General filters question

[cbelanger]

Just got my first Dslr last month and I'm still getting up to speed on using it of course. Just after I bought it, I also got a 3-pack of filters - a uv, polarizer, and flourescent. I really just wanted a uv filter to project the lens, but figured the others might be interesting.

The pack was really cheap, I think $15 and I'm quickly learning that "cheap" is the opposite of "good" so I had some questions:

1. Will a cheap UV filter screw up my shots or is it a non-factor image-wise. If it just gives my lens a little protection without causing problems, I'm happy.

2. Is there a general drawback to using the UV filters as lens protection? It's what I did 20 years ago when I learned a little about SLR photography.

3. I've played with the polarizer and haven't been to impressed with the results - it seems to make a small difference in the image, but not much. Is this solely due to the quality or is the effect subtle regardless of the quality?

4. Looking on B&H, for example, I see polarizers for anywhere from $20 to over $100 - what distinguishes the top end from the low?

thanks a lot for any help!

[Jon]

Yes, it'll screw up your shots. Not necessarily every single one, if the glass is perfectly plane parallel surfaces, but since the odds are vanishingly small that it's multicoated even if it is flat, you're going to see flare, glare, and loss of contrast if there are light sources or specular reflections anywhere near your field of view. See also the Protective Filter FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=368177).

I use B+W MRC UV filters on all my lenses that accept front filters and haven't been able to see any issues.

Not knowing the brand of polarizer you got, what you're seeing could be either a cheap filter or misplaced expectations. A polarizer will have maximum impact on a clear sky when your camera is aimed at right angles to the sun. If it's overcast, you won't see much at all. It will also cut reflections from non-metallic surfaces markedly. But you do need to rotate the filter for maximum effect.

The more expensive filters are better glass, plane-parallel glass, and multicoated glass. The cheaper filters are none of the above.

[CanonHowitzer]

If you got three filters for $15, don't use any of them.

At this point if you do want a uv filter get the B+W Multicoated one, in your lens size, from B&HPhotoVidieo or some other reputable source.
It won''t be cheap.

BTW- Be sure to use a lens hood for protection always.

Good luck
:)

[Wilt]

See for yourself how even a well known name like Tiffen can harm your photos.

http://www.kenandchristine.com/gallery/1054387_ucZqa

So just imagine what the no-name bargain special of 3 for $15 will do!

[cbelanger]

thanks for the responses - very helpful. The link with comparisons using different filters was very interesting - looks like the multi-coated filters are the way to go if using any. Just for fun, I may try taking some identical shots with and without the filters just to see what happens

My cheap Opteka filters claim that they are "Digital Multi-Coated to reduce the appearance of lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections " but I have to think that cost here is really a reflection of quality and that they are not serving me well.

thanks again!

[ryant35]

I bought a cheap polarizer a few years ago to find that my camera couldn't find focus through out.

I paid $60 for the UV filter on my 70-200 f/2.8 just for impact protection at off road races.

[Foggy]

B+W MRC UV - schneider optics the best!

hvstar is a great place to get these

[cbelanger]

thanks - I'll look into those and ditch the cheap stuff....

[Gnhntn]

They don't have to be B&W, there are other really good brands out there as well. Granted the are some of the best one available, but youwillpay for them too. Hoya is another good brand, as well as Tiffen, and a few others. I myself like Hoya filters. Again, just make sure they are multi-coated.

As for your polarizer, I would say it is the quality. Again, make sure it is multi-coated, and circular (linear was/is used with film).

If you decide to take a look at Hoya, I would recommend the Pro 1 Filters.

[Jon]

Tiffen, I'm sorry to say, really hasn't shown up as a good brand. Well-known, yes, but not good. B+W MRC, Hoya S-HMC or Heliopan SH-PMC are the only lines that are generally considered to be of consistently good quality.