Affordable Filters

[ExPat2B]

Anyone use any decent 52mm Protective Filters ? Don't need UV protection just don't want my lenses to get scratched and I want something I can clean without permanently scratching if I get a bit over enthusiastic.

I would normally use Hoya but they are current wanting 15 quid for one and as I need 4 of them it's quite a lot of money, for something that is just a bit of coated glass.

[Ledaig]

The cheaper you go, the crappier the quality of the piece of glass you will be putting in front of your lens - which will ultimately have an effect on the image quality.

I generally don't use protection filters, instead preferring to leave the lens hood on to offer physical protection.

If I am going into a situation where I know a lot of st and crap will fall on the front element then I do have some Hoya protection filters I can use (the pro slim ones), but I can't even remember the last time I needed them (and would take off as soon as the situation allow).

If your insistent on getting some then go for a good quality filter to minimise image degradation. A cheaper way for you may be to buy the biggest you need and then use step rings for the other ones.

[GetCarter]

Protective filters are generally a waste of space and cause all sorts of problems. Get a decent hood. It'll protect the lens, stop glare & flare (rather than cause it), and cost lots less. The last thing you want to do is shove cheap glass in front of expensive glass!

[creampuff]

Put a Heliopan or B+W filter on, take some pics, and you be throwing your throwing your £15 filters in the bin due to them being totally hopeless.

[Simpo Two]

For 8 years I've used a £1,000+ lens with no filter or hood and the front element is as new.


(OK so I knocked it off a filing cabinet and had to have most of its guts refitted but that's another story!)

So really, just be moderately careful and save the money and extra air-glass interfaces. If you're determined to swing it into a rock, use the hood as per Mr Carter.