Tokina 11 -16mm 77mm UV filter. Which one?

I received my new Tokina 11 - 16mm F2.8 lens today. Using it on a Canon 60D. I must say I'm very happy with the outcome of my photos. It takes very clear, sharp photos. I don't have any kinda lens filter for it yet. Therefore I like you ask everyone here what is the best one out there for a decent price that works well? Thanks for any feedback.

Mike

Heya,

A UV filter will add nothing to your lens. Just keep the hood on (you need it anyways to avoid most flare that you'll run into). It also does not add protection to your front element. The filter is more likely to mess up your front element/coating, if you were to take some catastrophic damage to the front of the lens.

Great lens otherwise. But you don't need clear filters.

If you're going to do it, regardless, get the highest quality filter you can afford. B+W 77mm UV, multi-coated, etc. Hoya as a close second. Don't skimp on the cost, you'll end up with less image quality. Whatever you select, make sure it has good coatings for flare/glare control.

Very best,

UWAs are one type of lens I don't recommend a filter for. This is because I usually find that UWAs work great for the sort of images that require a CPL or other filters, and it becomes a hassle to have to remove the UV filter every time you want to use another filter on it. So I would recommend you get a nice CPL filter instead and learn to use it, you'll be very happy with the results.

When I do recommend UV filters though, I say go for B+W MRC or Hoya HD. I use B+W myself, never noticed any problems in IQ at all (and I have done comparisons with and without in different conditions).

ok thanks for the info. I just thought maybe a UV filter could be used with this lens but guess not. I am going to purchase just a cheap UV clear cover for it though.

riverratmike wrote in post #16862147
I am going to purchase just a cheap UV clear cover for it though.

Exquisitely unwise.

Please, search deep on this for examples.

Very best,

I have one on mine, as I do on almost all of them. I use a B&W and have not noticed any negative affects on IQ. Certainly don't buy cheap ones as they are much more likely to affect IQ.

riverratmike wrote in post #16862147
ok thanks for the info. I just thought maybe a UV filter could be used with this lens but guess not. I am going to purchase just a cheap UV clear cover for it though.

Why? What do you expect that to do for you? It certainly can NOT provide any useful mechanical protection against contact with other things when a rigid hood is not present. That's what a lens cap is for.

I have used a $100+ 77mm B&W UV filter on: 10-22, 20-35, 70-200, 100-400. It degrades the images on all these lenses. Horribly so on the 100-400. Putting a CPL on a UWA is asking for the weirdest skies you'll ever see. I don't recommend it, especially in the 10-16 range.

A hood can't hurt your images. A protective/UV/clear filter can't help your images. Gotta run. I see an angry mob approaching.

I owned that lens at one time. A CPL is not great on a UWA..

riverratmike wrote in post #16862147
I am going to purchase just a cheap UV clear cover for it though.

Don't do that. A cheap filter is not good for you. It will produce flare and loss of contrast. Expensive filters won't do that to a noticeable degree.

If you decide to get one cheep is not the wise path for such a fine lens.

If you're trying to get a UV filter to protect the lens, why buy a cheap UV filter for it when it already comes with a large hood? Also the first filter I would buy for this lens would be a good 3+ stop ND filter over any other. You'll be much happier with your creative possibilities!

If you want to get a filter, cheap is not the way to go. B+W makes clear filters but at this diameter they are not cheap.

The hood may provide some protection against impact (in general the UWA petal hoods are laughabbly small), but it will not protect agaiinst salt water droplets, sand grit, dust etc.

I use top of the line B+W and Hoya and have never observed IQ degradation. I always take them off in artificiially lit, indoor venues, where reflections between the front element and the filter may come into play.

thanks for all the responses everyone. We'll ok I'll just leave it the way it is. Decided not to buy a lens filter for it now. I want the best possible images with this lens.

riverratmike wrote in post #16862912
thanks for all the responses everyone. We'll ok I'll just leave it the way it is. Decided not to buy a lens filter for it now. I want the best possible images with this lens.

Get a hood. It will help.