Sigma 12-24mm Lens Filter

I recently bought the above on ebay. I've used it with my 10D, and I'm pleased with the results. The lens is 82mm, and I wonder if a glass filter that size will work with it rather than the "gelatin" one that is recommended. I'm one of those guys who like to keep a clrear or skylight filter on all the time.
Thanks,
Ed

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Originally Posted by edaleks

I recently bought the above on ebay. I've used it with my 10D, and I'm pleased with the results. The lens is 82mm, and I wonder if a glass filter that size will work with it rather than the "gelatin" one that is recommended. I'm one of those guys who like to keep a clrear or skylight filter on all the time.
Thanks,
Ed

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If you are going to use a protective filter, you must buy the very best to avoid image degradation. For 82mm that will probably cost you well over $100. Stick with the multi-coated B+W, Hoya, Heliopan. You are much better off skipping the filter and using a lens cap (it comes with the lens for free!) and/or a lens hood. The onlly exception would be those occasions when you are at the beach, in a sand storm, etc.

Well, an 82mm ain't quite no $100 where I looked - but they sure got my attention!

Sunpak $39.50, Hoya $43.50, Tiffen $47.95 - for 82mm UV.
Tiffen 82mm Plain Glass is $34.95.
All prices from B&H's website.

The 'caution' I can think of, with this being such a Wide Angle lens, is possible Vignetting of the corners at the widest settings. The spread on some of these wide angles is figured so close to the edge of the barrel, that the added depth of the filter ring can be the 'make or break' difference. So that's definitely something to consider.

But if it were MY lens, knowing what these babies cost, I wouldn't leave that front element 'exposed to the elements' either.