Tiffen Digital Ultra Clear filter - good/bad?

[krm728]

Any advantage using a clear filter of this type versus UV filter?
Protection of lens being the priority.

[Double Negative]

Avoid Tiffen.

Stick with Heliopan, B+W or Hoya/Kenko Pro 1.

[ssim]

Originally Posted by Double Negative

Avoid Tiffen.

I don't have any Tiffen but care to explain. Did you have a bad experience??

[Double Negative]

http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[pturton]

An uncoated Tiffen filter causes excessive flare which can easily be seen through the viewfinder and in the image.

A protective filter is only necessary when shooting in inclimate conditions such as blowing rain, salt water or sand or near such problem sources as stove top frypan or BBQ splatter. Also some children have a habit of poking the front element with grungy fingers.

[Double Negative]

I keep a UV on all my lenses, all the time. It complete the sealing on the L's, and where/what I shoot... I need one.

[FlashZebra]

Originally Posted by pturton

An uncoated Tiffen filter causes excessive flare which can easily be seen through the viewfinder and in the image. .

Do you actually have one of these images, or know where I could see one. Or know of some rigorous tests regarding this issue. Or any other information that is a bit more concrete that just a testimonial?

Or possibly you viewed this defect. If so, what are the specific conditions that produced the cited defect so I can recate the conditions.

If it can be "can easily be seen through the viewfinder" I would like to see it.

Enjoy! Lon

[Double Negative]

Somebody posted an example of this a while back... Three candles in a dark environment, IIRC. The ghosting was pretty startling - and obvious.

[FlashZebra]

Originally Posted by krm728

Any advantage using a clear filter of this type versus UV filter?
Protection of lens being the priority.

If I were going to use a filter for protection, I would use a UV filter. Filtering UV has no downside for "general" photography, and does have an upside.

So, if I was going to put a filter in place for mechanical protection of the lens, why not get a bit of UV protection also.

But, protection filters are typically unnecessary. I seldom use one, but almost always have a hood it place. There are unusual circumstances when I fit a filter for mechanical protection (I use a UV then).

I don’t think it all that big a deal if you use one or not. There seem to be zealots for both camps, but personally I think it is an issue that does not really make much of a difference which way you go (with a constant on UV or no UV at all).

But, if you are intent on using one for protection, avail yourself to the upside of blocking UV also.

Enjoy! Lon

[Tsmith]

Read this on the Filter Flare Factor

[Double Negative]

Good filters do not degrade the image nor flare much more than your lens already does - and if you're in this type of situation, sure... Remove the filter.

Stick with Heliopan, B+W or Hoya/Kenko Pro 1 filters that are multicoated and stay away from cheap filters, especially ones that aren't coated.

There's no harm in having a UV on the front all the time.

[Bakewell]

Originally Posted by Bluedog_XT

Read this on the Filter Flare Factor

OK..I give up. Off they go!

[pturton]

Originally Posted by londuck

Do you actually have one of these images, or know where I could see one. Or know of some rigorous tests regarding this issue. Or any other information that is a bit more concrete that just a testimonial?

Or possibly you viewed this defect. If so, what are the specific conditions that produced the cited defect so I can recate the conditions.

If it can be "can easily be seen through the viewfinder" I would like to see it.

Enjoy! Lon

Lon,

Some time ago I was having erratic focus with my 400 f/5.6 and found that removing a Hoya HMC Pro UV filter cured the problem. That spurred me to take a good look at the collection of UV filters that I have accumulated and what ill effects they may present.

Looking towards a dark corner of our laundry room on a sunny day the sun reflected from our white garden shed can be seen through the window when not looking through the camera. With the camera pointed towards this dark corner with the shed's reflection not in the frame, I placed various UV filters on a couple of different focal lengths. Looking through the viewfinder, there was some minor flare visible without a filter in place but adding uncoated filters from Tiffen made a noticable difference with a large increase in flare. The Hoya and B+W filters increased the flare by only a very slight amount - hardly detectable. And yes, I used a lens hood.

If I can see flare in the viewfinder, I know that the image will also be softened by it. If I get a chance in the next few days to duplicate this test with some images, I gladly post them for your scrutiny.

Regards,
Paul

[claudermilk]

I just recently saw a posting here or at FM pointing to a site that compared a Tiffen with a B+W MRC & it was quite eye opening. The Tiffen did not fare well to put it nicely. Unfortunately I don't recall the link.

[Mr. Pickles]

Here is a good example...

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