UV filters - Single coated vs Multi coated vs Do I even need one?

I'm planning to get a 77mm UV filter for my 70-200 IS II, and haven't used filters in years. Do I need one and if yes, should I get the B+W single or multi coated one? Like I said, I don't have much experience with filters since I discovered a 'cheap' Hoya filter was adding haze to my photos; I do have a 72 mm B+W multi-coated UV filter for my 135 mm f2 and it's great because it is almost as if it isn't there (no reduction in brightness, IQ or increase in flare).

Do I save $25 and get the single coated one or spend extra for the multi-coated?

This is an oft discussed topic, which usually is very polarized. I suggest searching and reading the filter sticky HERE.

Great FAQ/thread. I learned that Hoya SHMC/Pro1 filters are cheaper and more effective than B+W ones.

I'm confused about CPL filters though. Do they reduce the amount of light going into the lens (they seem closely related but different compared to ND filters)? I shoot a lot of sports where a CPL might come in handy - outdoor action and horseriding, and indoors for basketball/volleyball where the floor is sometimes glossy and tends to confuse the camera's AF abilities.

Would it be practical/what is the effect of using a CPL full-time on a lens? Seeing it does offer plenty - more saturation, less flare/glare/reflection​s. I'm thinking of getting on in place of using a UV filter

CPLs are fantastic, but they do decrease the light by up to two stops, depending on how strongly you have the filter set. Even at the zero setting they still decrease light input, but I'm not sure by how much. Enough that it's worth taking off if you're not using it.

Depending on what I'm shooting, I practically live with a CPL on my lenses. If it's an either/or choice, I'd definitely go for a CPL.

EOS Man wrote in post #15161833
(they seem closely related but different compared to ND filters)

Yeah, I see a lot of people treat them as equivalents, but they are very different tools. An ND filter is purely to decrease the amount of light coming into the lens. You already know the benefits of a CPL...

Wait for a used B+W UV MRC to pop up on here, you can get them fairly cheap used usually.

Start here: LINK

You should get MRC version of any filter you buy.

Rendil wrote in post #15161940
Wait for a used B+W UV MRC to pop up on here, you can get them fairly cheap used usually.

By pure coincidence, I spotted a used (9 condition) 77 mm B+W UV MRC filter on B&H this morning and I picked it up for $41 + $4 shipping. How's that for price? (This is my 2nd used purchase from B&H, I picked up a 9 condition Ultrasharp monitor 2 weeks back and it came with a slightly battered box but everything inside was like brand new!)

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #15161844
CPLs are fantastic, but they do decrease the light by up to two stops, depending on how strongly you have the filter set. Even at the zero setting they still decrease light input, but I'm not sure by how much. Enough that it's worth taking off if you're not using it.

Depending on what I'm shooting, I practically live with a CPL on my lenses. If it's an either/or choice, I'd definitely go for a CPL.

Interesting, I've known about CPL filters but never considered having them on an almost full-time basis. I might just pick one up.

ben_r_ wrote in post #15163515
Start here: LINK

You should get MRC version of any filter you buy.

Thanks, Neil posted the link earlier in the thread but your one line summary is useful (and confirms my habit/homework that MRC filters are worth the price)

EOS Man wrote in post #15163634
Thanks, Neil posted the link earlier in the thread but your one line summary is useful (and confirms my habit/homework that MRC filters are worth the price)

Less is more

EOS Man wrote in post #15163634
By pure coincidence, I spotted a used (9 condition) 77 mm B+W UV MRC filter on B&H this morning and I picked it up for $41 + $4 shipping. How's that for price?

Nice one. You saved yourself about $25 off the new price, and in my experience B&H is pretty spot on with their used ratings. Probably in like new condition.