STOP using UV filters ❌ DO this...

💲 CAMERAS/LENSES 💲

🤘 FOLLOW ME 🤘

[mitchell]

Know what's cheaper than replacing a $2000 lens? Replacing a high quality UV filter

[radimpalus]

When I shoot on different kinds of events, some dirt or even a small stone may hit my lens and the lens hood would not help. So I keep on using filters and I use them for more than two decades. I never had any problem removing a filter and I had already a situation when the filter got damaged instead of the lens.

[maderaditya.]

Just use both, the UV filter, is for protecting the lens from flying particles, and the lens hood will protect the filter and the threads.

[maxpetra]

I don't think anyone using a filter for protection is expecting an extra pane of glass to cushion the impact. It does however protect against scratches and my own greasy, clumsy fingers.

[vanhunghoang]

I think UV filters are more compact and protecting lens surfaces from degrading better.

[filmeric-films]

I think its best if you use both. In my case I don´t see any difference on the picture with or without uv filter.

[MacSilvey]

Filters for dust and rocks. Hoods for drip and knock protection. I use both when not in the studio

[chriskendell]

All my lenses are equipped with the best quality glass UV filters. I’m a (mostly) landscape photographer and I have done this since I tripped and fell on a trail in the Grand Tetons in the mid 80’s and the filter was shattered by a tree root and rock I bounced off of but the glass was intact afterwards. $100 filter VS a $1000 lens… simple math.

[cameraz]

I use a clear, multi-coated, high-quality-glass B+W filter to protect all of my lenses. Also, when I sell a lens, I've never had a buyer complain about the pristine quality of my protected front element!

[aobane]

It’s not the lens shattering the main issue, it’s to protect from dirt and debris.

[curvedwallride]

Given the choice between a cheap UV filter and a lens hood, i'd go with the cheap UV filter.

[Pedromchlkg]

I prefer have both, filter and hood. Filter makes zero difference in image quality.

[bodinian]

I use Clear master filters from B+W. My main concern is air pollution (smokers, car exhaust, etc) and small abrasions from cleaning it. Plus the filters are flat and easy to clean while some front elements have shapes that make them harder to clean.

[Koji-]

Sometimes there’s salt water mist from the ocean, or you’re in a dust storm.
It’s easier to wipe clean a flat filter. And less likely to scratch the lens also.
But generally I think you make a great point. Thank you for sharing. 💁🏻‍♀️

[BigBenAdv]

There are photographers I know who will only buy B+W brass ring filters precisely because the brass filter ring will deform rather than mangle the thread on the lens.
In many cases, the lenses they use are also on the order of magnitudes more expensive than a B+W filter with a matching repair fee. Even with the front 'element' on these lenses being an actual protective filter, the cost of replacing the front filter on the lens would cost more than a B+W filter.

[omegaman]

That debate ended years ago for me. Why buy cheap plastic to cover your expensive glass.

[carlmcneill]

I agree. The only reason why I would use a UV filter would be in harsh environments where the coatings could get damaged.

[Whiskeyj]

I shoot on the water and deal with salt spray regularly, a uv is a must to keep the salt deposits from getting on the front element. It’s much easier to wipe off the flat filter rather than the curved front element.

[saschamilenkovic]

The problem with just using a lens hood is that it won't protect the front lens element from splatters, droplets or just simple dust. This means you'll be cleaning your front lens element every now and then. Every cleaning adds slight damage to the coatings and over the years you'll see scratches on your front lens element.

Get a high quality UV filter. Keep that on your lens. If it gets dirty clean it and after a couple of years just replace it with new one.

High quality lenses are a long-term investment and you want to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.

Lenses should not really be dropped and if they are will most likely go for repair anyway. So that argument is really a non-starter.

[Wingedmechanic]

To protect your lens, use the LENS CAP that came with your lens.
Lens hoods are used for blocking ambient loght froms sides.
UV filters are used to cut the UV rays. But can also double up as a flat easy to wipe barrier against contaminants and minor damages to the glass.