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Image quality loss due to UV Filters?


That's easy. Just quit breathing and you won't have to worry about it anymore.
 
So here's my experience....while none of my lenses is valued higher than perhaps £200-£300....I still prefer to put a skylight on the front in case of accidents. I do shoot on the beach, I have dropped cameras....I really don't want to have to pay to replace any of my lenses. I've accidentally dropped a camera lens-first onto a rock. The skylight filter was seriously damaged, the lens glass was protected 100%. I've not noticed any difference, and yes I have tried taking the filter off and taking the same photo as with the filter.

I'm sure there are some circumstances where a filter can cause a change in the image....especially if it's a cheap filter which isn't multi-coated. But I'd really like to protect my Flektogon 20/2.8, thank you....so I can continue to shoot into the sun with it.
 

Well, if shooting into the sun you can always remove the filter for the shot and put it back on after. I've done that on occasion and other times left it on because I wanted the flare.
 
Alan Gales said:
Well, if shooting into the sun you can always remove the filter for the shot and put it back on after. I've done that on occasion and other times left it on because I wanted the flare.
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Very good thinking at a creative level, Alan. With most of my (Canon) lenses I cannot get any flare, but I often "cop it in the eye" with Pentax 67 lenses, irrespective of what or whose filter is stuck on the front!
 
Poisson Du Jour said:

Very good thinking at a creative level, Alan. With most of my (Canon) lenses I cannot get any flare, but I often "cop it in the eye" with Pentax 67 lenses, irrespective of what or whose filter is stuck on the front!
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Thanks, Gary! Lens design can definitely make a difference with flare. I think that would be a tough job, designing lenses. You always have to compromise somewhere.
 
I have not seen any loss of image quality from many of the major filters.. nor any of the modern multi coated filters even ones from China. But there are various tests online that do show differences.

The well known brands that I trust are hoya, marumi, heliopan, bw, and Schneider.

What I have noticed, from even the good brands, is that filters do cause some amount of ghosting from bright lights. But usually in these situations the lens is flaring a ton anyway.

However, the ultimate answer for me about whether or not to use a uv filter to protect the lens: when I remove an original filter from a 50 year old lens and find it to be pristine. Just like it came out of the box at the corner camera store. The fact that a filter can protect the lens from dirt and dust and poor cleaning attempts makes at an absolute must for all situations.
 
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