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-   -   UV Filter? (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/sony-vx2100-pd170-pdx10-companion/27994-uv-filter.html)

John Carey June 23rd, 2004 10:58 PM

UV Filter?
 
I was told to buy a good screw on UV filter for my pd170.

A friend told me it will only "HELP" the quality of your picture and "NEVER" hurt it. He also told me to get a good one to leave on at all times to protect the lense. Agree or disagree? I honestly dont know much about it.

Thanks

John

Nick Reed June 24th, 2004 02:03 AM

UV filter
 
Yes, get a UV filter and keep it on your lens at all times. It protects your lens from dirt, fingerprints and possible damage.

I must add...get a GOOD UV filter, and that means get a multi-coated one. The least that I would recommend is a Hoya HMC (IMHO) a best bang for the buck (<$20). The Hoya Super MC is a step up and of course, more expensive.

A non-coated filter can ruin an image with internal reflections, leading to loss of contrast. Your lens is multi-coated and your filter should be too.

If you want the best filter that money can buy, get a Heliopan MC. I think these are around $40 - 50.

Pat Chaney June 24th, 2004 02:57 AM

Opinion has always been divided on the use of clear or UV filters for protection. Of course they do offer some protection and can be easily replaced if they are scratched or damaged, but purists will argue that however good the optical quality, they will degrade the image to some extent. Many consider that the use of a solid lens hood at all times provides adequate protection - and you should use one in any case.

If you regularly shoot in a sandstorm, near salt water, or allow your lenses to be subjected to greasy fingers then certainly fit one; otherwise fit one only if it makes you feel better. If you do then follow the advice of your friend and Nick above - that if you are going to fit a protective filter then get a good quality one. I've heard many cases (from the world of still photography) where people spend a small fortune on a good quality lens and then fit the cheapest UV filter they can get their hands on - and it really makes no sense at all.

Greg Wolfinger June 24th, 2004 02:47 PM

i use a multi coated b+w uv filter (~$40) and you really can't see any image degradation. i would recommend always having one on because it will sure cost a lot if you scratch or break your pd170s glass.

Gints Klimanis June 24th, 2004 04:44 PM

I think I picked up this link from this group :

Single versus Multi-coated Lenses
http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/coatings.html

Gints Klimanis June 24th, 2004 04:54 PM

Although the conclusion of this article applies to UV-blocking,
video doesn't seem to need this (so I've learned on this group).
So, your pick should be a color-neutral "UV" filter that transmits the most light.

Check out this detailed article, which shows that most of the
UV filters (including B+W) don't really filter UV :

http://www.photo.net/equipment/filters/

Jeff Donald June 24th, 2004 05:44 PM

I never use UV filters, I'll risk scratching a lens before I risk losing a shot.

Nick Reed June 24th, 2004 11:22 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by Jeff Donald : I never use UV filters, I'll risk scratching a lens before I risk losing a shot. -->>>

I don't understand...how would you lose a shot by using a UV filter?

Jeff Donald June 24th, 2004 11:46 PM

Extraneous glass in front of the lens can cause flair and other undesirable optical faults. Even the best filters can cause a softening of the image in some circumstances.

Gints Klimanis June 25th, 2004 01:55 PM

Thanks, Jeff. I always wanted to hear from the non-UV camp.
Pretty gutsy, though. If one scratches the lens in the field,
shots are also lost.

Anyway, I think UV filters are a good idea if your lenses are
fixed to your camera, they're worth a lot, or people are depending on you to cover an event. If you don't carry
extra lenses, you're hosed. Much of my video/photo is outdoors with martial artists kicking up pebbles on the beach or bare ground. Ping, ka-ching. Sometimes, I have cover my eyes and
face.

I did buy a B+W multicoated for my new Nikon dSLR. Man, compared to my other UV filters, I sometimes do the double take on whether there is glass in there. When I bought my first
UV as part of a rip off package deal, I thought UV haze had to do with a haze on the filter. I also thought that it was important to filter UV. I could never get that thing clean that junky filter.
Get a good UV if you plan to get one at all.

Rob Belics June 25th, 2004 03:28 PM

I agree with Jeff and I don't use a UV filter either. The only exception is if I know I'm doing something I know will get the lens "wapped" but I can't leave the lens cover on. Like when I was walking through rainforest in Hawaii snapping everything in sight.

For regular posed shots, things I might use with a tripod, I wouldn't even think of using one.

Pat Chaney June 25th, 2004 03:43 PM

The key is to assess the risk of a lens being scratched or damaged. I'd say that with a solid lens hood fitted, damaging the front element of a lens is extremely unlikely in most shooting conditions. That has to be weighed against the increased risk of flare and reduced contrast.

Tom Hardwick June 26th, 2004 03:07 PM

Please don't be afraid of fitting a good quality multi-coated UV filter to the front of your zoom lens. It's mechanical insurance protection at its purest, cheapest amd simplest Remember though that the filter is now the front element of your zoom, and as you'd never dream of buying a camcorder without a mult-coated front element, don't buy a filter that isn't the best you can afford.

The VX/PD has a 12 element zoom assembled in 9 groups. Two of these are aspherical elements, and in front of the whole shee-bang are two multi-coated plain glass filters. What? Well yes. The VAP OIS is just that; two plain parallel glass filters, one of which vibrates constantly when you've got Steadyshot turned on and you're moving the camera.

So, adding one more SMC filter in front of that lot is neither here or there. Do it.

tom.

John Carey June 28th, 2004 11:46 AM

OK, SO..
 
Ok, So, Which is one of the BEST UV filters I can get for my brand new PD-170? I want to buy a good one. Brand and model please.

Mike Rehmus June 28th, 2004 12:34 PM

Any B+W brand will do. Probably don't want to buy the ultra-thin model as it is just extra cost that will do you no good. If you can go down to B&H, they can outfit you with one on the spot.

Richard Zlamany March 24th, 2006 03:08 PM

I shot a wedding with a $12 Tiffen filter and the loss of contrast was upsetting and extreme. I used this filter.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

I learned the hard way. :-(

Can anyone post a link to the BH website of a filter that doesn't lose contrast? I see the B&W filters are recommended but they are not multi-coated at least I don't think they are and I hear this matters.

Is this a good filter? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Mike Rehmus March 24th, 2006 03:26 PM

B+W are multi-coated. Expect to pay a fair amount for a good filter. Beyond $50 IIRC. The $12 price is a good tip-off that you didn't get much. In fact, I'd bet the 'glass' in that filter isn't at all clear either.

Call B&H and have a chat with them about this.

Simon Antoniou July 31st, 2006 10:37 AM

For a PD-170, I was thinking of buying a Polarizer filter from tiffen, will they just screw on, or do I need to purchase somthing else like a mount or adaptor ring?

Thanks

Ezra Hiller July 31st, 2006 02:25 PM

I have a filter B& H sold me when purchasing the camera too. I noticed dancing green fireflys on pinpoint lights (i.e.. candles or chandeliers) and a reflection of the lens on outdoor shots.

When I am shooting in a controlled setting (most of the time) I'll leave the Filter off.

Ezra

Mike Rehmus July 31st, 2006 03:26 PM

The dancing is caused by the OIS. The OIS is a major contributor to pin-point light reflections in the lens system. Turning it off at least insures that the fireflys don't dance.

Tom Hardwick August 1st, 2006 12:21 AM

And Simon - if you do get a polarisor, do make sure it's a multicoated one. Remember that with it on (and usually in good strong sunlight) this sandwich of glass forms your new front element.

tom.

Simon Antoniou August 1st, 2006 06:51 AM

Thanks Guys, Is there a big difference between a Polarizer and Warm Polarizer?
What would I miss out on if I dont get the Warm version?

Thanks

Tom Hardwick August 1st, 2006 07:32 AM

I'd leave all warming to post, that way it's easier to backtrack.


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