interiors with Tokina 11-16. Which filter for protection?
- Thread starter Lucas 7D
- Start date
Green Hornet
Veteran
I don't use filters unless i need the filter for a reason.
The more you put in front of the lens, the more it degrades the lens.
In 15 years of shooting, I only dropped one lens/camera.
The lens HOOD saved both.
I was a Canon 70-200 L lens.
I was shooting a model, and in a hurry.
I tried to mout it on a tripod via a quick release.
I guess I never latched it down, and walked to the model.
The Camera came crashing to the ground.
I used that lens for 2 more years, and it worked perfectly.
It did have a scratched hood though.
My view is that anything in front of the lens causes added reflections, and an element
that the lens was not designed for.
IT doesn't really protect the lens, unless something was headded straight for it.
Maybe it would protect if someone shot you with a bb gun, or if someone was trying to spear you, or stab you.
IF you dropped it, it could still crack the lens, and possibly make it so you could not remove the filter that may have cracked.
I just say no, to filters unless needed for a reason.
The more you put in front of the lens, the more it degrades the lens.
In 15 years of shooting, I only dropped one lens/camera.
The lens HOOD saved both.
I was a Canon 70-200 L lens.
I was shooting a model, and in a hurry.
I tried to mout it on a tripod via a quick release.
I guess I never latched it down, and walked to the model.
The Camera came crashing to the ground.
I used that lens for 2 more years, and it worked perfectly.
It did have a scratched hood though.
My view is that anything in front of the lens causes added reflections, and an element
that the lens was not designed for.
IT doesn't really protect the lens, unless something was headded straight for it.
Maybe it would protect if someone shot you with a bb gun, or if someone was trying to spear you, or stab you.
IF you dropped it, it could still crack the lens, and possibly make it so you could not remove the filter that may have cracked.
I just say no, to filters unless needed for a reason.
WhiteMonkey
Well-known member
I agree with Green Hornet.
And also agree with You. Filters in front of your camera actually effect your image. Unless it's for a specific reason I would never place a filter in front of my lens.
An optical flat if you're in situations where the front element can be easily contaminated or damaged is the rule. Normal levels of dust (in a house or most commercial locations) shouldn't be cause enough for a protective filter.
Have paper lens tissue, clean eyeglasses quality microfiber cloth, canned air and lens solution for tough cleaning jobs. Lots of guys use a camel brush on a bulb, but I've waited for people to chase a molecule of dust around the lens for days with those. Canned air should never be started on the glass, always started just off the lens, in an upright position and then gently across the glass at a slight angle. Do whatever it takes to learn not to frost the lens.
Most camera operators / DPs carry a wide variety of filters for correction and effects - including: NDs (Solid and Graduated); Grads (Orange, Blues); Polas, Pro Mist (Black series is best for HD), Classic Soft (1/8; 1/4; 1/2) and others.
Have paper lens tissue, clean eyeglasses quality microfiber cloth, canned air and lens solution for tough cleaning jobs. Lots of guys use a camel brush on a bulb, but I've waited for people to chase a molecule of dust around the lens for days with those. Canned air should never be started on the glass, always started just off the lens, in an upright position and then gently across the glass at a slight angle. Do whatever it takes to learn not to frost the lens.
Most camera operators / DPs carry a wide variety of filters for correction and effects - including: NDs (Solid and Graduated); Grads (Orange, Blues); Polas, Pro Mist (Black series is best for HD), Classic Soft (1/8; 1/4; 1/2) and others.
As for a high quality UV filter in front of your lens, I doubt that unless you're Steven Spielberg on Steroids, you'll even notice the slightest difference. Also, most good UV filters double as Haze filters which increases the contrast (More for outdoors). Plus it protects your glass.
I know you're shooting indoors, but I shoot outdoors quite often (surfing) and a LOT of stuff gets on the lens. I would hate to clean the actual glass of the lens every time as it will leave damage eventually. Much better just to use a good UV and not have to worry about scratching the lens.
I know you're shooting indoors, but I shoot outdoors quite often (surfing) and a LOT of stuff gets on the lens. I would hate to clean the actual glass of the lens every time as it will leave damage eventually. Much better just to use a good UV and not have to worry about scratching the lens.
Last edited: