A filter question

[cirks]

Ok, having now spent a small fortune on the camera, lenses etc, I need to invest a bit more in protecting the front lens element. BUT, which of the myriad of UV filters do I go for. I was thinking, "I know, I'll just get a Hoya one" but then I checked and there are:

HMC
Super HMC Pro-1
Super HMC Pro-1D

For my 17-85 these range in price from 19.99 upto 42.99 from WHX.

Are the digital ones (Pro-1D) worth it? Should I go for the middle one? Should I get something other than Hoya?

Also, if I get a circular polariser then I would imagine it only makes real sense on the 17-85 and not so much on the 70-300 or soon to arrive 10-22?

[ehasler]

Or Option D - don't bother and save yourself some money

I used to fit a Super HMC Pro filter to the front of every lens, until someone pointed out that I'd spent all that money on a great lens only to stick a £30 bit of glass in front of it which is only going to degrade quality (even if it's a very small amount).

I'd only fit a UV filter for protection if I was shooting something that was chucking lots of muck up at me, like rally cars, or shooting in the snow/rain.

And how many people here have had a lens saved by a filter? I don't know anyone who has. A lens hood IMHO is a much more effective device for protecting the lens.

If you do still want to fit one, I've got a few that I'm looking to get rid of, so drop me a mail if you're interested

[cirks]

ehasler said:

Or Option D - don't bother and save yourself some money

I like options that save money

ehasler said:

A lens hood IMHO is a much more effective device for protecting the lens.

More useful for preventing flare too! The one thing that bothers me about getting the hoods instead of(or as well as) the filters is the additional space required in the camera bag for carrying them! One thing that stopped me using my film slrs was the amount/weight of equipment I was carrying around with me. However, I agree with you about the protection...a filter will protect from scratches etc but definately not from dropping etc. The hood may cushion the impact if I'm stupid enough to drop the lens. A hood won't protect from scratches etc though caused by poor cleaning of a lens whereas a filter will... I can see both sides of the argument. So, let the battle commence

ehasler said:

If you do still want to fit one, I've got a few that I'm looking to get rid of, so drop me a mail if you're interested

YWHM (ie you will have mail in a mo!)

[ehasler]

YHM too

Most lens hoods can be fitted to the lens in the reverse position, so they don't actually take up much more room than the lens itself.

I think you'd have to be pretty unlucky or careless to damage a lens through poor cleaning - the front elements are pretty tough, but if you are worried about damaging them then maybe getting your gear covered under your house insurance for accidental damage may be another option?

[beano500]

Nothing new to say really...

...just wanted to concur with Ed that lens hoods stay on my lenses as a permanent feature wherever possible.

(It nearly doubles the size of my little 45mm AI-P, though )

Try not to lose lens caps - I do from time to time!

And filters are a little way down the list, though I do usually carry polarisers and IR just in case.

[Bee_Jay]

ehasler said:

Or Option D - don't bother and save yourself some money I used to fit a Super HMC Pro filter to the front of every lens, until someone pointed out that I'd spent all that money on a great lens only to stick a £30 bit of glass in front of it which is only going to degrade quality (even if it's a very small amount). I'd only fit a UV filter for protection if I was shooting something that was chucking lots of muck up at me, like rally cars, or shooting in the snow/rain. And how many people here have had a lens saved by a filter? I don't know anyone who has. A lens hood IMHO is a much more effective device for protecting the lens. If you do still want to fit one, I've got a few that I'm looking to get rid of, so drop me a mail if you're interested

Cannot agree more. Only filters I carry now are the occasionaly circ polariser.

[beano500]

Bee_Jay said:

.... the occasionaly circ polariser.

How can you get one that's "occasionally" circular???

[poah]

ehasler said:

Or Option D - don't bother and save yourself some money I used to fit a Super HMC Pro filter to the front of every lens, until someone pointed out that I'd spent all that money on a great lens only to stick a £30 bit of glass in front of it which is only going to degrade quality (even if it's a very small amount). I'd only fit a UV filter for protection if I was shooting something that was chucking lots of muck up at me, like rally cars, or shooting in the snow/rain. And how many people here have had a lens saved by a filter? I don't know anyone who has. A lens hood IMHO is a much more effective device for protecting the lens. If you do still want to fit one, I've got a few that I'm looking to get rid of, so drop me a mail if you're interested

my 17-85 was saved when I dropped it. filter broke not end element

[te51cle]

Mines been saved from champagne, mud and my own clumsy fingers on a few occasions. The middle filter you are looking at transmits so much light its virtually invisible - I've got them on my Mamiya.