17-55 not sharp at all with filter on

I've noticed that my 17-55 consistently takes photos that are not sharp at all, almost blurry, with a high quality B+W filter attached. The photos are much sharper when I take the filter off. I'd like to be able to use a filter to protect the lens from little hands (I often am shooting little kids), but the photos are unacceptable when using a filter.

Has anyone else experienced this? I can post examples later.

Odd. I use a Hoya HMC UV(c) filter and there is no visible degradation whatsoever. The 17-55 is one lens I always keep a filter mounted to minimize dust infiltration. Two years, lots of use, and no visible dust.

I have used poor filters which result in shots with more glare and contrast loss but have never experienced a blurry photo because of a filter.

Have you tried swapping with another filter, or conversely, used that specific filter on another lens?

You may have gotten a counterfeit filter.

I've been using a Hoya Super HMC UV(0).
Every filter added in front of glass will effect IQ. The IQ degradation was negligible for my taste.

Can you post a pic with filter on and the same settings filter off? I have noticed a similar thing with my 100-400 and have narrowed down to some weird interaction between a filter and the IS. I did a bit more experimenting and even a UV filter does this.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=10424981&p​ostcount=6

I had a similar experience (but on my 18-55 IS) that I nearly lost a stop with filter on then without.

From what I learnt, it has to do with cheapo filters or as someone pointed out knock-offs.

Try to ensure it is the case with a genuine one (may be a friend's or rental) to see that there's nothing wrong with your lens. Good Luck

gjl711 wrote in post #13059067
Can you post a pic with filter on and the same settings filter off? I have noticed a similar thing with my 100-400 and have narrowed down to some weird interaction between a filter and the IS. I did a bit more experimenting and even a UV filter does this.

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=10424981&p​ostcount=6

I can post some pics tonight. That is very interesting regarding IS. I'll try turning it off to see if that makes a difference. As for the filter, I purchased it directly from Amazon.com, not a 3rd party through Amazon. I guess it could still be a counterfeit, though.

I use to run filters on all of my lenses but I (Hoya S-HMC filters) and I find that If I can get away with not having a filter then I'll keep it in the bag for the better IQ and to help flaring. I think you best bet would be to just run with out the filter and use you lens hood. I just use my judgement for what i'm shooting and where, If theres sand or I'm by the ocean then I'll use a filter. Other things like if i'm going somewhere with tons of people that could bump into my lens or if your shooting sporting events then you might want to consider it but in more cases then not having the lens hood should work fine for it.