Filter, or not?

mowog · 2009-02-28T00:21:37+0000

I have just purchased my first brand new lens. (Tokina 19-35), and I'm uncertain, as to whether to buy a Uv filter, for protection. It is sometimes said, that using filters is the mark of an amateur. Well - I am an amateur!, but what I suppose is meant, is that Pros would not put anything, however good, in front of their lens, as it is bound to reduce image quality. I want to get the best images from my lens too, even if it is a cheapy! - But, It has a big front element. I wouldn't want it to get scratched, and when the lens is focused at infinity, there is quite a gap between the front element, and the name ring - I can see that dust could easily find its way in there. - So, To filter, or not to filter - That is the question!

TroubleshooterTroubleshooter

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johnriley johnriley

24425 posts
24 years
Tyldesley,
Manchester

Posted 25/03/2009 - 09:23 Link

Quote:
Consequently, I now have become a firm member of the pro-filter group.

I agree. Everyone should use a filter from the moment they buy the lens to the moment they sell it to me on eBay.

I will then remove the filter before I start to use the nice clean lens I have just bought.....

The filter will immediately be back on eBay for the next person to put on a nice new lens!

Best regards, John

Kenty Kenty

307 posts
21 years
Birmingham

Posted 25/03/2009 - 11:30 Link

I think I'll do the same. Only problem is that if I use a UV filter with a screw in polariser I get vignetting at the wider end of my 18-250 Pentax lens.

Guess I'll have to slow down as appropriate!! Take off the UV filter and screw on the polariser. Unless it's an action shot I'm advised that slowing down a bit can help with composition etc.

On a dark desert highway, cool Pentax K5 in my hand.
My Kit
K5 & 18-55 Kit lens, K7, Pentax 18-250mm lens, Sigma 10-20mm lens, Sigma 105mm Macro lens, Pentax 50mm 1.7 lens, Cokin P Series Filters

Edited by Kenty: 25/03/2009 - 11:30