Which UV Filter for 400mm f/5.6l?

[Chestnutty]

Newbie here...I'm just about to order this lens to try my hand at bird photography. I'll be using the 400mm lens on my XSi. I've been reading about all the different filters and their uses. I believe I need a 77mm UV filter? If so... which brand do you recommend? Would I keep it on the lens at all times? Thanks for you input!

[asysin2leads]

I assume you're talking about 400 f/5.6. Yes, it is a 77mm front filter size. You're best bet would be an UV filter. Yes, you leave it the lens.

Here you go (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/132978-REG/B_W_66026942_77mm_UV_Haze_010.html).

[Chestnutty]

I've read that UV filters differ according to the manufacturer. Any suggestions as to which brand to buy.

[Mocows]

Heres the link to the Filter FAQ
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=368177

Generally the standard is Hoya, B+W and Heliopan (multiple types of each) but it's a good place to start with those. I've been using a rodenstock on my 70-200 and it's great so you don't have to be limited to those 3 brands though.

[NYPhotog]

Either this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/120957-REG/B_W_66040297_77mm_UV_Haze_010.html or this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/574276-REG/Hoya_XHD77UV_77mm_Ultraviolet_UV_Haze.html

[asysin2leads]

I've read that UV filters differ according to the manufacturer. Any suggestions as to which brand to buy.

You could always look at the "Here you go" link in my post above.

[Tee Why]

Personally with that big hood, I don't think you need it. I don't use any on mine.

But a multicoated UV filter from Hoya or B&W are good options.

[DANATTHEROCK]

Smart man, protect that glass. I have the Hoya Pro 1 and they are of superior quality. Got them on all my L glass. Made the mistake of getting the first few at B&H (whom I love). Got some recently from www.2filter.com (http://www.2filter.com) and they were about 60% of what B&H was charging. Great site 2 filter. Safe to, I have made several orders and got my package in a few days. This is the best place for filters. I got the Hoya Pro 1D polarizer here as well. Saved a ton of money in doing so.

[Cyclop]

I have had good success with the B+W UV/Haze (MRC) F-Pro filters. Have them on all of my lenses. Excellent quality filters.

[NYPhotog]

Smart man, protect that glass. I have the Hoya Pro 1 and they are of superior quality.

Except that the Hoya HD are better. Better, slimmer mount, better glass, better coatings, easier to clean.

[Cyclop]

LOL! ^^ The filter saga is never ending...

[Chestnutty]

Thanks for all the input! Now it's research and decision time.
Jill

[Ralph Merlino]

I use UV filters on all my lenses, and have for
thirty years. I only use B+W filters.

[jr_senator]

Heliopan and B+W are the only filters I use. I know many are fond of Hoya filters but, I'v been there, done that, don't care for them. There is a lot of debate about the routine use of UV filters. I'm in the group that only uses one if the environment warrants it. Any filter affects IQ. Maybe not enough to mean anything to many. Filter makers like to brag about how much of the light their filter lets through, but no filter lets 100% of the light through.

[FlyingPhotog]

The hood is really all you need unless you're in an environment where things are litterally being flung at you...