filter for digital camera

[jwangelin]

Hi,
I've found that my basic digital camera accepts standard filters that screw on the barrel. Elements can do so many of the jobs that traditional filters used to do. Would getting a UV or polarizing be a good idea? Is there a difference in quality between manufacturers?

Thanks in advance,
Jon

[TonyW]

I find a polarizing filter is the most useful because it does things (like cut down on reflections) that you can't do later in Elements. Only thing to watch is that it cuts out some light so increases exposure so not something you want to leave on the camera. As for quality I don't really know although I suspect that the differences in quality is far less than the differences in price and for a basic digital camera you'd likely never tell the difference.

Tony

[kImages]

I put UV filters for protection purposes on all of my lenses. It is cheaper to replace a filter than deal with a scratched lens.

[lexcell]

I recommend both a polarizing filter and a UV filter. The UV for the same reason Kim suggested...to protect the lens. I leave this on all the time.

A polarizing filter does just what Tony says... it reduces reflection. It also cuts the exposure by 1 1/2 -2 stops of light which can be useful if you want a slower shutter speed for effect or it can be detrimental if you need the extra light. I use a polarizer when I can and I also use the polarizer in NIK Color Efex Pro 2.0 when I can't afford the loss of light.

However, as Tony mentions, there are some things that only a polarizing filter can accomplish like reducing reflection.

[Chuck S.]

There's an admittedly small group of us who advise against using UV or skylight filters as lens protectors, at least the inexpensive type of filters. If you have an expensive lens, you certainly want to protect it, but you also don't want to have a negative impact on its optical properties. I don't use any filters but I protect my lenses with a good carrying case, keep them capped when not in use, and employ a hood for each one.

I'd probably look at the situation differently if I were going into an area where there was a high likelihood of my lens getting splashed or scratched. But that's not my milieu, at least for photography.

[lexcell]

Thanks for bringing that up Chuck. I don't recommend putting cheap filters on an expensive lens. I use multicoated filters on all my lenses.

And, while the environment you are in may dictate whether or not a filter is necessary, accidents happen. I have often been able to remove a shattered filter from someone's lens and their lens is still in good condition. Of course, if you don't drop your lens, that is not an issue.

I also shoot in some pretty extreme environments. The water from the geysers in Yellowstone can eat the coating right off your lens, saltwater is pretty rough on lenses as well.

It's a personal choice and I respect Chuck's decision not to use filters but, I am in the use a filter camp.

[Chuck S.]

Laurie, one of these days I'll have an accident with one of my lenses and then I'll be joining the filter camp....

[lexcell]

Chuck, I hope not.

[Not4wood]

Even in the old wet phototgraphy days.

I was always taught, and also practiced that you always protected your expensive and maybe not so expensive lens by keeping a filter in front.

If you should inadvertantly scractch it or some nobe comes along and does something stupid you will still have a protected lens and your filter can always be replaced. On assignment anywhere, including around water and I also mean Salt Water, Weddings, restaurants where food is flying by and so on. You dont want to expose your hard earned money to the environment(s).

Its cheaper in the long run, even though present day filters aren't that cheap anymore. There still a lot less expensive then the prices of todays technology Lens........ Use a good quality filter, and it protects your great quality lens without effecting your quality of shots.

[lowbone]

I agree with chuck as far as not putting a filter in front of a good lens but there is also another factor. Digital cameras are very prone to flare. A flat piece of glass in front of your lens greatly increases this possibility. The only filters I use are a polarizer as well as graduated neutral density filters and single value neutral density filters. These filters are of a very good quality. The only time I would consider a UV filter is at the beach etc. If you are worried about damaging your lens take out a personal property insurance policy. They are pretty cheap and take away allot of the worry regarding damage or theft of your good equipment.