Nikon D40 UV Filter Problem

[mirek500]

I have recently purchased a UV filter for my Nikon D40 and I have noticed that I am getting in many of my shots blue blotches. They appear in the center of the images and have angular shapes. If I remove the UV filter the blotches are gone.

Any idea what could be the cause? Thanks for your help!

Please take a look...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirekb/...n/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mirekb/...n/photostream/

[WsW-WYATT-EARP]

I think you answered your question in your own post. Obviously its something with the UV filter. As most people will say here - don't use a filter or if you do make sure its a good one so you don't have any distortion or anything from the filter. I would take your filter back to where you got it and get a better one.

[mirek500]

Thanks for your answer WsW-WYATT-EARP!

I could get another UV filter. However, I am trying to establish if what I am experiencing is directly related to the UV filter or perhaps combination of my kit lens and the UV filter? Is there a such thing as "cheap filter" giving such problems and "expensive filters" not?

Thanks,

[mjs1973]

Welcome to the Forum

Is there a such thing as "cheap filter" giving such problems and "expensive filters" not?

Very much so! You get what you pay for. If you are going to put a filter in front of your lens, make sure it is the best one you can afford. The more expensive filters will have multiple coatings on the glass to help reduce reflections that will show up in your images.

Some people think they need to have a filter on their lens for protection (usually because a sales person tells them so), others don't. I'm in the 2nd group. I don't use a UV filter on any of my lenses. Unless you are in a place where there is blowing dust and sand, or salt water, I would skip the filter all together. If you feel you need one, spend the money and get a good multi coated filter.

[deckcadet]

looks like you're getting flare and ghosting from the UV filter. UV filters, particularly the cheaper ones, can increase reflections on the lens causing this when there are strong light sources.

[mirek500]

Gentlemen,

Thanks very much for your advice! I thought that UV filter is a UV filter...

Now I know why my filter was only $9.00.

Mirek

[Frog]

I've joined the no uv filter club unless there is a real need for protection from elements.
Put a lens hood on and you're pretty much protected.
Only filter I use now is circular polarizer and neutral density and I bought the best ones I could afford.