The Protective Filter Debate

[MillerPhoto]

It all depends on what I am shooting. If I am out in the wood shooting nature or at car shows, I do not use a UV filter. But if I am in a place that could get a little dusty or a chance of my camera getting bumped in a crowed area. I always use the UV filter to help protect my lens. Many times I have seen some new photographers walk through a crowded area or even and walk through a door and bump the lens against the frame.. so far ive seen 2 lenses break.. and 5 saved by UV filters and its better to see a $15 filter get broken rather then a $200-$500 lens. Also I use collapseable rubber hoods which offer more protecion when I have to set the camera down on a table or if it gets bumped then its not going to pop off the hard hood or damage the lens.

But like I said.. Depends on person preference and variable situations.

[LuisV]

Occasionally.

When shooting in normal conditions, the UV filter can cause flare. It may not.... but it could. I don't chance it.

The only time a UV filter for protection would be considered is in salt water spray or in windy conditions on loose soil. (eg. Beach, dry sports field with dirt flying about, etc).

The only other time a UV filter is placed on the lens is when I need to filter UV light. High altitude, eg.

[katescape]

I was gonna vote "yes" , but after a conbination of personal experience and reading these threads, I've put my UV filters in the bag ...only to be used in adverse conditions.

[skraw]

I actually tested this last week.

I set up a lighted shoot, and took a shot with the U/V filter, then one with out. I noticed absolutly no difference in quality when viewed at 100%. Now, outdoor shoots and different conditions may be different. Also, I dropped my camera once from about 3 feet up. It fell on a tile floor, and the U/V filter was demolished, but the lens was fine. However, I usually leave mine off unless I am shooting in hazardous conditions outside.

[MillerPhoto]

You wouldn't find much difference in a Indoor shoot cause there is not really any UV light, depending on the bulbs. As for the flare in a outdoor shoot. Yes I have had that happen before and removed the filter and it was gone.. But really it depends on the strength of the sun and whats reflective around you and even the atmosphere conditions of like the cloud cover and such. Eaither way. It comes down to personal preference. And definalty a lens saver in adverse outdoor conditions.