BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Daniel Sanderson
 

Tamron lense filer...


I use a clear Tamron lense filter as added protection for my Olympus lenses (as recommended by the camera shop). Please let me know if this at all affects the quality of the images that I am shooting.

Daniel


To love this question, log in above
January 17, 2006

 

robert G. Fately
  Daniel, this is an endless debate amongst photographers.

One side declares that the benefit of a filter to protect the front surface of a lens is worthwhile, since they're cheaper to repace than the entire lens should something terrible befall one.

The other side insists, with equal vigor, that the added layer of glass just makes for degradation of the image (mostly due to flare) and it doesn't provide enough protection to merit the use.

I declare you will not get a reasoned answer. In general, it is usually unlikely that the filter, if it is a good one, will noticeably degrade the image. Lesser (cheaper) filters may not be perfectly planar, and so could introduce some distortions. And it certain lighting conditions, a filter could add to flare. Modern lens multicoating is pretty hard, and the additional glass in front does not generally ad much protection.

But I guarantee you that you will hear both sides of this debate argued, perhaps in the other responses to your question. In general, it's probably not worth worrying about.


To love this comment, log in above
January 17, 2006

 

BetterPhoto Member
  Hi Daniel;
I'm a believer in using a high quality filter to protect my lenses. When you think about it, a 22 dollar filter is easier to trash than a 200 lense. I'm a weather spotter. I found that out the hard way. All of my lenses sport a uv-haze filter. And, for anyone interested, I procurred an Ewa Marine Hurricane Hood for my cameras. Oh, one more thing. To combat lense flare, you may want to invest in a lense hood.

Happy shooting,
Mark


To love this comment, log in above
January 17, 2006

 

Bob Cammarata
  When it comes to lens protection, I'm one who chooses to shoot filter-free. My front-element lens protection routine includes the following:
* Keeping the lens cap on when not shooting.
* Always using a lens hood with my telephotos.
* Cupping my hand over the front element when walking through brush or heavily wooded terrain. (I do this instinctively...even if the lens cap is on.)
* And finally,...just being really careful and cognizant of potential mishaps.

Filters can indeed be practical accessories for specific applications such as for color correction, de-creasing shutter speed, adding contrast when shooting B&W, special effects,..etc. but they WILL degrade image quality in one way or another. It may or may not be discernable to the naked eye but why risk it when you can just be careful?

You may wish to ask yourself why a lens protection filter is always sold as an option.
(...ever heard of "undercarriage rustproofing"?)



To love this comment, log in above
January 18, 2006

 

Mark Feldstein
  Hi Daniel: To add a thought or two to what's been said; A lens hood can be and often is excellent protection for your lens and generally may improve the quality of your images by preventing glare and flare. A single, larger lens shade with appropriate adapter rings may serve to protect several lenses for somewhat less than multiple filters.

OTOH, an 81A or 81B warming filter can enhance the quality of your images too and may be worth the cost, but I almost always shoot with a lens shade.

The other thing the camera stores may not tell you is that it's not such a good idea to store lenses with the "protective" filters on the lens, especially in environments with higher humidity. Use lens caps that allow the elements to breathe. The reason is because when moisture is trapped beneath a filter or cap, over time it can promote growth of fungus or mildew. If it gets bad enough, it may etch the coating on the lens, front or rear, and may even get to the interior elements. At either point, you'll likely notice some significant degradation image quality from that lens.
Take it light.
Mark


To love this comment, log in above
January 18, 2006

 
Log in to respond or ask your own question.