Filter advice...please

[johntobias]

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Have just got my SL2 and am adding a 24-90 for some autofocus fun!   I read the lens (which hasn't arrived yet) has a special coating ...? aquadura.    I always use a hood for lens protection and have most of my M glass protected with a B&W or Leica UV filter....does the SL lens need a protection filter ....82mm is big but the hood seems to protect quite well....I tend NOT to shoot it in inclement weather even though I could...what are your thoughts and which make would you recommend if at all?    thanks

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[darylgo]

A glass filter is my choice, protection mostly, B+W or similar.  When I sell lenses the front element has a pristine quality, rarely needing a cleaning.   I've never seen a difference in IQ with one filter except the occasional flare, stacking two filters will degrade IQ.  The Leica filters are expensive, $300 for the larger sizes, perhaps the front element wouldn't cost much more to replace?

[beewee]

The only time I used clear filters was back when I was shooting the M8.2 which needed an UV/IR filter. I shoot in all sorts of conditions in the mountains (rain, snow, wind, dust, etc.), by the ocean, and everywhere else in between with my camera out and lens cap off unless it’s raining. The only time I put my camera away temporarily is if I need both hands to climb/scramble up/down tricky sections, or if I’m in the trees and there’s nothing interesting to shoot for an extended period. I regularly use a lens hood and no filter and never had an issue with the front element getting damaged, scratched, etc… for 10+ years *knock on wood*, for both Canon and Leica M lenses. 

[johntobias]

My plan is hood plus nil.   ( if it’s the same coating they put on their latest binoculars, it’s brilliant    Water just beads off. Though I doubt I’ll rinse the lens in a stream as I’ve done with their noctivids ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[hansvons]

4 hours ago, beewee said:

 I regularly use a lens hood and no filter and never had an issue with the front element getting damaged, scratched, etc… for 10+ years *knock on wood*, for both Canon and Leica M lenses. 

Exactly. The back lens is the weak part and much more prone to get scratched. I never use UV filters or other glass to protect a front lens. The optical quality degrades, and flares lose their look. No need. Just handle with meaningful care. The same applies to lens caps. They constantly stop people from getting the shot. But they can't help it and put back their lens cap all the time. It's a compulsive act. Front lenses must radiate something.

[Photoworks]

Leica worked hard on hardening the lens and coded to make it water and dust repellent for easy cleaning. In many lenses they say not to put protection filters on it.

When they use a softer glass elements they cover them with a hard glass to protect it.

I have many filters for different purposes, but they often don't clean well or cause extra internal reflection and duplicated lights points at night or sunset.

for the 24.90 a suggest getting the metal hood from 24-70 , less bulky and nicer shape.