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Lon Breedlove · March 27th, 2005, 10:39 AM

I've read around that buying a UV Filter for your lense will serve as a 'protector' to the outer glass.

(a) Is that true?

I've also read around that a cheap UV Filter can be bought for under 15 bucks?

(b) Is that true?

Recently I went over to the local Canon dealer, 'National Camera Exchange,' and I inquired about filters. This guy tells me that yes, cheap ones can be bought, but I will get what I pay for.. He then proceeded by trying to sell me a UV Filter for my lens, that costs about 75 dollars, because a cheap one will 'severely damage the image quality that I'm getting right now.'

To tell the truth, I don't know if this guy was lying, and trying to score a higher commision, or if he was preaching the truth.

I'd appreciate some guidence from you DV Gurus on what I should do. If there are filters out there for under $50, that wont actually subtract from my quality, but act as a shield to my lens, I would love it if you could steer me in the right direction.

I own a Canon XL2 with the stock 20x lens. When it comes down to it, I just don't want to scratch the lens, or alter it beyond repair. I have some car mounted test shots that need to be understood, and I cannot afford to buy a new lense if i break my current one.

Thanks,

Lon

Michael Salzlechner · March 27th, 2005, 10:46 AM

IMO filters for lens protection are highly overrated and mostly another way to make money

Always use a lens hood which protects your lens much better and reduces flare and ghosting.

There are times where filters are good for protection for example when near saltwater spray and things like that.

If you do use filters then yes you should get high quality multi coated filters

Chris Hurd · March 27th, 2005, 11:16 AM

This is perhaps one of the more frequently asked questions here at DV Info Net. A search on the term "UV filter" brings up about twenty separate discussions. Some of the better ones we've had are these:

...among many others. Hope this helps,

March 27th, 2005, 10:39 AM	#1
Lon Breedlove Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 40	Lens Guard I've read around that buying a UV Filter for your lense will serve as a 'protector' to the outer glass. (a) Is that true? I've also read around that a cheap UV Filter can be bought for under 15 bucks? (b) Is that true? Recently I went over to the local Canon dealer, 'National Camera Exchange,' and I inquired about filters. This guy tells me that yes, cheap ones can be bought, but I will get what I pay for.. He then proceeded by trying to sell me a UV Filter for my lens, that costs about 75 dollars, because a cheap one will 'severely damage the image quality that I'm getting right now.' To tell the truth, I don't know if this guy was lying, and trying to score a higher commision, or if he was preaching the truth. I'd appreciate some guidence from you DV Gurus on what I should do. If there are filters out there for under $50, that wont actually subtract from my quality, but act as a shield to my lens, I would love it if you could steer me in the right direction. I own a Canon XL2 with the stock 20x lens. When it comes down to it, I just don't want to scratch the lens, or alter it beyond repair. I have some car mounted test shots that need to be understood, and I cannot afford to buy a new lense if i break my current one. Thanks, Lon

March 27th, 2005, 10:46 AM	#2
Michael Salzlechner Major Player Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL, US Posts: 228	IMO filters for lens protection are highly overrated and mostly another way to make money Always use a lens hood which protects your lens much better and reduces flare and ghosting. There are times where filters are good for protection for example when near saltwater spray and things like that. If you do use filters then yes you should get high quality multi coated filters __________________ Michael Salzlechner

March 27th, 2005, 11:16 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	This is perhaps one of the more frequently asked questions here at DV Info Net. A search on the term "UV filter" brings up about twenty separate discussions. Some of the better ones we've had are these: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...=&threadid=951 http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=27994 http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...threadid=29006 ...among many others. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!