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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> UV filter for wideangle lens
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04/13/2010 10:46:34 AM · #1
I prefer to protect my lens with a UV filter. I see 77mm filters and 77mm "thin" filters. Do I need a thin one for a wideangle lens or does it vary by lens curvature if I need a thin one? (Just wide, but not fisheye.)
04/13/2010 10:57:52 AM · #2
I don't think that there is any concern with lens curvature as with polarizer lenses. However, you almost certainly will experience some vignetting even with thin filters when you are at your widest focal length.

I'm of the school that doesn't use UV filters and I tire of dealing with the vignetting while using polarizing filters. I have confidence in the quality of today's glass and that it would take a lot to damage it. Also, I wouldn't want to always have to deal with the vignetting by constantly using a UV filter.
04/13/2010 11:45:02 AM · #3
The only thing that matters is whether a thicker filter will cause vignetting. This is specific to the particular lens. Unless you can find info from someone that has tested, the only way to know is actually test the lens/filter combination. I will say that in almost all cases, if the lens is intended for 35mm and you are using it on an APS-C camera, you are probably safe. If your lens is intended for APS-C, however, then you need more information.
I know you won't believe me, but you really don't want those UV filters on there anyway, unless you shoot in such adverse conditions that corrosive gasses or liquids are an issue. Use the lens hood to protect the front element.
04/13/2010 12:44:09 PM · #4
Originally posted by kirbic:

The only thing that matters is whether a thicker filter will cause vignetting. This is specific to the particular lens. Unless you can find info from someone that has tested, the only way to know is actually test the lens/filter combination. I will say that in almost all cases, if the lens is intended for 35mm and you are using it on an APS-C camera, you are probably safe. If your lens is intended for APS-C, however, then you need more information.
I know you won't believe me, but you really don't want those UV filters on there anyway, unless you shoot in such adverse conditions that corrosive gasses or liquids are an issue. Use the lens hood to protect the front element.


I can see you don't live in a sandy blowhole of a desert... UV filters are very good for this as well (come to NM, and have a look at every windshield that has been installed for more than a year, you'll see what a single sandstorm can do to glass...

Granted, driving into a sandstorm is worse than just standing in one, but I do put the UV filter on if there's a reasonable amount of blowing sand..
04/13/2010 12:54:23 PM · #5
Originally posted by coryboehne:


I can see you don't live in a sandy blowhole of a desert...


you are correct on that count... I do know what blowing sand can do to glass, though.
If you are out shooting in conditions that would put your front element at any significant level of risk, you have much more to worry about than your front element.
I'll stand by my statement, but your example would qualify as "very adverse conditions" where it might actually be worth it to use a UV filter.
04/13/2010 12:57:42 PM · #6
I hardly ever use a UV filter. Although I have to agree coryboehne (I've been to NM on many occasions and experienced the wonderful blowing dust), that is an excellent situation to use a UV filter (and surround you lens in a plastic bag).

The one situation I do use a UV filter is at high altitude- although most often I am using a polarizer so the UV isn't needed.
04/13/2010 01:03:42 PM · #7
To give a specific answer to a situation that may not apply to you, my Canon 10-22 efs lives with a filter on it. In the case it has a standard UV filter on it. The problem is that at 10mm there is vignetting, so sometimes it has to come off. I also use a Hoya slim circular polarizer sometimes, which does not vignette even at the bottom end of the range, however because it is so slim, it does not have front threads, so when I use the polarizer I can't use a lens hood, or the normal lens cap (the little rubberized friction fit cap that comes with the filter is pretty useless). So The solution I found involves a fair amount of swapping out, which can be annoying, but it does remind me to ask myself if I really need the filter on my other lenses for a particular shot, rather than treating it as a fixed part of the lens.

Message edited by author 2010-04-13 13:06:26.
04/13/2010 01:16:07 PM · #8
Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by coryboehne:


I can see you don't live in a sandy blowhole of a desert...


you are correct on that count... I do know what blowing sand can do to glass, though.
If you are out shooting in conditions that would put your front element at any significant level of risk, you have much more to worry about than your front element.
I'll stand by my statement, but your example would qualify as "very adverse conditions" where it might actually be worth it to use a UV filter.


You've lived in WI how long and you haven't been caught in one of those vicious cheese storms yet?

Seriously though, read this before you decide to keep that filter on your lens 24-7.
04/13/2010 06:28:38 PM · #9
Originally posted by Spork99:

[quote=kirbic] [quote=coryboehne]

You've lived in WI how long and you haven't been caught in one of those vicious cheese storms yet?

Seriously though, read this before you decide to keep that filter on your lens 24-7.


Nice link Spork
04/13/2010 06:38:06 PM · #10
Originally posted by Spork99:

You've lived in WI how long and you haven't been caught in one of those vicious cheese storms yet?


Oh yeh, those things are brutal... grated Parmesan is the worst, stings like hell when it pelts you ;-)
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