Filters

[Koala]

How many of you use use filters, and do you find that it hinders your sharpness?

I personally use HOYA filters just for the protection of my lenses. I've heard of stories of lenses being dropped and saved because of the filter protection... So what do you guys think?

[jsungaphotographer]

I only use nikon filters, sometimes the image and color are not exact, but I heard there are millions of filters to give you that look on a photo

[Dimitris]

I use ND filters the most, B+W that I bought from HVSTAR about five years ago or so. I also have a HOYA slim CP which I use occasionally. I don't see the point of using a filter as protection against strikes to the front element of the lens. I recently smacked my Sigma 50 f/1.4 and if it had a filter on, I'm sure it would have shattered potentially scratching the large front element. Without it, I have a ding on the filter ring. What I find better protection is to always use the lens hood, which I had reversed in my recent situation. I do put the CP on if know I'm going somewhere that has a lot of fine sand, i.e. the beach, as there's greater chance of damaging there but it's the rare occasion.

Funny thing is, I've bought a couple of lens used and in both cases it came with a filter attached, one a Nikon 52mm and the other a B+W 67mm. They're both sitting at the bottom of my lens drawer having never been used. Maybe I should sell them, I hear they're good for protecting lenses ;)

[jfotog]

I use them for protection as its much easier to clean dust or anything from a filter than the front element.

[jsungaphotographer]

I find that If i use a UV filter for indoor photography, the color correction is off

[etam]

I find that If i use a UV filter for indoor photography, the color correction is off

You can always fix it with photoshop?

[chopper]

digreview did a segment on this too. Mostly, they do not do much, except protect your lens. A good one will lessen any IQ impact.

[rhommel]

my 24-70mm never had a filter attached to it... because I use it indoors almost exclusively... for outdoors, i find that i use 70-200 more often (with UV filter)

[MojoMojo]

digreview did a segment on this too. Mostly, they do not do much, except protect your lens. A good one will lessen any IQ impact.

Honestly, if you want to project your lens, throw on a lens hood.