Clear glass filters - image degredation or no?
I am beginning to wonder if the clear UV filters on all my lenses are a problem or not. Some people say to use them to protect the front glass from damage, some people say they degredate the image too much and only use filters when you need them.
Anyone here done any testing or have any opinions on this? I think I might try shooting without any filters for a week and see if I notice any big changes. This all came up from my Nikon friend having a UV filter on his 500mm, and when he took it off he was surprised and how much the images improved in sharpness and overall quality. I am undecided on this, seeing as how a UV filter saved my lense from getting chipped when I dropped it... the filter got chipped, the lens was fine...
What do YOU think?
To Filter, Or Not To Filter...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sean Dempsey
I am beginning to wonder if the clear UV filters on all my lenses are a problem or not. Some people say to use them to protect the front glass from damage, some people say they degredate the image too much and only use filters when you need them.
Anyone here done any testing or have any opinions on this? I think I might try shooting without any filters for a week and see if I notice any big changes. This all came up from my Nikon friend having a UV filter on his 500mm, and when he took it off he was surprised and how much the images improved in sharpness and overall quality. I am undecided on this, seeing as how a UV filter saved my lense from getting chipped when I dropped it... the filter got chipped, the lens was fine...
What do YOU think?
Seems to be the question. Like you, I started with UV filters on my lenses. My wife bought them for me when she bought the lenses. And I used them primarily with protection in mind. From what I've read since then, UV filters have limited use for most of us, and are most effective at higher elevations (think Rockies or the Sierras).
While I've never experienced it, I've heard of people getting lens flare, internal reflections, etc, from their UV filters. I also use hoods on my lenses, which has undoubtedly helped. And any glass is going to cut the amount of light getting to the film. It may not be a detectable amount to the eye, but each layer of glass does cut the light transmission.
Today, I normally don't use the UV filters, unless I'm shooting where I'm worried about protecting my lenses from a specific threat (wind, dust, salt spray, etc).