To UV or not to UV...

[Dingos8mybaby]

Just picked up the Tokina 11-16. What I want to know is what protective filter should I get: a UV or a polarizer? I know there can be big differences in the quality of different filters out there, but honestly, right now I just want something to protect the front element of the lens, without breaking the bank (besides, my wallet's still bleeding this purchase :nads.

What do you guys think? Should I even get a "protective" filter?

BTW, I plan to be shooting mostly architecture (indoors/outdoors) for now, with an increasing amount of landscape stuff once summer rolls around. And, of course, cool Dirty Harry-gun-in-your-face kinda stuff as well.

 

[Gene Sung]

I just used the Hoya Super Multi Coat UV. It's kind of expensive for a UV, but it's super clear. It protects you lens for sure, especially if you shoot outdoors. It's much better to scratch the UV than the lens.

As for the other filters, IMO for shooting video you NEED ND filters -- either traditional or the modern Fader ND in order to get proper exposure. Some people just adjust the shutter speed to cut down on light, but you get a strobe like effect with movement, and it's very crisp. It does not look good IMO.

Put it this way, pretty much every decent film production in the last several decades have used ND filters, so you probably should.

As for a polarizer, it also cuts down on light and can be used in place of an ND or stacked on top of NDs. You can turn the polarizer and it pulls out the sky and cuts down on reflections. You can get by without it, but it's a nice bonus.

So yeah, at the very least get a UV and some NDs, and a polarizer is a bonus.

 

[Dingos8mybaby]

Ahh, NDs are a great suggestion, but right now, all I need is some protection. Besides, it'd be tough to stack the filters without some vignetting occurring on the wide end...

That Hoya you have, is that the "Pro1" version? I think I read somewhere that those have thinner rims (better for UWA lenses, I guess) than their regular, non-slim counterparts.

 

[Jordan_S]

I use a B+W UVA filter on this lens. You don't need to use a slim version, which are a pita because you must use a plastic cap that never stays put. But I do use a slim B+W polarizer on it.

 

[Gene Sung]

You know what? The 7D is pretty good about vignetting. I have a Tamron 17-50 which I have the UV filter on at all times and then I put a Fader ND (Pretty thick), and there is no vignetting even at 17mm.

I have the Tokina 11-16 which I have a UV filter on and I stack a regular ND on and at 11mm, there is a very slight vignetting for video. Obviously for stills, its more pronounced but for video it's fine.

I shoot in a lot of harsh enviroments (surfing), so I have to keep a filter on at all times because with swirling sand and beach crap, your lens gets dirty instantly.

 

[Dingos8mybaby]

I use a B+W UVA filter on this lens. You don't need to use a slim version, which are a pita because you must use a plastic cap that never stays put. But I do use a slim B+W polarizer on it.

I didn't even think of that. Thanks for the heads up. :thumbsup:

I have the Tokina 11-16 which I have a UV filter on and I stack a regular ND on and at 11mm, there is a very slight vignetting for video. Obviously for stills, its more pronounced but for video it's fine.

I shoot in a lot of harsh enviroments (surfing), so I have to keep a filter on at all times because with swirling sand and beach crap, your lens gets dirty instantly.

So what you guys are basically saying is that a single, 'regular-thickness' filter (i.e. non-slim, maybe ~ 4mm thick) won't cause any vignetting at 11mm? That's extremely useful info. Thanks guys!

I like to shoot CU tests of my dog (see South Park ep. with the "Shooting Dogs with WA lenses" clip, lol). Since he's a pug, he snorts every 5 secs. Not as harsh as saltwater and sand, but a lot more icky.

Another thought: How do you guys keep your filters clean? Lens cloths, lens pens, etc?

 

[Jordan_S]

[...]How do you guys keep your filters clean? Lens cloths, lens pens, etc?

1. Blower
2. Brush from lens pen
3. Huffing on filter, followed by circular motions made by soft lens pen tip

I progress to the next step only if necessary. I never use cloths because I'm too concerned I'll scratch the surface by rubbing a piece of dust or debris into it.

 

[Dingos8mybaby]

1. Blower
2. Brush from lens pen
3. Huffing on filter, followed by circular motions made by soft lens pen tip

I progress to the next step only if necessary. I never use cloths because I'm too concerned I'll scratch the surface by rubbing a piece of dust or debris into it.

That's seems pretty sensible. What kind of blower do you use? I've seen cheap ones online for about $5-10, and fancy motorized, ionized, sterilized ones that cost considerably more ($$$).

 

[Jordan_S]

Giottos makes very nice blowers that can stand. I have a couple of those and also some cheap ones from eBay that do the job just fine.