UV filters 99% of the time because I don't want the possibility of reducing image sharpness by putting an extra layer of glass into the mix. I find that lens hoods add all the extra protection I need.

BUT I will use UV filters by the coast where there's sand and salt spray, and during times where there's blowing rain.

Since I own pretty sharp lenses, I wouldn't want to compromise their sharpness by putting cheap filters in front of them.

 

[Triumph]

I've been itching to try mine, but it's been so unnaturally hazy these last couple weeks that it wouldn't make a difference. Next time I'm in the mountains I plan on taking a couple comparative shots.

My polarizer is awesome, though. 🙂