Filter use and misuse....

I have said that I use a filter to protect the glass from the "elements"...and recently posted a shot of 2 lenses that survived terrible histories because they had filters....

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What filter are you using in the test shots?

Also, one can always argue wither a filter really protects. I'm sure it will protect against scratches, but drops? I'm not sure. I guess it does something.

I use Heliopan slim filters, they're sublime. They never cause vignetting.

Two times now these filters have saved lens; a dropped 50L and a tipped over 24-70 + MK-3 on a tripod. A piece of cinder block went straight up the hood of the 24-70 and splinter the filter, just stopping it short of the front lense element. The shards of glass were still rigidly help in place in the filter ring.

Added the filter to 1st post...Nikon L1A....and I'll continue to use it and remove it when I can see the difference....

On some lens ghosting (the filter back reflecting light) may be an issue even with MC filters. The 50L is one where I see this, although spacing the filter a bit further from the front element should resolve it.

Everyone's situation is different. Me; almost 40 years shooting w/o protective filters and zero problems. I do have a high quality clear filter for use in bad weather....blowing sand along the beach areas. If one is by nature rough on their cars, toys and camera gear then maybe its a good idea - or - if ones shooting conditions preclude the use of protective filters then do so. I do have polarizers and G/ND's and use them sparingly.

Always found it wise to never have a filter on a lens for quick / grab shots and not have to think about the filter interfering in any way. If using a protective filter buy the best out there.

kitacanon wrote in post #9270937
Added the filter to 1st post...Nikon L1A....and I'll continue to use it and remove it when I can see the difference....

How good are the Nikon filters? They don't look so great to me. Do the high end Hoya/Heliopan/B+W give flare like that too?

mrkgoo wrote in post #9271055
How good are the Nikon filters? They don't look so great to me. Do the high end Hoya/Heliopan/B+W give flare like that too?

Yeah, that's unacceptable. Ghosting is the worst I've seen, and that's a totally different animal/cause.

Is that filter clean? Oil film maybe? Good filters use Schott glass, are precision multicoated, and rigdedly mounted in anodized brass housings.
http://www.hpmarketing​corp.com/heliopan.html

blackhawk wrote in post #9271127
Yeah, that's unacceptable. Ghosting is the worst I've seen, and that's a totally different animal/cause.

Is that filter clean? Oil film maybe? Good filters use Schott glass, are precision multicoated, and rigdedly mounted in anodized brass housings.
http://www.hpmarketing​corp.com/heliopan.html

The filter is clean as a whistle...here are a couple of RAW 100% crops taken @ F4 with it on...all sliders at mid-flat/picture style: Faithful/USM added 200/.3/0

The point is that in SOME situations, filters will degrade an image...not all the time as you can see here....

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I never see issues with the Heliopans other than occasional ghosting from bright light sources. Your flaring issues may be related to the coatings used or not used.