Filter lesson learned

I had previously made a post a few weeks ago questioning the sharpness of the lens. It just wasn't what I expected but I eventually came to terms with it and blew it off as user error.

After reading another post about someone taking their filter off to reveal a much sharper image I decided to take my $20 dollar Hoya filter off of my 70-200 L to give it a shot. I took the lens to the pool to shoot the family as they swam.

When I got home to look at the images it finally happened. The sharpness of the images took my breath away and was replaced by "L" This is what I expected out of this lens. An amazing piece of equipment.

Lesson learned - don't use crap filters.

Which Hoya filter did you use?

I was planning on getting one for my 100-400mm, but I might end up going with B+W instead (damn these things are expensive)

It was the Hoya standard UV filter. Bottom $20 dollar filter sold at most local camera stores. If you are going to use a filter - spend the money and do your research. I'm thinking of ordering this one tomorrow for the 70-200 http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …236_67mm_UV_Haz​e_010.html

And for some reason, that crop is less sharp than it appears in the actual upload to Flickr. Yet its a link to Flickr...Does the forum do something to do the image?

Test the lens wide open @ f4 not f5.6.

MinhThien wrote in post #8384210
Test the lens wide open @ f4 not f5.6.

This is what I do when I get a new lens..Rattle a few exposures off wide open.. Most problems with lenses will exhibit themselves wide open..

I have said so many times, use a top of the line filter like a B+W
and you won't have that problem.

98 SNAKE EATER wrote in post #8384161
Which Hoya filter did you use?

I was planning on getting one for my 100-400mm, but I might end up going with B+W instead (damn these things are expensive)

The 100-400L is pretty squirrelly with filters. TBH, if you use the hood, its deep enough to provide plenty of protection. And once you get to 77mm and larger filters, the price really starts to jump up...

There's another lesson here.

Besides Grad ND filters for special effects, Polarizer filters, don't use filters at all. Even expensive ones will degrade IQ.

me

Why would you spend big $ on any lens and then stick a small $ filter in front of it

The cheapest Hoya filters are coated, but not multicoated. You want one that is multicoated, like the Hoya HMC or the Hoya super.
I don't know if the B&W is going to be any better than the Hoya super - look for filter reviews - there should be some at this site.

neil_r wrote in post #8384845
Why would you spend big $ on any lens and then stick a small $ filter in front of it

When I didn't think it made a difference. That's why. I know now.

Thats why i bought the HOYA PRO1 DMC (Digital Multicoat) LPF (Low Profile Frame) UV filter for both my 18-55mm IS and 70-200mm f/4L . Have not had any image quality degrades .

Always use high quality mulit coated filters.

Ralph Merlino wrote in post #8384810
I have said so many times, use a top of the line filter like a B+W
and you won't have that problem.

As I've said many times, if you don't stick a functionless piece of glass in front of your lens then you're certain not to have any problems.