Do you use a UV filter

[artyman]

I've always used UV filters to protect the front elements of my lenses, having just got a Sigma 150-500 with a decent filter, would I get better results without it. I also noticed that when I lock on to a bird they frequently fly off, is it possiblle they are seeing their reflection in the flat filter.

[Naturalist]

HELL NO!! (I use a hood!)

[Here and There]

Yes, as I'm often near the beach or at the beach itself. So far I haven't had any issues with my 55-250, but it'll be interesting to see how a UV filter works when I get longer lens.

[midnight_rider]

Yes, as I'm often near the beach or at the beach itself. So far I haven't had any issues with my 55-250, but it'll be interesting to see how a UV filter works when I get longer lens.


Personally I do not use one. I by far prefer a hood. If you do use one be sure to get a really good one that is multicoated otherwise there will be a lot of ghosting, flaring and ect.

[slitherjef]

No.
I usualy use a hood though if I have one available

[Here and There]

Personally I do not use one. I by far prefer a hood. If you do use one be sure to get a really good one that is multicoated otherwise there will be a lot of ghosting, flaring and ect.

For the most part I prefer just using a hood, but when I'm at or near the beach a good UV filter (I use a high end B+W or Hoya) is essential IMO. I've gone without one before and got sand all over the front element of the lens. No way I'd want that happening with a really expensive lens!

[midnight_rider]

For the most part I prefer just using a hood, but when I'm at or near the beach a good UV filter (I use a high end B+W or Hoya) is essential IMO. I've gone without one before and got sand all over the front element of the lens. No way I'd want that happening with a really expensive lens!

No doubt. I actually tend to have a CPL or a GND on in those situations though.

[Here and There]

No doubt. I actually tend to have a CPL or a GND on in those situations though.

For landscapes definantly the CPL and I just got a GND so I'll use that in the future, but for birding around the beach I use the UV filter.

[midnight_rider]

For landscapes definantly the CPL and I just got a GND so I'll use that in the future, but for birding around the beach I use the UV filter.

AHHH birding at the beach. That would be a good application for the UV instead of the GND or CPL.

OP I would highly recommend Hoya pro series or B&W filters.
I order mine from here (http://hvstar.net/) and save a lot of money. The only drawback is that they take a little while to get the filters to you. However if you can wait it is well worth the savings.
What type of filter are you using now and are you asking this for anything other than curiosity?

And I just noticed that both Artyman and Here and There are newer members so welcome to the forum.

[Here and There]

AHHH birding at the beach. That would be a good application for the UV instead of the GND or CPL.

OP I would highly recommend Hoya pro series or B&W filters.
I order mine from here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/www.hvstar.com) and save a lot of money. The only drawback is that they take a little while to get the filters to you. However if you can wait it is well worth the savings.
What type of filter are you using now and are you asking this for anything other than curiosity?

And I just noticed that both Artyman and Here and There are newer members so welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcome. :) And your link doesn't work ;)

[midnight_rider]

Thanks for the welcome. :) And your link doesn't work ;)

Thanks the link is fixed.

[Roy C]

Never use a filter on my 400/5.6. I tried a Hoya Pro digital but it definitely degraded the image quality, used the same filter on my 17-40 and it does not seems to have any effect. My theory is that telephotos magnify any flaws in a filter.
I do, however, always use the lens hood.

[Fiddlefingers]

I used to use UV filters on all my lenses, but as I became more fussy about IQ I took them off. The only time I now use one is where I think there is a possibility of something touching the front element.

[hollis_f]

Never use a UV filter - can't see the point. The camera's not sensitive to UV and the hood does a good job of protecting the front element.

Besides it really screws up IQ on my 100-400 and you can't get one to fit my 300 2.8 - in fact it's impossible to fit a UV filter to any of Canon's big, expensive, telephoto lenses. I wonder what the proponents of 'protective' filters do when they buy a biggie lens - put cling-film over the end I presume?

[artyman]

Nah, spent a fortune on a filter, but I did get a good discount on the lens :) Thanks for the welcome by the way. I always use a hood, except at 17mm on my small zoom where I get vignetting. I see no one has commented on the reflection issue.

[gh patriot]

I dont use a UV filter. For protection I always use the lens hood.

[BradM]

If you want the best image quality you don't use a filter.

[tonybear007]

I don't. I prefer to keep the lens hood on.

[RebelXtiAsylum]

I tried using a regular UV filter and discovered that every single time I did the pictures came out very dark. They are more saturated and the blacks are too black. As soon as I took photos without, I saw better results for me personally.

[Sean]

Nope. I used too, but never purchased one for my 17-55 nor my 70-200. Like others I use the hood.

[musicmaster]

Well all 3 of my lenses came with Hoya multicoated UV filters

[Roy C]

Well all 3 of my lenses came with Hoya multicoated UV filters
Have you ever tried taking a few test shots with and without the filter? it cost you nothing and you may be surprised at the difference especially on the telephotos.

[Perry Ge]

Have you ever tried taking a few test shots with and without the filter? it cost you nothing and you may be surprised at the difference especially on the telephotos.

I agree. I have a couple of high quality UV filters that I use sometimes. The filters don't make much a noticeable difference on my shorter lenses, but when I tried my 77mm Hoya HMC filter (normally on the 24-105 for weather sealing) on my 400L, I could see the degradation right away. Took it off and never put a filter on the lens since.

[Ronnie H]

:rolleyes:No UV filter,,,but a hood always,,,outside in bright Sun,,,helps protect the lens also,,,Ron

[sandpiper]

I rarely use a filter, just a CPL on occasion where required (but that is generally on shorter lenses). Never use UV filters but always use hoods for better IQ and lens protection.