Filter Question

[elroy321j]

I'm going snow skiing on Monday...I wanna use a filter to protect my lens..which one should i use to keep the picture looking good? I have a UV, ND2, Circ Pol, and Warm?

[phylet]

UV is typically suggested as a protective layer, but id be interested in putting a C-Pol on as well, as it will make more of the bright light.

[djthemac]

UV is typically suggested as a protective layer, but id be interested in putting a C-Pol on as well, as it will make more of the bright light.


I know digital cameras are immune to UV effects, but does the UV filter itself change the exposure at all?

[Tee Why]

I believe that dslr are not sensitive to UV light as film is. UV filters are mainly used to offer a physical layer of protection for the front element.

However, in good light in the snow, a polarizer which will reduce glare and increase contrast and light may be a better idea. It can block about 2-3 stops of light so in dim/lower lighting you may want to take it off.

If it was me and you must have a protective filter and only one, I'd go with a UV filter. If you can carry two, I'd put on a polarizer in good light and switch it to a UV in low light.

My personal preference would be to use a hood and a polarizer for bright setting and just use a hood only for lower lighting situation.

Good luck and have fun.

[djthemac]

I believe that dslr are not sensitive to UV light as film is. UV filters are mainly used to offer a physical layer of protection for the front element.

However, in good light in the snow, a polarizer which will reduce glare and increase contrast and light may be a better idea. It can block about 2-3 stops of light so in dim/lower lighting you may want to take it off.

If it was me and you must have a protective filter and only one, I'd go with a UV filter. If you can carry two, I'd put on a polarizer in good light and switch it to a UV in low light.

My personal preference would be to use a hood and a polarizer for bright setting and just use a hood only for lower lighting situation.

Good luck and have fun.


Good advice! Also as far as polarizers go, is there one i should look at in particular? I have been using a UV haze on my 70-200 for protection purposes.

[phylet]

I know digital cameras are immune to UV effects, but does the UV filter itself change the exposure at all?

ive been told that a UV filter can cut down a tiny amount of haze on those lovely sunny days that i seldom get to see. Polarizer will do a hundred times more though.

[Tee Why]

Good advice! Also as far as polarizers go, is there one i should look at in particular? I have been using a UV haze on my 70-200 for protection purposes.
It really depends on how critical you are and how often you will use it.
Circular Polarizers (cpl) tend to be expensive and getting a top end cpl for a one time use can cost almost $200 or so.

If you are going to use the cpl a lot for some serious work, then buy a multicoated top of the line one from Hoya/B&W/Heliospan. If not and this is a one time thing or a seldom used thing, getting a cheapy Hoya one on ebay may be fine. That's what I have.

[BradM]

Should keep my keyboard quiet; but why would someone buy the best glass they can afford and then put a cheap piece of trash in front of it that would negate any benefit of having quality glass?

To the original question, the polarizer will serve the conditions better but as mentioned but with a couple caveats, it will cost a stop or two of light and will only be truly effective if the lighting is from near or a 90' angle to the shot. The UV will be better to just keep the elements off the glass but don't stack the filters this can introduce flare and chromatic aberrations.