Filter use and misuse....

[kitacanon]

I have said that I use a filter to protect the glass from the "elements"...and recently posted a shot of 2 lenses that survived terrible histories because they had filters....
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6104/fr2b.jpg
I've also said elsewhere that I remove filters when needed...and this morning a quick shot shows proves just how important it is to do so...Shot with the 180ED on a Canon 40D: same exposure, (ISO400/160sec/F4), RAW with all sliders set to neutral and no post-processing...filter was Nikon L1A.
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1076/filterp.jpg

[mrkgoo]

What filter are you using in the test shots?

Also, one can always argue wither a filter really protects. I'm sure it will protect against scratches, but drops? I'm not sure. I guess it does something.

[blackhawk]

I use Heliopan slim filters, they're sublime. They never cause vignetting.

Two times now these filters have saved lens; a dropped 50L and a tipped over 24-70 + MK-3 on a tripod. A piece of cinder block went straight up the hood of the 24-70 and splinter the filter, just stopping it short of the front lense element. The shards of glass were still rigidly help in place in the filter ring.

[kitacanon]

Added the filter to 1st post...Nikon L1A....and I'll continue to use it and remove it when I can see the difference....

[blackhawk]

On some lens ghosting (the filter back reflecting light) may be an issue even with MC filters. The 50L is one where I see this, although spacing the filter a bit further from the front element should resolve it.

[seaside]

Everyone's situation is different. Me; almost 40 years shooting w/o protective filters and zero problems. I do have a high quality clear filter for use in bad weather....blowing sand along the beach areas. If one is by nature rough on their cars, toys and camera gear then maybe its a good idea - or - if ones shooting conditions preclude the use of protective filters then do so. I do have polarizers and G/ND's and use them sparingly.

Always found it wise to never have a filter on a lens for quick / grab shots and not have to think about the filter interfering in any way. If using a protective filter buy the best out there.

[mrkgoo]

Added the filter to 1st post...Nikon L1A....and I'll continue to use it and remove it when I can see the difference....


How good are the Nikon filters? They don't look so great to me. Do the high end Hoya/Heliopan/B+W give flare like that too?

[blackhawk]

How good are the Nikon filters? They don't look so great to me. Do the high end Hoya/Heliopan/B+W give flare like that too?

Yeah, that's unacceptable. Ghosting is the worst I've seen, and that's a totally different animal/cause.

Is that filter clean? Oil film maybe? Good filters use Schott glass, are precision multicoated, and rigdedly mounted in anodized brass housings.
http://www.hpmarketingcorp.com/heliopan.html

[kitacanon]

Yeah, that's unacceptable. Ghosting is the worst I've seen, and that's a totally different animal/cause.

Is that filter clean? Oil film maybe? Good filters use Schott glass, are precision multicoated, and rigdedly mounted in anodized brass housings.
http://www.hpmarketingcorp.com/heliopan.html

The filter is clean as a whistle...here are a couple of RAW 100% crops taken @ F4 with it on...all sliders at mid-flat/picture style: Faithful/USM added 200/.3/0

The point is that in SOME situations, filters will degrade an image...not all the time as you can see here....

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4140/signf.jpg

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3412/2pinescu23.jpg

[blackhawk]

I never see issues with the Heliopans other than occasional ghosting from bright light sources. Your flaring issues may be related to the coatings used or not used.