Protect Lens with Clear Filter?

[olds]

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

 

[ControlD]

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]

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.

 

[ControlD]

I usually just try to get a good quality (Hoya, B+W. etc.) UV filter for the lenses I want to protect. They aren't that expensive even for good ones and it gives me some peace of mind. I don't have filters on all of my glass, but I generally use them on my outdoor lenses.

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7333331953/should-you-use-a-uv-filter-on-your-lens

 

[olds]

One more question. Which lens hood will fit a Nikon 18-140mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens?

WOW! Dusty.

 

[ControlD]

I'm not a Nikon guy, but a quick Amazon search shows this:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-135mm-18-105mm-Zoom-Nikkor-Accessory/dp/B003N35DPS/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1446658950&sr=1-3&keywords=nikon+18-135+hood

That dust on the front element won't affect anything.

 

[olds]

Thank for the help.

 

[CuriousMike]

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]

I've been using Breakthrough Photography for my filter needs lately. A bit pricey, but they have good products.

 

[olds]

Ordered a B&W (among other things) through Adorama.

 

[CuriousMike]

Ordered a B&W (among other things) through Adorama.

'atta boy.

 

[Imp]

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]

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.