Will a filter save your lens?

[Thom Deevers]

Take the filter off when needed - keep on otherwise.

Add one to the filter on group!

It saved my front element two years ago when my Canon lens strap failed.

[btaylor]

I dropped my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 while in Geneva a month or so ago. I had a UV filter on the front. The filter broke and the mounting ring was slightly bent making it difficult to remove however the front element of the lens was fine. BUT... the AF motor was stuffed and there sounded like some internal damage so it was stuffed. Ended up buying another one in Berlin 2 days later because I love the lens so much.

So yep - it can certainly protect your front element (I use a filter on all of my lenses), as can a lens hood (I use it on all but the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 because I love the crazy flare you get without the hood and shooting into the sun - most people don't like flare, I reckon it's your friend). But a significant impact will do more damage than just the front element.

[Colin]

I use them just so I won't waste my time worrying about whether that little spec of dust is a scratch, and then in an effort to remove it without my blower or brush, smear the junk all over and make a mess of things.

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

I don't believe in front element protection, it doesn't feel real when I shoot

[Raid]

All

I originally had UV filters on all my lens. It lasted for only a month on my EF-S 10-22, the flare was unacceptable, with any bright light. Reflections on night shots as well meant that I never found a reason to put any of them back on.

Why would anybody buy a new EF 70-200L IS II and stuff the IQ by installing a filter?

@Sinh Nhut Nguyen

If you want go and play always put on you Wellies.

[w349]

... I originally had UV filters on all my lens. It lasted for only a month on my EF-S 10-22, the flare was unacceptable ...

May I ask what kind of filter you were using? I've always used B+W, they're expensive but the quality of the glass is a notch above the vast majority of the competition. I've never experienced any problems with flare beyond what I expect from my lenses to begin with.

[Dave Johnston]

May I ask what kind of filter you were using? .... I've never experienced any problems with flare beyond what I expect from my lenses to begin with.

Here Here.... I have been using Hoya super multicoated since the beginning. I too have never seen any "extra" flare. There have been times where I just knew that some flare I was getting was secondary to the filter. Took it off and then the same image was produced. If you get multicoated high quality filters, you shouldn't have any issues.

[Kayaker72]

I did a test awhile ago and was very impressed with the B+W MRC UV filter:



Versus no UV filter


Granted, a better test would probably would have been to put the light in the top corner. But still, very little difference. I also tested a cheap UV filter that generated plenty of haze. Both shots are 7D with my EFS 15-85

[Sheiky]

I did a test awhile ago and was very impressed with the B+W MRC UV filter

When I bought my 70-200 F4L IS second hand it included a regular B+W 67mm UV filter. I had quite some issues with flares(not the nice ones). when I replaced it with the B+W UV MRC filter it made quite a difference. So even in the same brand there can be differences.
I've got B+W MRC filters on all of my lenses from the second I bought them and never regretted them.

When my girlfriend bought the 85mm 1.8 last year the salesman recommend the Tiffen Digital HT filters over the B+W MRC. According to him they were better and cheaper. At that time the Tiffen was not in stock so we ended up with a B+W anyway, but can anybody shine a light on the Tiffen Digital HT filters?

[Rocco]

I have six different Tiffen Digital HT filters and swear by them, though I've never owned a different brand. I will say that I don't notice a difference in IQ or flair with them on.