Maven clear lens filters. (1 Viewer)

[GreffJayum]

Hey all,

Decided to pull the trigger and order a pair of B2's this week.

Thinking about adding the clear lens covers for additional protection.

I'm a little hesitant though, as they don't appear to be ED glass (perhaps this doesn't matter?). Would adding these have any negative effect on the image quality? From what I understand, a binocular is only as good as it's weakest point.

I'll be using the B2's to document migrating raptors this fall (and for general birding and other field work in the future), and want the sharpest possible image and best contrast.

Thanks in advance!

 

[PhilR.]

Professional photographers use filters in front of their lenses quite regularly, and they do not seem to have any problems with image quality. The key here is to use equipment of a high quality. If you do that, I greatly doubt that you will have any problems.

 

[Binastro]

The problem with flat filters is that they can generate ghost images.
More important that they are truly flat like B an W (Schneider) filters, or Nikon, Minolta, Canon or Russian.
And multicoated.

I never used filters on my camera lenses, except polarising.
But I did frequently view or take pictures through windows indoors.

With astro scopes Horace Dall recommended tilting optical windows 1 degree, but binoculars have too wide a field.

ED glass I don't think is suitable, especially as it is usually more fragile than standard glass. Usually used internally.

P.S.
I see that the new Nikon WX can have a 55mm filter attached (P 0.75mm).
This was often a Minolta lens filter size, with Nikon lenses favouring 52mm.

If the Maven binocular is used a lot outside a filter could be useful, as cleaning it is less of a problem than cleaning the objectives.
I would think that ED glass would scratch more easily than standard glass.

 

[etudiant]

The problem with flat filters is that they can generate ghost images.
More important that they are truly flat like B an W (Schneider) filters, or Nikon, Minolta, Canon or Russian.
And multicoated.

If the Maven binocular is used a lot outside a filter could be useful, as cleaning it is less of a problem than cleaning the objectives.
I would think that ED glass would scratch more easily than standard glass.

That is the voice of experience talking. Filters have a limited place.
There is a good, albeit skeptical review of filters on lenses here:
https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/20...anking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/

Imho, hoods are more useful protection for the front lenses, plus they help cut glare. Also, unlike screw on filters, hoods don't get fogged up in miserable weather.
It is only if there is salt water or wind blown grit that a sacrificial filter stands out.

 

[NDhunter]

Welcome to Birdforum.

I would not add any lens filter to your binocular or scope. In my experience it does
degrade the view the optic was designed for. There are not many mfrs. that offer filters
for most models, and that is the reason.

If concerned about damage, then be careful, and use your covers.

Enjoy your new binocular, and let us know how you like it.

Jerry

 

[GreffJayum]

Thank you all so much for such informative replies! I think I'll go ahead and skip on the lens filters for now. Maybe I'll invest in them if I ever get into pelagic birds. Cheers!

 

[Steve C]

Those are not filters. They are clear glass-that has no effect on transmission. They are really intended to protect the objective lens from dust and other external damage or influence.

I have some for my B2 and you can not tell they are on when in place. I use a set of Bushwhacker flip ups so the glass covers don't get a lot of use.

 

[Patudo]

From recollection Swarovski's mark II SLCs had something similar inbuilt - great in terms of offering protection but I question how essential they really are in most situations. If you're raptor watching you are probably on (and will only take out your binoculars when you reach) a good clear vantage point rather than bashing around in the undergrowth, and will be wanting your optics to perform as well as they possibly can - in your case, to distinguish between different and often similar-looking and behaving species at long distance.

BTW that combination of 9x45 and Abbe-Koenig prisms sound like a really good setup for the raptor watching I do - alas they aren't available on this side of the Atlantic.