Which Filters to Buy?

[Incomel]

I am hoping to buy a Canon 70-200 F/4.0 and a Canon 28-135 IS lens in the near future. I need a 67mm and 72 mm UV filter. I was wondering if there is a large difference in quality between the Canon filters and the B + W filters that would justify me spending an extra $60 for the two filters. Should I maybe buy one filter and a step up ring? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bob_A]

I have Canon, Hoya and B+W filters. Honestly, I don't think you'll see much difference in performance between Canon, B+W or Hoya as long as you get a good multicoated version of the filter you are looking for.

The B+W filters seem to have a better quality ring which is supposed to reduce the chance of the filter getting stuck on the lens.

[kaitanium]

yes multicoated is a must. dont buy tiffen (if you ever even though of it), their build isnt as good as hoyas or b&w

[SkipD]

You do not really NEED to have UV filters. If you use the proper lens hoods for the lenses all the time, they will provide all the mechanical protection you need except if you are going to take photos in blowing sand, etc. In addition, the hood will protect against strong light sources outside the area of your subject from causing problems with the image quality.

A filter on a lens greatly increases the chance that you image will be degraded, especially if there are strong sources of light (including bright white clouds) anywhere that can impinge on the filter surface. The most common thing that is seen is flare, but even if that doesn't happen you're likely to get reduced colors and contrast. Just recall what it was like the last time you drove towards the sun. The sun impinging on your windshield made it more difficult to see, didn't it?

If you insist on using a filter, there are two things that I will recommend. First - get the absolute best filter you can afford (and a properly sized one for each lens). Second - use a properly designed lens hood always, even with the filter on the lens.

I'm amazed at how many amateur photographers I see carrying very expensive cameras and lenses around with a filter on the lens and either no lens hood or - worse yet - a lens hood mounted but in the reverse (storage) position.

[jjonsalt]

You do not really NEED to have UV filters. If you use the proper lens hoods for the lenses all the time, they will provide all the mechanical protection you need except if you are going to take photos in blowing sand, etc. In addition, the hood will protect against strong light sources outside the area of your subject from causing problems with the image quality.

A filter on a lens greatly increases the chance that you image will be degraded, especially if there are strong sources of light (including bright white clouds) anywhere that can impinge on the filter surface. The most common thing that is seen is flare, but even if that doesn't happen you're likely to get reduced colors and contrast. Just recall what it was like the last time you drove towards the sun. The sun impinging on your windshield made it more difficult to see, didn't it?

If you insist on using a filter, there are two things that I will recommend. First - get the absolute best filter you can afford (and a properly sized one for each lens). Second - use a properly designed lens hood always, even with the filter on the lens.

I'm amazed at how many amateur photographers I see carrying very expensive cameras and lenses around with a filter on the lens and either no lens hood or - worse yet - a lens hood mounted but in the reverse (storage) position.

Incomel, this advice from SkipD is the best you could get. I have UV filters for my lenses to use during those rare, rare situations when it is prudent to do so. For a number of reasons I use/recommend only Heliopan or B+W brand filters.

[CPALIU]

been using B+W and have been very happy w/ them

[Incomel]

Thanks all so much for the advice. This forum really is a great help.