Protect Lens with Clear Filter?

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,078
756
126
While mounted to the camera, I'd like to use something to protect my lens from contact/scratches. Do they make a clear lens filter or is there a better way to do it?
TIA
 
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ControlD

Diamond Member
Apr 25, 2005
5,440
44
91
Generally most people just use a UV filter for this purpose.

This is one of the biggest ongoing debates if you frequent photography forums. To put a UV filter on or not? Generally a scratch on the front element is going to have zero effect on your pictures, but it could affect the resale value. On the other hand, anything over your front element (like a filter) can affect the quality of your photos. So, it's a personal preference thing.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,078
756
126
Thanks. Not shooting anything for commercial use or sale so a little bit of a quality issue wouldn't matter.
But we work in rough environments so I'd like the added protection.
 

olds

Elite Member
Mar 3, 2000
50,078
756
126
One more question. Which lens hood will fit a Nikon 18-140mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens?

lens1.jpg

WOW! Dusty.
lens2.jpg
 

CuriousMike

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2001
3,044
543
136
Your 18-140 should have already come with a "lens hood".

Your lens takes 67mm filters that screw on the front end of the lens - so, search for a 67mm UV filter.

In order of quality, roughly
1. B&W
2. Hoya
3. Tiffen
4. All other crap
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
I've been using Breakthrough Photography for my filter needs lately. A bit pricey, but they have good products.
 

Imp

Lifer
Feb 8, 2000
18,828
184
106
I use Hoya on my two cameras that are actually worth something. Looked into those debates... For $25, I prefer to have the piece of mind because my photos suck and a UV filter won't make them any worse.
 

Paladin3

Diamond Member
Mar 5, 2004
4,933
878
126
As a newspaper shooter I kept decent quality UV filters on all my lenses, both to protect the front elements from breakage, and so I could be a bit less delicate when I had to clean the front of the lens in a hurry. It's pretty much a myth that it degrades your image noticeably, unless you buy absolute sh!t filters.

Today, I only shoot part-time, have much less expensive gear and don't keep filters on any of my lenses. I keep lens hoods on when shooting, and caps go on when I put them away in the bag. It's just not worth it to me to buy filters for the level of gear I have when I shoot in fairly controlled and clean settings; e.g. mostly indoor portraits.

I think most photographers put way too much emphasis on getting that last .001% better image quality. Modern lenses, even inexpensive kit zooms, are pretty darn sharp and a decent UV filter isn't going to hurt.
 
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