To UV, or not UV, that is the question..(of whether to use a UV filter to protect your lens) · Jun 13, 09:07 PM by Simon Mackie
Many photographers advocate using a cheap UV, haze, or skylight filter and leaving it on the front of the lens all the time. These clear filters can protect the lens from accidental scratches and damage, and many photographers buy one for each lens they have and leave them permanently attached.
The UV filter (otherwise known as a haze or skylight filter) was originally designed to filter UV light from the image, which, on older films, trended to produce a bluish cast when taking photos outdoors – this effect was particularly prominent on landscape photography. However, most modern films (and digital sensors) aren’t sensitive to UV light, so most of the UV filters that are sold today are sold for lens protection.
Personally, I don’t use them. Why? A couple of reasons, really. Firstly, an extra bit of glass in front of the lens is much more likely to produce flare. Secondly, what’s the point in spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a top quality lens if you’re going to stick a cheap filter in front of it? For protection, I’d much rather have a lens hood atached to the lens – it helps reduce flare, doesn’t impede the optical quality of the system, and will help protect the lens if I drop it.
If you’re really concerned and insist on buying a UV filter to protect your lens, then I suggest that you buy a good, multicoated filter.
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