filter/lense cleaning questions

L

lando

Active member
So I'm looking to pick up a filter for my hvx and after searching through this site have noticed everyone recommends the B+W uv haze multi resistant filter. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/11995-REG/B_W_66045076_82mm_UV_Haze_010.html)
With that said I've noticed a few different versions of this filter including slim, extra wide front, etc. Should I just go with the standard one I linked to or should I be considering any of these other options? Also what would you recommend for a lens cleaning kit. Thanks.
 
i knew my UV would cop a thrashing from salty gritty wind at the beach plus a few scratches etc so i didnt spend a heap. That way i wouldnt mind replacing it maybe once a year. Its only purpose is to protect my baby!
So best to make a choice based on where/what you film etc.
Not sure on differences in cleaning kits, i only ever use a little bit of the liquid they give you and a nice soft lense cloth. just make sure you feel the fibre of the cloth before you buy it, i have come across ones that felt like sand paper!!
 
All you need is a good basic UV filter. I'm not sure "Multi-Resistant Coating Glass Filter" means anything other than "twice as expensive."

I doubt very much that there are all that many different companies manufacturing camera filters and I'd be willing to bet that ANY multi-coated UV filter from any reputable company will be identical in terms of their optical properties.

As for lens cleaning cloth, I personally wouldn't touch them and I can't figure out why anyone would. A pack of Rosco lens tissue (kept in a sealable plastic bag) is all you need besides maybe the occasional spritz of Pancro fluid.
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My thought was that I just spent $5000 on a high quality camera so why skimp $50 and get a cheap filter? Not too much will affect the quality of your picture as much as the glass in front of the lens. With that said I'm set on spending $100 and getting the quality B+W filter just curious as to which one I should be picking up. Thanks.
 
I got the Formatt UV clear HD glass so I can use it on both the hvx200 and hpx500, its there for nothing but protection and to do as little harm to the picture quality as possible. The slim is nice if you dont want to stack anything else on top or if you have a mattebox. When you start stacking filters you begin to get vignetting issues, so be mindful of that. Spending the extra $50 for good glass is always a good move. Good luck..
Mike
 
lando said:
My thought was that I just spent $5000 on a high quality camera so why skimp $50 and get a cheap filter? Not too much will affect the quality of your picture as much as the glass in front of the lens. With that said I'm set on spending $100 and getting the quality B+W filter just curious as to which one I should be picking up. Thanks.
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A $50. UV filter will protect your camera lens just as much as a $100.+ UV filter. And, again, I doubt very much that you can tell the difference between footage shot through a $12. UV filter as opposed to a $100.+ UV filter.

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Chris Santucci said:
I doubt very much that you can tell the difference between footage shot through a $12. UV filter as opposed to a $100.+ UV filter.
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I don't. Each side of uncoated glass can cut light transmission by 3%. So adding a cheap UV filter can decrease your camera's sensitivity, reduce contrast, and increase halation and flaring. Nearly any cheap filter will have a noticable effect on sharpness. If you're going to be using your UV filter 100% of the time, get a B&W or a Tiffen.

I won't shoot with a UV filter unless I need a UV filter (in some landscapes and arial shots). I will, however, make sure there's a UV filter installed on the camera before I send it off with someone else.

Using multiple filters on a camera can cause vignetting, and that's when the slim filters are appreciated.
 
I defy most people (maybe 97%) to look at footage shot with a $12. UV filter side by side with footage shot with a $100. UV filter and tell the difference.

My initial argument has more to do with the quality of a $50. UV filter (like a Hoya) compared to the ridiculously named $100.+ "Multi-Resistant Coating Glass (B+W) Filter."

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Lens paper is the best way to clean any lens or filter. I also like lens brushes. Any lens cleaning solution from B&H should serve you well.
 
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