Filter Quality

Are all UV filters the same. Is it gonna make a difference in my photos if i buy a cheap ebay filter instead of something like a Hoya or Tiffen

It can, yes. They can reduce contrast and give bad flare when in the sun, and I also hate using them (even the expensive ones) for night shots as even on the good ones the bright lights (i.e. in long exposure shots) can reflect between the front element and the filter and give you faint "lights" where they shouldn't be.

My general habit is to leave them on the front of a new lens because I'm really worried about it getting damaged, and then eventually realise it's a stupid idea and to just use the lens hood to look after the front element

Main thing I think they're useful for is the lenses that need them for weather sealing, and macro shots because it's easy to get too close to something and hit the front element.

I just bought a 70-200 F2.8 IS, I want to get something to protect the element but i dont want to spend much money, but i dont want to buy a cheapo if it is going to subtract from the quality of my photos. I am in the same boat with a 24-40 F2.8

brippeon wrote in post #8847059
I just bought a 70-200 F2.8 IS, I want to get something to protect the element but i dont want to spend much money, but i dont want to buy a cheapo if it is going to subtract from the quality of my photos. I am in the same boat with a 24-40 F2.8

I mostly have Hoya Pro1 filters (or whatever they're called), not super expensive but not super cheap. I can't notice any real image degradation during typical daytime photos, but do take them off if shooting into the sun or for night shots.

The cheap ones will hurt your image quality. I would avoid using one unless you really need to (salt water spray, flying dirt, etc).

I've been using Hoya filters since the late '70s which I find very good..

B+W are pretty damn good too..

I hardly hear about heliopan in these discussions. They're pretty expensive, and some people say not as good, but that's all i had access too back in NZ...

(Here we go again!) All filters are not created equal. You spent a good chunck of money on a great lens, so if you want a UV filter, dont' cheap out. Within a few more posts, you'll have a number of posts (like this one) that suggests you use your hood for protection and don't buy or use a filter.

brippeon wrote in post #8847012
Are all UV filters the same. Is it gonna make a difference in my photos if i buy a cheap ebay filter instead of something like a Hoya or Tiffen

I find it's best to use no filters.

I agree with the posts that suggest not using a filter. Use a hood to protect your lens. But if you insist on using a UV or other filter, spring for good glass.

brippeon wrote in post #8847012
Are all UV filters the same. Is it gonna make a difference in my photos if i buy a cheap ebay filter instead of something like a Hoya or Tiffen

Yes, buy the best you can afford. Tiffen is not on that list I hope. Hoya, B&W, and Heliopan are top names. I have the Hoya Pro1 UV on all my lenses. I have the Hoya Pro1 and HD circular polarizers. Top shelf stuff. Don't put cheap filters on your camera. If it comes down to it, save up and buy them later.

Good timing this post. As for "not using filters" I disagree. Last night I am cleaning all my gear as I am heading to coastal Maine and mountains of NH tomorrrow. On my 24-105, I find a nice scratch. Luckily it was on the $60 Hoya Pro UV filter rather than my $1,000 lens. Cheap insurance. I get online at www.2filter.com and order another $60 Hoya Pro UV filter and life is good. Othewise, I would be screwed!! Also, with this filter, I see no loss in image quality. Did the chart test, blew it up, nothing. The key is using high end UV filters if using one for protection. I have heard from countless others how cheap filters will effect image quality. Same goes for polarizers, get the best you can afford.

Great info below on this filter fact sheet. It is a sticky here and I just saw it myself. Tons of info on using UV filters...

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=368177

What he said ^^^^^

I use both Hoya HD UV filters and Hoya Super HMC Pro 1 Uv filters. Have never had any problem with any of them, I even leave them on at night.

Yep, mine never come off. Like I said, cheap insurance. A few reasons to use them from the above sticky link...

A5: A filter will give protection to the front element in from the following:
a) Accidental touching
b) Touching by subjects like children and pets (with stick fingers and noses)
c) Wind blown debris, sand and low velocity flying material like stones
d) Accidentally bumping into twigs when doing macro photography
e) Corrosive liquids like salt spray.
f) Accidental damage due to the lens cap coming off in the bag
g) Some L series lenses are weather resistant and require a filter to be fitted to complete the weather sealing

I don't use filters in general. The only one I have is for the 17-55 which is a dust monster. Since that's currently out of action, I moved the lens to my 17-40, mostly just to complete the weather sealing.