UV filter problem

[Canonboi]

Does anybody experience this strange phenomenon on the 50 1.8 with UV filter on? It seems that with it on, my shots are flat (no punch in colors regardless of aperture, I know at 1.8 it is soft), but without it I get more accuracy in colors. Can UV filters affect the result of your shot? Sounds stupid but I wanna know still.

EDIT: And do you put UV filters at all? Every time?

[terry_glover]

I had a UV filter that caused the images to be less sharp and the colours were also a lot more washed out.
I read somewhere that if you took a pair of binoculars and passed the filter in front of them while focused on something you could see the the effect the filter had on the image. I tossed the cheap filter and replaced it with a Hoya Pro1 UV. It was more money but you generally get what you pay for. Your filter could also be defective.

Terry

[Canonboi]

Thanks Terry. I have, no, HAD a Kenko UV filter. I tossed it to the trash. I knew my suspicion was correct. I'll better buy new good ones.

[jeromego]

Does anybody experience this strange phenomenon on the 50 1.8 with UV filter on? It seems that with it on, my shots are flat (no punch in colors regardless of aperture, I know at 1.8 it is soft), but without it I get more accuracy in colors. Can UV filters affect the result of your shot? Sounds stupid but I wanna know still.

EDIT: And do you put UV filters at all? Every time?
Yes, UV filters affect IQ. I don't use filters. I just use the lens hood.

[NPuter]

If you use a good quality UV filter, (i.e Multi-Coated Hoya or B+W) the difference with and without a filter is almost indistinguishable.

[HankScorpio]

If you use a good quality UV filter, (i.e Multi-Coated Hoya or B+W) the difference with and without a filter is almost indistinguishable.
That depends on the lens. Some of them and I don't have a list, don't take kindly to filters of any kind.

I'd certainly never use a UV filter on digital as they are only any use for film as film is sensitive to UV. Digital sensors are already UV filtered so why shoot through an unnecessary window.

[NPuter]

...why shoot through an unnecessary window.
To protect the much more expensive glass under it...

[HankScorpio]

To protect the much more expensive glass under it...
From what? Sandstorms I understand, stone filled mud from rally cars maybe but unless you shoot these things then the hood is more than enough.

[dpds68]

^^^^^^ Well said , no Filter no care .

[SkipD]

I have never used any filters except for the special effect one could provide (polarizing filters, colored filters for B&W film photography, etc.). I do use lens hoods on all my lenses any time a lens is out of the camera case.

My Nikon F cameras and their lenses have been through all sorts of rough service including shooting motocross racing from the edge of the track. None of my Nikon lenses, all purchased in 1967 or 1968, have any visible damage whatsoever on the glass, though they show some wear in the finish on the outside surfaces of the lens bodies.

[ajosteve]

I took my UV filter off after seeing a softness and flatness in my shots. I was using $100 filters. Much better without them....the lens hood protects the glass...I'm with Jerome on this issue.

[Naturalist]

I have never used any filters except for the special effect one could provide (polarizing filters, colored filters for B&W film photography, etc.). I do use lens hoods on all my lenses any time a lens is out of the camera case.

I second this!
Do NOT use a UV filter. Get over it, its no big deal! Use the hood. You'll be amazed at how much better your photos look and how much a hood improves the image.

[NPuter]

Ok... It looks like I'm the only filter user here...
What about the fact that some L glass needs a filter to complete the weather sealing... ???

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/B+W-UV-Filter.aspx
A high quality UV filter such as the B+W 77mm MRC UV Filter will not degrade the final picture in most instances.
http://www.lenstip.com/113.5-article-UV_filters_test_B+W_72mm_010M_UV-Haze_MRC.html

[HankScorpio]

Ok... It looks like I'm the only filter user here...
What about the fact that some L glass needs a filter to complete the weather sealing... ???
I've yet to find a filter that's sealed itself, most of them will let rain through where there's a gap in their expansion ring. Besides, I've had my 24-105 which claims to need a filter for sealing in pouring rain for hours without it caring at all. Also, that's what insurance is for. I'd rather make an insurance claim than suffer contrast loss and lens flare from unnecessary filters.

[sapearl]

I do a fair amount of hiking with my lenses. Even with the hood, the filter is added protection against, branches, ice, gravel and the like. Otherwise, it's off for the wedding work and other "clear weather" shooting.

From what? Sandstorms I understand, stone filled mud from rally cars maybe but unless you shoot these things then the hood is more than enough.

[Canonboi]

Looks like I did the right choice then? I almost sell that puppy (my nifty fifty) because of the lack of contrast and sharpness which I suspect is because of the UV filter fitted on it. When I removed it in one of my photo shoots, let's just say that I sold my 450D camera and a couple of lenses in preparation for my 7D purchase, BUT NOT THE NIFTY FIFTY. I loved the lens the moment I removed the filter off. Plus, it looks a lot better with no filter. Thanks for the comments guys.

[JWright]

Ok... It looks like I'm the only filter user here...
What about the fact that some L glass needs a filter to complete the weather sealing... ???

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/B+W-UV-Filter.aspx

http://www.lenstip.com/113.5-article-UV_filters_test_B+W_72mm_010M_UV-Haze_MRC.html

Has anyone ever seen any verification directly from Canon that this is the case or is this just another myth kept alive by the internet?

[DDCSD]

Has anyone ever seen any verification directly from Canon that this is the case or is this just another myth kept alive by the internet?


Some L lens manuals state something like "attach a UV filter to provide maximum protection".

There's no such thing as a weathersealed lens. That's the biggest myth. They're "dust and weather resistant (DWR)".