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Need filter advice.

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BobT

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Mom wife bought me a Canon 70-200/4 IS lens for Christmas. This is my very first "L" lens. I know that there are two camps when it comes to using any sort of protection/haze/ filters. One promotes it and the other doesn't. But I'm feeling like protecting my new "baby" for a while. So I'd like to know which filter..specific type and brand ----would be best. I do plan on purchasing a 1.4X teleconverter in the near future, and would like to get the filter at the same time.

Now...if the weather would only cooperate a bit more, so that I could go play with my new toy.
Thanks for your help.
 
I use HOYA SUPER PRO1 UV, HOYA PRO1 Digital UV or B&W F-PRO UV-Haze on my L-lenses.

I like the HOYA PRO1 Digital UV the best.
 
I've had problems with Hoya SMC filters this past year causing huge issues with image quality... The only filter I trust these days are the B+W multicoated filters, they do the job perfectly, but they are not cheap! I paid 159.99 CND each for a couple of 77mm!! Stay away from e-bay when buying too, there are a lot of fakes floating around!!

Derek
--
http://www.photofroggy.com
 
I recommend you consider whether you need them?

Found they added nothing and the hoods were best protection.

Travelled all over the world for 40 years and never a problem (touch wood!).
 
I got a B+W 67mm UV multicoated filter for my 70-200 f4 thinking of protection too... I just went filter less on all my lenses... I don't think I'll go back to filters, I would recommend saving your money for the other thousands of things you'll need... Do use that hood though.
 
Is it that even the quality filters take away from optimum Image Quality? My goal for filter use, was not to actually enhance the IQ, but to protect the lens. But if they tend to lessen the IQ in the process(even the best ones??), perhaps I should think twice.
 
So? Do they take away some IQ?
 
My impression is that my B+W takes away some almost imperceptible quality from the image, but a more scientific experiment is needed; I also have the impression the AF suffers a little more than the image quality.

Taken one by one these filters aren't hugely expensive, so if you want some peace of mind just get it like many of us did; if I take into account the 4 UV filters I got for my different lenses it's a good amount of change, which could have gone towards something more useful; if I'd known what I know now I wouldn't buy them again.
 
Hey Bob, first off congratulations on your new lens! Like you I want to protect my "babies" but until recently I have been in the "don't need a protective filter camp". That thought process seems to be real popular on the internet forums. I've changed my ways somewhat though out of necessity as I'm currently working in extremely dusty conditions.

I highly recommend Marumi filters as a lower cost high quality protection for your new lens. If you follow the link below you'll see they are top rated with their polarizer. I've had great results and service out of both the product and dealer of these filters. Apparently they are widely known and popular in Japan but little known elsewhere. Of course I recommend only the multi-coated ones though, YMMV.

http://www.2filter.com/marumi/marumiuvfilters.html

On a side note, two years ago during a photo class given by Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer, Joel mentioned that he used protective filters on all of his lens. I guess I'll let his work speak for itself, I'm in awe btw.

Take care,
BobT said:
Mom wife bought me a Canon 70-200/4 IS lens for Christmas. This is my very first "L" lens. I know that there are two camps when it comes to using any sort of protection/haze/ filters. One promotes it and the other doesn't. But I'm feeling like protecting my new "baby" for a while. So I'd like to know which filter..specific type and brand ----would be best. I do plan on purchasing a 1.4X teleconverter in the near future, and would like to get the filter at the same time.

Now...if the weather would only cooperate a bit more, so that I could go play with my new toy.
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
 
Bob, congrats on your new lens.

As for filters, even the highest quality filters can affect IQ, though less likely than cheaper varities. It is somewhat unpredictable and can also be affected by the light quality, angle of illumination, etc.

As for protection, a lens hood is better. I always put the lens cap on when I am not using the lens. Only time I put a protective filter on is when there is a risk of mud, muck or seawater splashing on the lens. They don't damage the lens but it is easier to wash a filter than the front element. Only time I shall definitely put a filter on is if I am visiting a volcanic area with geisers, etc. Volcanic spray can be very acidic and can actually eche the front element.

--
Gautam
 
I use Hoya Pro1D
 
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