UV FILTER IN STUDIO SETUP

[drogos]

I have UV filter on the lens all the time ...during sunny days it might be switched with PL but what about studio setup ....i don't think it improves anything and since it is another piece of glass between me and subject doesn't it detoriate quality a little bit ....thx

[Detrimental]

There is not going to be much use for a UV filter inside other than protection, if you do not need such protection no harm in taking it off, if anything picture quality will improve slightly (not much if you are using a high quality filter).

[Mark_Cohran]

....i don't think it improves anything and since it is another piece of glass between me and subject doesn't it detoriate quality a little bit ....thx

In a word, yes.

Mark

[drogos]

that's what i thought ....maybe someone once and for all can tell me what does it mean good filter .....i was just pushed into buying tiffens istead of pro1 multilayer hoya....i kind of regret that now ....is there any decent way to compare filter performance ?

[SkipD]

Get rid of the filter unless there is a compelling reason to use it - like blowing sand or sea water spray. There is absolutlely no reason in the world to use a "protective" filter in the studio that I can think of unless you are working with things that are likely to squirt or spray toward the camera.

Make sure you always use a lens hood to keep stray light off the lens, keep your fingers off the lens, ward off daily bumps and dings, etc.

Don't even think about using a cheap non-coated filter. There is no value in risking your images. If you insist on using a filter for "protection", you want the absolute best quality multicoated filter that you can find.

To test filter performance, shoot some photos with lights shining on the lens. Compare shots with and without the filter. Look for obvious flare and look for washed out color and contrast with a poor quality filter.

[jr_senator]

Look for obvious flare and look for washed out color and contrast with a poor quality filter.

This can happen with a high quality filter as well.

[Steiglitz]

I have UV filter on the lens all the time ...during sunny days it might be switched with PL but what about studio setup ....i don't think it improves anything and since it is another piece of glass between me and subject doesn't it detoriate quality a little bit ....thx


The reason for a UV filter is solely to protect the lens from damage....it's UV properties are lost to DSLR's because each micro-lens on the sensor already filters out most UV rays.

For studio, get rid of the filter, all filters for that matter.

I never use filters in or outdoors except when a particular need is required like a polarizer, nuetral density filter, etc....I have a drawer full of UV filters....I went filter free about 6 months ago...I was was a filter die-hard, but several others convinced me to change my thinking.

To protect your lenses, use a hood...even in the studio to block ambient light that can rob your images of vibrance.

[jr_senator]

...I was was a filter die-hard, but several others convinced me to change my thinking.



Welcome to the club.

[CoolToolGuy]

One reason to leave the filter on all the time is to keep dust, fingerprints, etc. from between the filter and the front element. I realize a ton of dust is not going to "come to papa" as soon as you take the filter off, but my procedure has been to clean the back of the filter, clean the lens, then blow off the front of the lens body and install the filter. From that point on, I only need to clean the front of the filter, and only periodically remove the filter and do the same procedure over again. I don't have all of that time nowadays, but the point is to leave it on all the time.

Have Fun,

[Nick_C]

Whenever I do macro work indoors under controlled lighting conditions for product photos etc.. I leave my UV on the lens, why? because the lens gets very close to the item & sometimes it hits on the item when im adjusting the tripod.

When looking at 100% crops of my images there is no difference in sharpness or contrast from using the UV all the time so it makes no sense to remove it.

With the amount of glass used in modern lenses one more piece makes no difference, an expensive UV costs more than 1 single element in a lens, if you do notice a difference then dont use it, its as simple as that, I just dont agree with those that automatically insist they WILL degrade your image, sorry but I just dont see it myself, out of thousands of photos I have only ever had to remove the filter when taking fairy lights at a chistmas party, outdoors on sunny days & in harsh lighting, not a problem, I do always use a hood, that is a MUST.

[drogos], do some tests in the studio, take some shots & have a look at them at 100%, see if you notice any difference by using the UV or not, if you dont see any change then whats the point in removing it? ive seen a UV save a lens after a nasty drop before now, I wouldnt want to try it but you never know when accidents may happen.

A UV also acts as another barrier or seal against dust, by now my lens would have lots of dust on the front element & possibly creeping into the lens, but when I do take the filter off for cleaning the front element doesnt even have 1 speck on it, fantastic seal!!

Nick :-)

[Nick_C]

Welcome to the club.

Damn they got to you!! lol

:D

[jr_senator]

Damn they got to you!! lol

:D

I have always been "got to", 50 years now. Question, if: "I leave my UV on the lens, why? because the lens gets very close to the item & sometimes it hits on the item when im adjusting the tripod.", how with: "...I do always use a hood, that is a MUST."?

[Nick_C]

Sorry, should have been more specific, I always use a hood outdoors, indoor shots with flash lighting etc.. I dont need the hood, ive fired the flash on many a time off shoe pointing almost into the lens, obviously not right into it but either side & no flare with the UV whatsoever, I just dont seem to get any problems with them & despite what some say they dont effect sharpness, not unless you get a dodgy filter/lens combination.

Nick :-)