My Thoughts About UV Filters

Hello fellow POTN members.

I was just thinking about UV-Haze Fliters.

Am I right that it is better to not use them when there's no haze, or when the lens hood is on...? As I have one 67mm UV filter and I have 2 67mm filter mount lenses... So wouldn't it be more clever to just switch filters depending what lens I'm using? Instead of having them on all the time...

Some people say they damage the quality.
Some say they don't.
I don't want the 'accident' loss-of-image quality.
So should I use them as little as possible?

Sorry if the post is hard to read.

Thanks,
Aero145

I only remove mine if even with the hood on, i get flare... when i shot fireworks, i had to remove it

Understand.

You must be new around here

This topic has come up quite a bit and there are advocates (zealots) on either side. I prefer no UV unless needed for real haze, but others want the extra peace of mind.

Check this thread and this poll.

I use 'em for protection - flying debris from high winds/prop or jetwash, dog noses, and other routine hazards of my photographic subjects.

I leave it on, but during high contrast settings like night shooting or shooing into suns, etc, where I expect flare, I take it off.

i just keep on on because, if i had to clean the outer element, id rather scratch a Filter then the front element if i messed something up, or it there was something sharp on my microfiber towel, also, i get clumsy sometimes when removing/applying my lens cap with the hood on

I don't use them at all. I'd want one if I was working in blowing sand, salt spray, or a similar situation. Under normal conditions, I see now reason to use one.

don't use them at all. stuff is insured, so if something happens, its no skin off my back. reducing image quality isn't worth the investment. Polarizng filters are the only thing that go infront of my lens.

I always use UV filters - mainly to keep the front element of the lens clean. I'd rather clean a filter than the lens itself!

buy the best quality designed for digital multi coated filters you can afford - Hoya and B & W are respected, and you will not notovce any image degradation at normal print sizes. You do have to keep filters clean in high contrast situations though!

Thanks for the replies, people!

When I'll sell the Hoya-filter-67mm lens I have, I'll buy one B+W Haze filter for the only 67mm lens I'll have, to be used in: Conditions which include some materials in the air, hazy conditions, and when I don't use the hood.

Just keep the filters in their boxes in the bag, so when I have to use them, they're ready.

I'm then planning to buy a 77mm Polarising Filter. Is polariser needed on a telephoto lens, or just for a wide angle one?

Regards,
Aero145

Polarizers are for reflection and backscatter control. They're situational no matter what lens you're using.

If you are going to use filters, get good quality (Hoya, B+W). They are pricey, but cheaper than replacing a front element on a lens.
I use B+W on my 70-200 f/2.8 and 300 f/4L (for protection). There is no loss of image quality that I can detect.

Anyone ever hear of someone needing to replace a front element?

I thought they were mostly used for getting nicer contrast in clouds when there is also blue sky behind them.