filter reflection

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
I've never used a UV filter before, but I just put one (Tiffen UV protector) on my HVX and i'm noticing the lens reflecting off of the filter when pointed at or near direct light. I'm used to flares, but this is a little weird. I want to protect my lens, but not sure if this reflection is acceptable.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
 
I see this all of the time with all kinds of different filters that I use, from Tiffen glass to Cokin resin filters. I think its pretty normal.

Dan
 
Thanks, Dan. Do you find the issues acceptable? There are enough technical worries on a shoot, so why add one more? I also read that it's very unlikely that the HVX lens will scratch or speck, and that the better the lens, the less a filter is needed (it will just degrade the image). Any truth to that?
 
Typically when I see the lens reflection I make changes in order to control the light hitting the lens. Whether it's using flags to divert the light or adjusting my flags on the matte box something should be done to do away with the lens reflection. That includes removing the filter if needed. But, if I've been shooting all day with the filter and than a shot comes along with the reflection I'll leave the filter on and make lighting adjustments. If it's the first shot of the day- off comes the filter and it stays off for the rest of the day. It's all about consistency.

If this is a professional shoot for a paying client I'm sure they won't find the reflection acceptable.

Jim
 
Hi guys:

I agree with Jim. For me, the reflection only shows up with light shining pretty directly into the lens. If it is not in frame, than using a matte box with a french flag and or sides handles it. Sometimes I have even used my hand to shade the reflection in a pinch when I am not using my matte box.

As far as protecting the lens. lately I leave a Sky 1A on for transport, I use the Ogio Ty Video backpack and I cannot fit the camera in the backpack with the hood on, so I take the hood off and since the lens is bare in that situation, I leave the filter on to protect the lens. But when I arrive to shoot, I remove the filter and put on the lens hood or a matte box.

You don't need a protection filter for shooting unless you are in conditions where something might land or be flung at the lens (mud, dust, water, etc.) If you are doing interiors in an office building or studio, you usually don't need a protection filter. Unless you buy a very good one like a Schneider or B+W, you are degrading your image with a cheaper Sky or UV filter anyway so I take it off.

Just used for transport.

Dan
 
Thanks, guys. Think I'll leave it off unless I run into adverse conditions... Plus I had a tough time unscrewing it once it was mounted. Realized I was just applying to much pressure on the ring...
 
Better coatings should reduce the likelihood of reflections, but it's for reasons like this that I don't ever use a "protection" filter unless I'm specifically setting out to protect the lens from something. I know it's commonly repeated to put a UV filter on and never take it off, but I think that's a case of taking it too far. If your lens is in jeopardy (a shot from a boat or a moving car or shooting near sparks or something) then yeah, protect it. But if you're just shooting normal, with no expectation of anything damaging the lens, then I run it bare.
 
I've been doing the same with all of my still lenses for Letus and still photography. When we are on the edge of getting really good quality with lenses like HPX/HVX, I think every little bit of extra clarity helps. Besides, how many times have you ever taken off a protection filter and remarked, "wow, that thing was really dirty, fogged, fingerprinted, whatever".

I'm with Barry, bare lens unless there is a reason to not be.

Dan
 
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