UV filter knowledge/advice/recommendations ?

[OBXGuide]

When I bought my Canon 300mm f/4 IS I also bought the B+W 77mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) Multi-Resistant Coating F-Pro Glass Filter for $94. Maybe it was a dumb thing to do, but I figured it was dumber to put cheap quality glass in front of such a nice lens.

Now I'm on the verge of ordering the 50D and a 70-200mm f/4 IS, and again am wondering whether there is any real world advantage in a higher priced UV filter to protect the front element. My "quality" choices seem to be-

B+W 67 mm UV-415 UV-Blocking Glass Filter $70

B+W 67mm UV Haze 010 Glass Filter $35

Hoya 67mm Ultraviolet UV Haze HD (High Definition) Digital Glass Filter $82

Hoya 67mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Glass Filter $21

Rodenstock 67mm Ultraviolet (UV) Multi-Coated Glass Filter $69

The prices seem to be all over the place, and I stuck with options I felt might be quallity name brands. I know there are folks on the forum more knowledgable about glass than I am. Anybody use these items or have advice on these that would help me make a sane choice? Any help will be much appreciated.

[fugl]

When I bought my Canon 300mm f/4 IS I also bought the B+W 77mm UV Haze 010 (MRC) Multi-Resistant Coating F-Pro Glass Filter for $94. Maybe it was a dumb thing to do, but I figured it was dumber to put cheap quality glass in front of such a nice lens.

Now I'm on the verge of ordering the 50D and a 70-200mm f/4 IS, and again am wondering whether there is any real world advantage in a higher priced UV filter to protect the front element. My "quality" choices seem to be-

B+W 67 mm UV-415 UV-Blocking Glass Filter $70

B+W 67mm UV Haze 010 Glass Filter $35

Hoya 67mm Ultraviolet UV Haze HD (High Definition) Digital Glass Filter $82

Hoya 67mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Glass Filter $21

Rodenstock 67mm Ultraviolet (UV) Multi-Coated Glass Filter $69

The prices seem to be all over the place, and I stuck with options I felt might be quallity name brands. I know there are folks on the forum more knowledgable about glass than I am. Anybody use these items or have advice on these that would help me make a sane choice? Any help will be much appreciated.

From everything I've heard on the subject expensive filters are the way to go. Personally, I use a B +W filter on my long lens (Nikon 300mm f4) & have no grounds for thinking that it degrades IQ in any way.

[OBXGuide]

Thanks, fugl. So it's one vote for using a UV, so long as it's good quality. BTW, I did try a forum search on the subject before posting, but the search couldn't get past the search word "UV" for having less than 4 "words" (maybe it meant letters- never have understood that).

[fugl]

Thanks, fugl. So it's one vote for using a UV, so long as it's good quality. BTW, I did try a forum search on the subject before posting, but the search couldn't get past the search word "UV" for having less than 4 "words" (maybe it meant letters- never have understood that).


Actually there have been a couple of threads dealing with protective filters (sorry for my laziness in not putting you on to them in my response to your original post).
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=126196
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=122728&highlight=filter

As you can see, most people recommend avoiding cheap filters, though as far as I can tell nobody's done actual testing.

[JohnJos]

I have the B+W UV Haze 010 Glass Filter mention on both my 70-200mm f/4 and my 400mm f/5.6 and I perceive no degradation in image IQ.

[OBXGuide]

Thanks John. I haven't noticed any problem with the expensive B&W I put on the 300mm either, but neither do I have any way to know if it was overkill. I wonder what the difference is between the one you use (B+W 67mm UV Haze 010 Glass Filter) and the B+W 67 mm UV-415 UV-Blocking Glass Filter I listed at twice the price. There seems no place for you or me or anyone to learn or understand just what it is we're buying (or contemplating buying) in UV filters.

[JohnJos]

Oh I agree, I definitely think we're buying in the blind. Lots of choices and no real technical data or comparisons available to help us choose. Just personal experience and opinions without hard facts. There have been some reports on the real low end UV filters of negative impact on IQ and, as I recall, AF.

I've selected B&W based primarily upon the recommendations given on BF and a few photog forums. Decent prices can be had from hvstar.com on B&W & Hoya. I tend to buy mid- to upper-end filters, not the "best" (i.e. most expensive) ones.

Does any one have any links to some good technical comparisons on these UV filter or any other type of filter for that matter (CPL, ND, etc.). Thanks.

[baillieswells]

Initially I used B+W multicoated UV filters, found no degradation of image, but more flare unless I was using a lens hood. (who doesn't?). Latterly I discovered Sigma were marketing multicoated DG filters. I can find no difference between them and B+W, but they are much cheaper.I have been unable to ascertain whether Sigma make them themselves or they come from some other manufacturer and Sigma are branding them.

[OBXGuide]

Thanks, baillieswells, that could save me some money. I found out B&H (where I was shopping online for options) does have a 67mm multicoated B&W (same type as I got for the 300mm) though I didn't originally find it for the list. I will look into the Sigma, as the B&W is over $50 US.

[JohnJos]

http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=46

$41.50 @ hvstar

very reputable
just have to wait a week or two to receive the filter

[JohnZ]

If you have the 300mm f4 IS it has a built in lens hood which unless you are extremely unlucky will protect the front element ?

[OBXGuide]

This is for a 70-200mm, and it does come with a lens hood. I'm not so much concerned with bumps and bangs as I am with grunge. I shoot a lot on the coast (on the beach, on boats, etc.) and it doesn't take much of a breeze off salt or brackish water to coat your lens (or your car windows) with a dull film. I wish to avoid wiping the front element unless absolutely necessary, so a filter will protect it from that problem. No salvation for my poor 500mm I guess. I just have to keep it pointed away from the wind and wipe very gently if I have to. Maybe some high quality cellophane wrap and a rubber band..... nah - won't work.

[JohnZ]

Thank you for the explanation.

[Highcountry]

I buy my filters from an eBay store, Filterplus. They are listing this filter, "B+W 67mm UV Haze 010 Filter B/W 67 F Pro 010 Filtre", for $37.95 and free shipping. Here's the link to the store.

http://stores.ebay.com/Quality-Filters_B-W-German-Filters_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ16QQftidZ2QQtZkm

[OBXGuide]

Thanks everyone. As always, the collective wisdom and experience found at Bird Forum is a good source of knowledge.

[baillieswells]

I buy my filters from an eBay store, Filterplus. They are listing this filter, "B+W 67mm UV Haze 010 Filter B/W 67 F Pro 010 Filtre", for $37.95 and free shipping. Here's the link to the store.

http://stores.ebay.com/Quality-Filters_B-W-German-Filters_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ16QQftidZ2QQtZkm

Is this an alloy or a brass filter, is it ordinary coated or multicoated?

[OBXGuide]

The "F-Pro" models are multi-coated, but I don't know about brass or alloy. When I get home from work I'll try to look that up. I'd like to know myself.

[OBXGuide]

Is this an alloy or a brass filter, is it ordinary coated or multicoated?

My 50D, Canon 70-200mmf/4 IS came today with the B+W multicoated (MRC) F-Pro filter. It feels heavy enough to be brass. It feels too heavy to be an alloy. Can't guarantee it though.

[hollis_f]

It feels heavy enough to be brass. It feels too heavy to be an alloy.

Except that brass is, of course, an alloy of copper and zinc.

[OBXGuide]

Yes, teacher, I admit I didn't study my chemistry or metallurgy last night. Three whacks on the knuckles.