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Favorite filters to protect lens Lumix 20 mm lens on GH3?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Airyca
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Airyca

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Hello,

This is sort of a newbie question but micro 4/3 specific so I hope this the right place to ask. I have a Panasonic GH3, and the Lumix 20 mm prime lens. I put them in my profile so you can see the exact things. Anyway, I currently have a Tiffen circular polarizer filter on my lens to protect it. I'm a bit of a clumsy photographer, so I want to have something on there to protect it. Anywho, I don't really *need* a polarizer (I think) and was curious what filter y'all prefer to put on a lens like that. I am hoping for lower budget options as well as your ideal filter choice.

I am primarily using this camera for stills right now, not video. I mostly take pictures outside. I actually have been kinda wishing the focal length was shorter for landscape type things, but this is what I have so I will be working with this. Originally I used the camera for video, which was super cool, but I don't have the time/brain space to do video but still very much enjoy taking pictures and have lately wanted to start improving my skills.

Thank you!!
 
Airyca said:
Hello,

I currently have a Tiffen circular polarizer filter on my lens to protect it.
Click to expand...
One would use a circular polarizing filter for optical effects.

One would use a “clear” filter primarily for protection. A good example: B+W XS-Pro Clear Filter with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating.

Keep in mind that inexpensive, low-quality protection filters likely reduce image quality and introduce unwanted optical effects.

I personally don’t use filters.
 
Last edited:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
 
Nearly all my lenses have filters on. I only leave them off tele lenses where the hood protects the front element (and you can see loss of IQ with even quite expensive filters). I've scratched or smashed four filters in ten years.

I tend to use Hoya filters or Urth, but there are several good manufacturers. I just bought a 72mm Hoya Fusion One Next UV filter for just over £50. Should throw water droplets off in rain, protect against scratches and slight knocks, but who knows.

A used 20/1.7 is currently £200-235 range in the UK. mpb have a used 46mm B+W for £16. You can get a new K&F Concept 46mm for £9 with free postage. A new Hoya is £36.

I've never put a filter on the 20mm in 10+ years. Maybe I'll see what my local camera shop has used next time I'm in. The used lens price seems to have gone up a fair bit recently.

TL:DR You should be able to get a decent used 46mm filter from B+W, Hoya, Urth, Zeiss,... for a reasonable price. If you just want a reasonable and OK filter, then try K&F. Having had some bad experiences, I'd stay away from Tiffen personally.

A
 
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
 
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
 
ahaslett said:
Nearly all my lenses have filters on. I only leave them off tele lenses where the hood protects the front element (and you can see loss of IQ with even quite expensive filters). I've scratched or smashed four filters in ten years.

I tend to use Hoya filters or Urth, but there are several good manufacturers. I just bought a 72mm Hoya Fusion One Next UV filter for just over £50. Should throw water droplets off in rain, protect against scratches and slight knocks, but who knows.

A used 20/1.7 is currently £200-235 range in the UK. mpb have a used 46mm B+W for £16. You can get a new K&F Concept 46mm for £9 with free postage. A new Hoya is £36.

I've never put a filter on the 20mm in 10+ years. Maybe I'll see what my local camera shop has used next time I'm in. The used lens price seems to have gone up a fair bit recently.

TL:DR You should be able to get a decent used 46mm filter from B+W, Hoya, Urth, Zeiss,... for a reasonable price. If you just want a reasonable and OK filter, then try K&F. Having had some bad experiences, I'd stay away from Tiffen personally.

A
Click to expand...
Thank you, This is great info.

a few people have said they don't use filters, perhaps because of the lower lens price vs. image quality suffering. I mean my whole set up isn't too spendy really. But I don't have the $$ to replace it so I feel compelled to protect it.
 
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
 
AshleyMC said:
Airyca said:
Hello,

I currently have a Tiffen circular polarizer filter on my lens to protect it.
Click to expand...
One would use a circular polarizing filter for optical effects.

One would use a “clear” filter primarily for protection. A good example: B+W XS-Pro Clear Filter with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating.

Keep in mind that inexpensive, low-quality protection filters likely reduce image quality and introduce unwanted optical effects.

I personally don’t use filters.
Click to expand...
This is something that I worry about, is the reduced image quality, but then again I went to the coast yesterday and had my polarizing filter on and a coating of moisture/hazy stuff got on the filter and my sunglasses that I had to clean off, so I felt like it was good to have something over the lens? Perhaps I am worrying too much haha.
 
Airyca said:
AshleyMC said:
Airyca said:
Hello,

I currently have a Tiffen circular polarizer filter on my lens to protect it.
Click to expand...
One would use a circular polarizing filter for optical effects.

One would use a “clear” filter primarily for protection. A good example: B+W XS-Pro Clear Filter with Multi-Resistant Nano Coating.

Keep in mind that inexpensive, low-quality protection filters likely reduce image quality and introduce unwanted optical effects.

I personally don’t use filters.
Click to expand...
This is something that I worry about, is the reduced image quality, but then again I went to the coast yesterday and had my polarizing filter on and a coating of moisture/hazy stuff got on the filter and my sunglasses that I had to clean off, so I felt like it was good to have something over the lens? Perhaps I am worrying too much haha.
Click to expand...
The polarising filter is for specific effect, eg improving cloud definition or reducing reflections in water. However it does reduce the light getting to the lens so is not good to use for general shots. I suggest you read up about it.

If you want a filter stick with one of the good makes, B&W, Hoya or Marumi. Cheap filters can ruin your images.

Used filters are very cheap on ebay and if you buy one with a 'good' description you should save more than 50%

Good luck and ask if any more questions

tom
 
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Nearly all my lenses have filters on. I only leave them off tele lenses where the hood protects the front element (and you can see loss of IQ with even quite expensive filters). I've scratched or smashed four filters in ten years.

I tend to use Hoya filters or Urth, but there are several good manufacturers. I just bought a 72mm Hoya Fusion One Next UV filter for just over £50. Should throw water droplets off in rain, protect against scratches and slight knocks, but who knows.

A used 20/1.7 is currently £200-235 range in the UK. mpb have a used 46mm B+W for £16. You can get a new K&F Concept 46mm for £9 with free postage. A new Hoya is £36.

I've never put a filter on the 20mm in 10+ years. Maybe I'll see what my local camera shop has used next time I'm in. The used lens price seems to have gone up a fair bit recently.

TL:DR You should be able to get a decent used 46mm filter from B+W, Hoya, Urth, Zeiss,... for a reasonable price. If you just want a reasonable and OK filter, then try K&F. Having had some bad experiences, I'd stay away from Tiffen personally.

A
Click to expand...
Thank you, This is great info.

a few people have said they don't use filters, perhaps because of the lower lens price vs. image quality suffering. I mean my whole set up isn't too spendy really. But I don't have the $$ to replace it so I feel compelled to protect it.
Click to expand...
I have an Urth 49mm uv filter on my Voigtlaender 50/2 APO Lanthar, which is the sharpest tool in the box so to speak. The filter wasn't especially expensive and I got a free pola with it. I can't see any difference in IQ (at 61Mpix) with the filter on or off. 50mm FF has the same angle of view as 25mm MFT.

I surely can see a difference with my Olympus 300/4. Not having a filter on that makes me nervous, but there is no point spending that much on a high IQ lens and then weakening its performance. The deep hood makes me feel better and I sure lock it in place when the cap is off.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to want to protect your lens. Have a look and see what your used market is like for filters. If it makes you feel better, keep the Tiffen pola on until you get a uv or protective filter. Most uv filters are also protective. I got a 12-45/4 a few months ago and didn't use the lens until I had a filter on it.

People occasionally start threads about protective filters and they can become quite heated. Some people do, and some people don't. I test.

Andrew
 
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
Click to expand...
I'd avoid using a polarising filter in low light because of the reduced light transmission, unless you are using a tripod and need to kill reflections from water. You might be able to live with it until you get a clear filter.

An ND filter increases your exposure time. There are various reasons why you might want to do this, but making a long exposure is one. Unless you really need an ND filter, I wouldn't get one. A pola acts like a modest ND filter, so I use both when getting long exposure of waves etc.

997226e3bb944b5ca590bd3b5198fe0f.jpg

On the whole, I think waves can look better than the mist effect.

View attachment f3922f27dcfc41a8a679a01050d6b420.jpg

Long exposure makes clouds look weird.

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post
 
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
Click to expand...
I'd avoid using a polarising filter in low light because of the reduced light transmission, unless you are using a tripod and need to kill reflections from water. You might be able to live with it until you get a clear filter.

An ND filter increases your exposure time. There are various reasons why you might want to do this, but making a long exposure is one. Unless you really need an ND filter, I wouldn't get one. A pola acts like a modest ND filter, so I use both when getting long exposure of waves etc.

997226e3bb944b5ca590bd3b5198fe0f.jpg

On the whole, I think waves can look better than the mist effect.

View attachment f3922f27dcfc41a8a679a01050d6b420.jpg

Long exposure makes clouds look weird.

Andrew
Click to expand...
oh yes, that was my mistake! I said ND because that is what someone I know used to say but I meant clear. Because yes the ND would do exactly what you posted. Still getting my terminology sorted but I do appreciate the examples. I think you're right about the clouds.

and noted about the polarizing filter. This is all so interesting, I certainly have some reading to do.

for fun, here is a picture I took at the coast yesterday. I don't love my framing. It was hard to get the camera out because it was SO windy! But I had the polarizing lens on for this and wish I had got more of the sky in the photo.



4ed64a2d0a674b6190da75547a3a9fdb.jpg
 
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
Click to expand...
I'd avoid using a polarising filter in low light because of the reduced light transmission, unless you are using a tripod and need to kill reflections from water. You might be able to live with it until you get a clear filter.

An ND filter increases your exposure time. There are various reasons why you might want to do this, but making a long exposure is one. Unless you really need an ND filter, I wouldn't get one. A pola acts like a modest ND filter, so I use both when getting long exposure of waves etc.

997226e3bb944b5ca590bd3b5198fe0f.jpg

On the whole, I think waves can look better than the mist effect.

View attachment f3922f27dcfc41a8a679a01050d6b420.jpg

Long exposure makes clouds look weird.

Andrew
Click to expand...
oh yes, that was my mistake! I said ND because that is what someone I know used to say but I meant clear. Because yes the ND would do exactly what you posted. Still getting my terminology sorted but I do appreciate the examples. I think you're right about the clouds.

and noted about the polarizing filter. This is all so interesting, I certainly have some reading to do.
for fun, here is a picture I took at the coast yesterday. I don't love my framing. It was hard to get the camera out because it was SO windy! But I had the polarizing lens on for this and wish I had got more of the sky in the photo.

4ed64a2d0a674b6190da75547a3a9fdb.jpg
Click to expand...
The great thing about digital is that we can keep taking pictures for free once we have the kit, we’ll almost free.

I find skies more interesting when the clouds have a striking set of shapes or the light is interesting.



b217b7727baa4d7eb553672e888e62c9.jpg

My eye has gradually moved to UWA from normal, although 20mm is a fine focal length for taking pictures.

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post
 
Side note: There is an on-screen “level gauge” indicator (which may be turned on or off) on your GH3. Unless the composition is intentionally dramatized for artistic effects, the gauge is handy in keeping the horizon properly horizontal.

Hmm, flat earth? :D
 
Last edited:
AshleyMC said:
Side note: There is an on-screen “level gauge” indicator (which may be turned on or off) on your GH3. Unless the composition is intentionally dramatized for artistic effects, the gauge is handy in keeping the horizon properly horizontal.

Hmm, flat earth? :D
Click to expand...
Yes, I need to use that more haha! I am getting in better practice at switching between the different displays and actually using the info, but I definitely didn't in this situation because of the intense wind.

And Andrew, I agree, that the wide angle is really nice, I also prefer it, I think because of cell phone cameras? But I am trying to work with what I have, and figure it's a creative exercise to try this focal length I guess lol.
 
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
Click to expand...
I'd avoid using a polarising filter in low light because of the reduced light transmission, unless you are using a tripod and need to kill reflections from water. You might be able to live with it until you get a clear filter.

An ND filter increases your exposure time. There are various reasons why you might want to do this, but making a long exposure is one. Unless you really need an ND filter, I wouldn't get one. A pola acts like a modest ND filter, so I use both when getting long exposure of waves etc.

On the whole, I think waves can look better than the mist effect.

Long exposure makes clouds look weird.

Andrew
Click to expand...
oh yes, that was my mistake! I said ND because that is what someone I know used to say but I meant clear. Because yes the ND would do exactly what you posted. Still getting my terminology sorted but I do appreciate the examples. I think you're right about the clouds.

and noted about the polarizing filter. This is all so interesting, I certainly have some reading to do.
for fun, here is a picture I took at the coast yesterday. I don't love my framing. It was hard to get the camera out because it was SO windy! But I had the polarizing lens on for this and wish I had got more of the sky in the photo.

4ed64a2d0a674b6190da75547a3a9fdb.jpg
Click to expand...
Do you just put the polarizer on the lens and shoot or do you first turn it to get the best effect for each scene? You should read or watch videos on how to use them.
 
Bassam Guy said:
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
ahaslett said:
Airyca said:
elmanhansen said:
I have never used filters on my Lumix 20 mm.

In order to protect it I just put the lens cap on.

I do use circular polarizers on other lenses when needed.

You must understand what polarizers are used for.
Click to expand...
If I'm being honest, I don't know what they're for, except that you can see through water a bit better and the sky will be bluer, which to me seems like a positive thing mostly.
Click to expand...
That's what they are for, including cutting glare from things like leaves, windows etc. Since the sky looks different depending on angle of view, you can get some odd effects with a pola filter pointed at the sky. It tends to be worse with lenses wider than MFT 20mm.

A
Click to expand...
Oh, okay! That is good to know. I will have to do more fiddling around with it to see what it does. Do you think if I had the filter on indoors or something that it would be bad? or just not ideal? I mean I think what I need is an ND filter if I want a filter at all but just thinking about what I have right now.
Click to expand...
I'd avoid using a polarising filter in low light because of the reduced light transmission, unless you are using a tripod and need to kill reflections from water. You might be able to live with it until you get a clear filter.

An ND filter increases your exposure time. There are various reasons why you might want to do this, but making a long exposure is one. Unless you really need an ND filter, I wouldn't get one. A pola acts like a modest ND filter, so I use both when getting long exposure of waves etc.

On the whole, I think waves can look better than the mist effect.

Long exposure makes clouds look weird.

Andrew
Click to expand...
oh yes, that was my mistake! I said ND because that is what someone I know used to say but I meant clear. Because yes the ND would do exactly what you posted. Still getting my terminology sorted but I do appreciate the examples. I think you're right about the clouds.

and noted about the polarizing filter. This is all so interesting, I certainly have some reading to do.
for fun, here is a picture I took at the coast yesterday. I don't love my framing. It was hard to get the camera out because it was SO windy! But I had the polarizing lens on for this and wish I had got more of the sky in the photo.

4ed64a2d0a674b6190da75547a3a9fdb.jpg
Click to expand...
Do you just put the polarizer on the lens and shoot or do you first turn it to get the best effect for each scene? You should read or watch videos on how to use them.
Click to expand...
For this scene, I just put it on and shot. I have fiddled with it a little, but I am new to using it and yes, after this thread I am going to be doing some research/reading etc. I only put it on to protect the lens, knowing it wasn't exactly what it was designed for but hoped for the best.
 
ahaslett said:
Nearly all my lenses have filters on. I only leave them off tele lenses where the hood protects the front element (and you can see loss of IQ with even quite expensive filters). I've scratched or smashed four filters in ten years.

I tend to use Hoya filters or Urth, but there are several good manufacturers. I just bought a 72mm Hoya Fusion One Next UV filter for just over £50. Should throw water droplets off in rain, protect against scratches and slight knocks, but who knows.

A used 20/1.7 is currently £200-235 range in the UK. mpb have a used 46mm B+W for £16. You can get a new K&F Concept 46mm for £9 with free postage. A new Hoya is £36.

I've never put a filter on the 20mm in 10+ years. Maybe I'll see what my local camera shop has used next time I'm in. The used lens price seems to have gone up a fair bit recently.

TL:DR You should be able to get a decent used 46mm filter from B+W, Hoya, Urth, Zeiss,... for a reasonable price. If you just want a reasonable and OK filter, then try K&F. Having had some bad experiences, I'd stay away from Tiffen personally.

A
Click to expand...
 
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