Hank Taylor Posted October 23, 2009 Share #1 Posted October 23, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have been shooting for over 50 years and the questions has come up many times , is using a lens filter for protection really necessary? I know that there are times when a filter is protection especially when shooting in a dust storm but really, I always thought having a good lens shade does the job in most circumstances. Hank Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Hi Hank Taylor, Take a look here Lens filters Pro/Con. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
stunsworth Posted October 23, 2009 Share #2 Posted October 23, 2009 I only use filters when I've shooting black and white on a film camera, or using the m8. I personally think they cause more problems than they solve unless you are shooting in a hazardous environment. Others use them all the time. It's like using cases (which I don't use or see the point of) it's a personal preference, there's no wrong or right answer Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twittle Posted October 23, 2009 Share #3 Posted October 23, 2009 I use filters for effect only--pol filters, ND, black & white filters, etc. Never really saw much point in using them just for protection. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 23, 2009 Share #4 Posted October 23, 2009 I have them on some lenses and not on others (most the M/LTM lenses). I can say that there have been two instances so far where having a filter has saved my lens from severe damage, but strangely the lenses which don't have filters have been fine! Maybe the filter gives one a false sense of security? Generally I would opt to use a filter, but might remove it for certain subjects i.e. night scenes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted October 24, 2009 Share #5 Posted October 24, 2009 there's no wrong or right answer I agree. Personally I would use them only in an especially hazardous atmosphere (sandstorm, kids' birthday party, etc.) otherwise I haven't felt the need for them. I've been pretty much without them for 30 years. Other swear by them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted October 24, 2009 Share #6 Posted October 24, 2009 I only use filters when I've shooting black and white on a film camera, or using the m8. I personally think they cause more problems than they solve unless you are shooting in a hazardous environment. Others use them all the time. It's like using cases (which I don't use or see the point of) it's a personal preference, there's no wrong or right answer ...I'm with Steve on this one - surely it depends on how accident-prone or cautious the individual is? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Taylor Posted October 24, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted October 24, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks all for your help. Will continue using filters only when I think there may be a problem for protection. Hank Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted October 24, 2009 Share #8 Posted October 24, 2009 There are lenses -- longer ones with collapsible hoods, very wide one where the hood offers very little protection -- where I will use protective filters even with the M9. The alternative is to use the front caps religiously, and to never forget them! The lenses where filters can give problems with point sources of lights, are mostly those that you use in low and contrasty light indoors: 28, 35, 50mm. In situations like these, filters must come off. The old man from the Age of Flash Powder Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AgXlove Posted October 26, 2009 Share #9 Posted October 26, 2009 I use a UV or 1A filter only when I'm photographing in a crowd of people who are jostling and bumping around (street fair, concert, pub, sports event, public gathering, etc.) or if I'm in a dusty/dirty or windy with flying dust environement and/or if I'm photographing in a light to medium rain (I don't subject my cameras to heavy rain). I never used to do this with my Nikon, Mamiya 7 or other lenses. Even so, I have never had a lens front element damaged because I did not have a UV filter attached. Given the cost of Leica glass, a higher level of caution gives me some peace of mind. If I'm photographing in a more calm and controlled environment where there is no real exposure of the lens to damage, dust or rain, I don't use a UV filter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cliffp Posted October 27, 2009 Share #10 Posted October 27, 2009 Maybe the filter gives one a false sense of security? I think this is probably true. There is a phenomenon known as risk compensation that "is an effect whereby individual people may tend to adjust their behaviour in response to perceived changes in risk" (wikipedia) Apparently people who ride motorbikes wearing high visibility jackets have more accidents! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
waileong Posted October 28, 2009 Share #11 Posted October 28, 2009 I have been shooting for over 50 years and the questions has come up many times , is using a lens filter for protection really necessary?I know that there are times when a filter is protection especially when shooting in a dust storm but really, I always thought having a good lens shade does the job in most circumstances. Hank You don't need a dust storm. Just shooting in third world countries with dusty roads will do. When you're on a bike or a tuk tuk, it is dust heaven. Don't want to change lenses, don't even want to take my camera out of the bag if I can help it! Yes, filters are necessary. Other places? Shooting at sea? To guard against salt spray. Hoods don't help in these kinds of situations. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_n Posted October 28, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 28, 2009 I have a filter & hood permanently on every lens. No crap on the front elements (especially my fingerprints) and the lenses are always ready in the bag to snap onto a body. Don't use lens caps at all... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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