I see alot of people, when selling lenses, say that they have had a uv filter on it the whole time. Can someone tell me the benefits? Is it simply for protection of the lens or are there also image quality benefits? Is this something I should invest in for the 17-40L I just bought? I want to protect my investment if this would help.
i think this does a far better job of explaining than i would.
Basically, if you get a good quality filter, you won't really adversely affect your images and you'll have that extra sense of security. Apparently with digital, haze is not a huge factor.
I don't know if this factors into the explanations, but i for one don't use one. I clean my lens before and after - and have accidental protection on all my equipment (arguably another "gotchya" cost). Any glass i've held so far has done a good job of surviving perfectly anything ive thrown at it- this including when i felt like taking pictures when Hurricane Sandy came to visit (rain and heavy winds). I wouldn't mind them, but i fear glare when i dont want it to be part of my shots and just haven't felt the need. I did get uv filters for my first 3 lenses, not my latter 2 lenses though.
use a lens hood instead, that can actually benefit your IQ plus protect the front element from bumps. of course on a 17-40, it isn't going to be much of a hood...
Modern lenses HAVE UV blocking built in to the coatings already on the lens. The only reasons to have one on the front of your lens is because it makes you somehow feel better OR you're shooting where there's water/sand/dirt spraying about.
UV filters are a religious issue. Personally, I only practice that religion when I'm going to extremely dirty places. I find it easier to clean a filter in the field than to clean the lens.
use a lens hood instead, that can actually benefit your IQ plus protect the front element from bumps...
+1
Originally posted by mike_311:
...of course on a 17-40, it isn't going to be much of a hood...
Yep, more of a turtleneck sweater, LOL. It does an effective job of giving you some bump protection though.
No filter or hood for this one. Scares me to death every time I use it. It focuses REALLY close, see, and....
Robert if you want i'll look after it for you :)
i have uv on all mine but i photograph my lad and my dog alot or at least have them with me which means finger marks and splashes etc so id rather clean the uv than the front element
