?? for 50mm f/1.4 users (and others)

[Chazs]

Should be getting this lens in a couple of days from a big brown truck. Was wondering if you have any advice on a filter (I've used "search" to no avail). I have both skylights and UV filters on various other lenses (non at this quality though). The local camera store sells Promaster filters, and they claim they ause Hoya glass. Available are single coated, and multi coated (about $35). With a lens this sharp, would a multi coated Skylight be koay or will it affect a little of the quality? Any takers? Thanks.

Also, anybody NOT use a filter to avoid unwanted glare and reflection? I can't imagine not protecting the lens myself. :(

[thomasrhee]

I slap a multicoated UV filter on whenever I purchase a new lens. If there's any degradation of image quality, I can't see it. I prefer using the UV filters if nothing more than to just add protection from bumps, dust and fingerprints.

Just make sure to use high quality filters. I personally like the B+W line although there are many high quality filter companies.

[Dchemist]

I have a Canon brand UV haze filter on mine...

[jbradc]

Only use a filter if there is a need for it, use a hood for protection. I never put a filter on any of my lenses unless it serves a purpose, like a polarizer or a graduated ND. Especially on the 50mm 1.4, the front element is recessed quit a bit so there is no need to add a filter to protect it.

[Dante King]

Only use a filter if there is a need for it, use a hood for protection. I never put a filter on any of my lenses unless it serves a purpose, like a polarizer or a graduated ND. Especially on the 50mm 1.4, the front element is recessed quit a bit so there is no need to add a filter to protect it.

Ditto what he said. I am a hood man all the way.

[Adam Hicks]

I use both a hood AND a B+W MRC UV/Haze on mine... I was shooting the supercross the other day down on the dirt and a piece of mud/dirt flew and hit the glass on the lens. I unscrewed the filter, dropped it in my pocket and kept shooting. The hood won't help you there!

Not that you're going to be in these conditions, but you never know what might hit the front element that you want to protect it from, and with the multi-coated filters glare and ghosting should be minimal.

Everyone does it their way though, so do what's best for you and your style of shooting.

Adam

[jbradc]

I use both a hood AND a B+W MRC UV/Haze on mine... I was shooting the supercross the other day down on the dirt and a piece of mud/dirt flew and hit the glass on the lens. I unscrewed the filter, dropped it in my pocket and kept shooting. The hood won't help you there!

Not that you're going to be in these conditions, but you never know what might hit the front element that you want to protect it from, and with the multi-coated filters glare and ghosting should be minimal.

Everyone does it their way though, so do what's best for you and your style of shooting.

Adam
Well, like I said in my original post "don't use a filter unless there is a need..." I would say shooting in dusty or wet environments creates a need for additional protection. I just don't subscribe to the notion that you should always have a filter on your lens for protection a good hard plastic hood will do wonders.