Filter for protection…?

nnowak wrote:

BrianOdell wrote:

I have a “carry-everywhere” m200 that I’ve been using a lot lately with the 22 & 32mm lenses. Should I be using protective UV filters, or skip them? If yes, which brands are decent that won’t degrade image quality, and that won’t break the bank?

Thanks!

Skip them. They will do nothing to improve your photos, but even the best have the potential to degrade you photos. If you want to protect you lenses, and also improve the image quality, always use a hood on your lenses.

The only times you would want to use a protective filter is in extreme situations like the Sahara during a sandstorm or macro photos of a welding arc. For typical day to day bumps and dings, they are pointless.

I agree with this, although from time to time you still see posts and videos urging you to always use a filter. Perhaps from YouTubers who get paid to refer people to equipment purchasing links! I find that even the best filters add a little flare and unwanted reflections when night shooting.

I use step-up rings on most lenses that are smaller than 55mm filter size, which also helps provide some protection from lens-front 'dings' and stray fingers hitting the front element.  I do this partly so that I can use 55mm filters on the lenses with less hassle. The lenses I've stepped up are the Canon EF-M 22, 32, 15-45, and 18-55. I don't use one on the EF-M 55-200 because the lens hood won't come on or off with a step-up ring on it.

For the EF-M 18-150mm, which already has a 55mm filter size, I add an 'empty' 55mm filter from which the glass has been removed ---- the glass on this lens is very close to the front, quite exposed --- I find I hit it with my fingers and the lens cap too often and this extra protection really helps. The lens hood still fits fine on it with a 55mm filter.