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RF 50mm f1.2 users (and probably EF version as well), do you use a protective filter on it?

Started Oct 13, 2020 | Questions thread
gimp_dad Senior Member • Posts: 2,692
Yes. And I remove it too
1

Master619 wrote:

Let me start off by saying that I'm typically not a filter guy. I don't use any filters on any of my lens, unless it's for special purposes like ND and polarizers (and very rarely as well). I followed the (somewhat common) mindset that if I've paid a good amount of money for top-notch glass, I don't want to put some cheap glass in front of it. I've rocked multiple big, heavy, large front lenses like the Sony 100-400, various 70-200 including the IS ii, 85mm f1.2,... with just their hoods and no filter needed.

But now that I just got the RF 50mm f1.2, the front moving parts of it got me a bit concerned (and I noticed the previous EF version also had that). So for you guys who have been using them for a long time, do you feel the need to have a filter to prevent dust from getting into the inside of the lens? Is the weather seal reliable? Are some blower squeezes at the end of each session enough? If you use a filter, which one did you go with? Did it affect the IQ in any noticeable way?

Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

The exposed moving components allow for weather and particles to gain ingress with this lens design, so I carry it with and travel with a protective filter installed.  But I often remove the filter for critical work (especially where flare might potentially be a problem).  Most of my other lenses don't have a filter on them though. I'm using a Hoya HD3 protective filter.

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