[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I recently purchased a 28-70 F2.8L and a 70-200F2.8L to go on my EOS 3
At the time, the sales guy suggested purchasing protective filters for both.
Not being sure I ended up purchasing a Canon "protect" filter and switch it
depending on which lens I am using.
I accept the need for protection for the front of the lens but do not
understand the difference between a protect, a skylight and a UV filter
On brands, the sales guy suggested not buying Canon but going for B+W.
These were more expensive so I was suspicious. Was I right to be?
Mostly I photograph wildlife and use Fuji Velvia and Provia films almost
exclusively.
Opinions gratefully received.
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Rod,
First let me mention that Canon filters are in reality made by Tiffen.
Adding a filter introduces 2 more glass surfaces and there are issues with
that. In reality it will reduce (albeit ever so slightly) image quality
although you will not see it unless you make enlargements beyond 30 x 40
inches
(and probably not then either).
If you are going to use filters use one that is useful other than a plain
piece of glass. I use filters outdoors and prefer UV. You can use skylight
too but they ARE different. UV filters are specifically designed to reduce
UV at particular levels. Stronger UVs have a slight yellow cast. Skylight
filters only cut out 1/2 the UV when compared with a UV filter but they are
a slight pink because they are specifically designed to warm skin tones in
shaded areas. B+W are excellent as are Hoya and Tiffen. B+W and Heliopan
are made in Germany, use brass rings and thicker glass and are easier to put
on a remove from lenses. They are more $$$. The others are made in Japan,
mostly by Hoya (or Marumi), have aluminum rings and thinner glass. I
personally use Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) Pro 1 UVs because they use L41
glass. What this represents is the wavelength at which point the UV is cut
out. This is the highest UV cutoff before the glass takes on a yellow tint.
B+W makes a UV415 filter which is basically L41.5 glass and slightly yellow.
It will show a yellowish color cast in photos taken with it at sea level
since it is specifically designed for use in high altitudes.
Sorry for the long winded reply but IMHO it is best to use a filter that
provides some benefit. Standard Hoya are L39 glass (the expensive Nikon UV
filters are L37), are coated, and probably the best for the $$$. If you use
Velvia and Provia you really have no need to warm them up with a filter so
my recommendation is to buy a good UV filter.
Peter K
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