Protective Filter at DVinfo.net

Salil Sundresh · April 22nd, 2006, 09:54 PM

Is there any point in using a filter for protecting a cameras lense? Or do they reduce the image quality too much that it isn't really worth it. I have heard some people use UV, or ND filters. But I have also found some clear filters at B&H, though there are so many choices, so I can't figure out which to buy. I want to buy something that degrades the picture quality as little as possible. Basically just for keeping the dust off of my dvx100b's lense. I don't want to waste a couple dollars on something junky, but at the same time not spend a ton on it (no more than $100) The threads are 72mm on the dvx100b. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Clear filters at B&H:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...e.x=0?.y=0

Andrew Khalil · April 23rd, 2006, 05:52 AM

I personally don't like nor use protective filters for the simple reason that even the most expensive ones will under certain conditions cause ghosting and degrade the image quality in some way because lenses aren't designed to take that extra piece of glass into account.
If you do decide you want one because you're in a particularly harsh environment an unusually high risk that something will damage your lens, go with one of the higher end ones from B&W or Hoya and be prepared to remove it if a situation arises where it's interfering.
I don't really think it's worth the hassle just to keep dust off the lens - just get a good blower brush and lens cleaning kit to use whenever needed (you'll need to clean the filter at some point anyway).

Salil Sundresh · April 23rd, 2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Khalil

I personally don't like nor use protective filters for the simple reason that even the most expensive ones will under certain conditions cause ghosting and degrade the image quality in some way because lenses aren't designed to take that extra piece of glass into account.
If you do decide you want one because you're in a particularly harsh environment an unusually high risk that something will damage your lens, go with one of the higher end ones from B&W or Hoya and be prepared to remove it if a situation arises where it's interfering.
I don't really think it's worth the hassle just to keep dust off the lens - just get a good blower brush and lens cleaning kit to use whenever needed (you'll need to clean the filter at some point anyway).

What do you consider to be "high-end"? There are so many different prices for these filters.

Roger Rosales · April 23rd, 2006, 02:59 PM

I own 3 filters for my Canon XL2 and have used them frequently and I have never experienced ANY ghosting or picture degradation. Are you speaking of a particular brand of filters or filters in general?

April 22nd, 2006, 09:54 PM	#1
Salil Sundresh Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Naperville, Illinois Posts: 44	Protective Filter Is there any point in using a filter for protecting a cameras lense? Or do they reduce the image quality too much that it isn't really worth it. I have heard some people use UV, or ND filters. But I have also found some clear filters at B&H, though there are so many choices, so I can't figure out which to buy. I want to buy something that degrades the picture quality as little as possible. Basically just for keeping the dust off of my dvx100b's lense. I don't want to waste a couple dollars on something junky, but at the same time not spend a ton on it (no more than $100) The threads are 72mm on the dvx100b. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Clear filters at B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...e.x=0?.y=0

April 23rd, 2006, 05:52 AM	#2
Andrew Khalil Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 424	I personally don't like nor use protective filters for the simple reason that even the most expensive ones will under certain conditions cause ghosting and degrade the image quality in some way because lenses aren't designed to take that extra piece of glass into account. If you do decide you want one because you're in a particularly harsh environment an unusually high risk that something will damage your lens, go with one of the higher end ones from B&W or Hoya and be prepared to remove it if a situation arises where it's interfering. I don't really think it's worth the hassle just to keep dust off the lens - just get a good blower brush and lens cleaning kit to use whenever needed (you'll need to clean the filter at some point anyway).

April 23rd, 2006, 02:59 PM	#4
Roger Rosales Major Player Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 254	I own 3 filters for my Canon XL2 and have used them frequently and I have never experienced ANY ghosting or picture degradation. Are you speaking of a particular brand of filters or filters in general?