What UV filters are you using on your Nikkors?

I use mostly Nikon L37C, some Nikon L1BC. All are MC with the Nikon Integrated Coating (NIC) the same coating as on the lenses. They are expensive, but worth it, in my opinion. I have some B+W filters (MC), but they always lock-up, so I don't tighten them down. They would not do for a UV filter for me. I do have one Hoya Super HMC that seems pretty good, and the price is better than the Nikon, but I still prefer the Nikons.

KonradK said:

Just wanted an opinion on what the better filter brands and models
(UV or Sky) are for protective purposes.
After all my investments in good glass, I can't bear to leave the
front elements exposed any longer...I learned my lesson the hard
way.
B+W? Nikon? Hoya Pro?
I need to cover Nikon: 60mm Macro, 50mm, 80-200 2.8. And (if even
possible) a Sigma 15-30.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

(As mention by some folks)

Unless "dirty, wet" conditions dictate it, using a filter should be avoided.

Hoya makes Nikon filters.
That being said, sometimes a filter can be defective, whatever the brand.
A filter must have near-perfect plano-parallel-ness.
(both surfaces parallel).

If you do use a filter, shade it correctly.

Good luck.

KonradK -

No one has mentioned this yet but CCD's ARE NOT affected by UV rays, only film and then at higher altitudes. Skylight 1B's are a good choice for your digital uses, they soften the blue tons (for skiies that are too blue) and warm the other colours..

UV filters are often classified as UV/Haze, the haze part does have some effect, but the Skylight 1B works better on digitals. I do use UV/Haze on my film cameras, usually in city scapes, etc, where smog/haze is an issue.

As far as brand goes I only use HOYA SMHC Pro series filters. Why? First I can't find any specs on Nikkor or anyother OEM filters on multicoatings, the jumber of them, inside vs. outside coatings (should have both), or more critically, light transmission.

Another major reason I use Hoya is in case (not IF but when) they are usually lens heavy and land on the lens. Hoya filters have an alunimum ring which has a "crush factor" that absorbs some of the crush and can save your lens from damage. B&W and others use brass rings which do crush, but transmit much more of the shock to the lens.. I do love their filters though, but I've never seen any quality difference between B&W and the top Hoya's..

As far as lens protection... If lens protection is all your worried about, use a clear glass filter witih multicoatings. Personally my lenses never leave home without a filter on them. Stuff happens and I'm not going to scratch or ruin a good lens by leaving it unprotected.

Hope this helps.

BKKSW

Some times no filter at all is best, but when I must use a filter and want really good multi-coating quality, I use Heliopan or B+W.

Outside of polarizers and the occasional graduated neutral density filter, I avoid placing filters on the lens. For protection, a lens hood or cap does the job. As said very well by Bjorn, filters increase the likelihood of flare and decrease sharpness and contrast....it's silly to spend good money on top quality lenses and then squander that investment by slapping a filter in front of such top notch glass.

Robert

KonradK said:

Just wanted an opinion on what the better filter brands and models
(UV or Sky) are for protective purposes.
After all my investments in good glass, I can't bear to leave the
front elements exposed any longer...I learned my lesson the hard
way.
B+W? Nikon? Hoya Pro?
I need to cover Nikon: 60mm Macro, 50mm, 80-200 2.8. And (if even
possible) a Sigma 15-30.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Heliopan

Is it worthwhile to get a polarizer for the 15X30 Sigma? It takes gel filters that slip in a slot on the back of the lense.

Robert M said:

Robert

KonradK said:

Just wanted an opinion on what the better filter brands and models
(UV or Sky) are for protective purposes.
After all my investments in good glass, I can't bear to leave the
front elements exposed any longer...I learned my lesson the hard
way.
B+W? Nikon? Hoya Pro?
I need to cover Nikon: 60mm Macro, 50mm, 80-200 2.8. And (if even
possible) a Sigma 15-30.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
LSandersSr
http://www.coastalhomefinder.com

Loren Sanders Sr said:

Robert M said:

Robert

KonradK said:

Just wanted an opinion on what the better filter brands and models
(UV or Sky) are for protective purposes.
After all my investments in good glass, I can't bear to leave the
front elements exposed any longer...I learned my lesson the hard
way.
B+W? Nikon? Hoya Pro?
I need to cover Nikon: 60mm Macro, 50mm, 80-200 2.8. And (if even
possible) a Sigma 15-30.

Thanks!

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
LSandersSr
http://www.coastalhomefinder.com

Click to expand...

Hi Loren,

If you try to use a polar on the 15-30 outside, you run the distinct risk of a very uneven exposure across the sky, this is because the angle the lens "see's" is so extreme, the angle of direction of the light changes across the frame. You could end up with one side deep blue sky and the other side just unnaffected by the polar filter.

As an answer to the original poster, I allways use a filter fro protection (probably from my press background) Nikon on my nikon lenses, but also have a couple of Hoya HMC (I've never seen a difference) and several B&W pro filters, these were used on Blad equipment though.

And I have never seen any difference on the blad gear by using filters, so I do not consider the fact that putting a high quality glass in front of the lens as a problem, in fact there are a couple of Nikon lenses that actually use plain flat elements as protection permanently fitted!

Best regards David

ps. I have to try a filter on the front mount of my 15-30, I would be interested to find out from others if there is any vigneting from this?