Do the pros use a protective filter?
 

Is it common practice to use a UV filter as a general precaution against lens damage? If so, are there any do's and dont's associated with them? Do they prohibit the use of the lens cap?

I just ran a search on this site for "UV filter" and came up with all these discussions you can explore:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=73267

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=27994

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=58638

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=46634

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=30369

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=29006

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=28746

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=20083

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=22718

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=951

That's ten threads to start off with; there are a lot more if you search. Of copurse these cover other cameras but the same principles apply to the XH A1. Happy reading,

A UV filter can be used as a protective filter which can prevent damage to your lens by eliminating the chance of flying debris scraping the elements.

Get a good filter that is double coated. Certain UV filters are not coated and give the appearance of the inside of a coke bottle due to lack of refraction.

Yes you can use the lens cap. A UV/Haze or a clear can do the job...keep it clean as you would the lens.....AND its cheaper when you scatch a filter vs. a scatched lens.

Jim Martin

Yes, absolutely, never shoot without one. Your cam's lens and its condition is critical to your success. Don't take a chance on being perpetually lucky.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I'll make it a priority to get one asap. Thanks for the tip on using the search feature Chris. I should have tried that first.

In the past I always kept a UV on for protection; now I leave a 1/4 Black Promist on all the time.

at least a hoya hmc. look on ebay, most with BIN.

Forget Ebay -- buy one from a local photo retailer such as Ritz / Wolf Camera. Or order it from one of our site sponsors. Just don't skimp on a cheapie; that's worse than having none at all.

Whenever you go out, always bring protection.

I'm sure this is echoed in the links that Chris thoughtfully provided, but I'll quickly answer the subject line:

"Do the pros use a protective filter?"

Depends how you define "pros"--what is often described in this forum as "Hollywood", the answer is no. But we have multiple camera assistants who are there to tend to the lenses and keep them protected under all situations--if there is a possibility of damage due to a planned situation, a clear optical flat is used. I have never seen a UV filter in use on a motion picture set.

Outside of "Hollywood", it's probably worth it to protect your personal investment with a UV filter, or fastidious use of a lens cap.

So far I have been careful to replace the lens cap after shooting, but to play it safe, I've put a Hoya multi-coated clear filter in my B&H wishlist.

Bringing protection isn't enough. You have to *use* protection. It's no good if it's left in your wallet.

Sorry to follow up in this way after such staids posts by Chas and Wade, but I couldn't resist.

LOL. That's true. If you don't use it, there can consequences.

My summation is this. An extra piece of (cheap) glass on the end of a well made lens? Hell no. Thats fine for an interior shot etc.

Where there is risk stick something on the front. Would I choose a UV FILTER? Hell no. A UV filter has a purpose and beyond that only serves to degrade image... i.e. an interior shot. A clear filter maybe. In bright sun Im using a polariser. Interiors, nothing. If my cam is at risk for a shot I usually adjust the shot to suit. I have however shot through glass to protect a lens on a HVX, I didnt like it but you have to do what is necessary.