topic Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours? in Gear Guide

Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

Ramsden — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:32:37 GMT

Good Morning folks - from a very Autumal North of England, (Cold and wet)

I am now approaching 2 yrs with my EOS90D and managed to add build up a small (6) number of lenses.

Almost without thinking, I put UV filters on the lenses, partly to protect the lens, but without really understanding the technical function of all the filters on offer.

So: my question is based on the approaching autumn and all the wonderful colours that I hope to capture from this time of year.

So are my UV filters fit for the array of colours - with autumal weather - or should I be more adventurous?

Current lens' EF-S 24 STM and EF 50 STM prime, EF 85mm, EFS 10-18, EF 70-300 zoom IS and USM, EFS 18-135mm

Thanks

Ramsden

Re: Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

jrhoffman75 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:47:37 GMT

If you will be putting filters on look into some of the enhancing filters for fall colors, such as

Re: Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:28:01 GMT

"... are my UV filters fit for the array of colours ..."

Basically UV filters on a DSLR are totally unnecessary. They won't help anything and in some cases can hurt the performance of the lens. A better choice might be the B+W Master 007 Clear filter. This filter is fully color-neutral and highly transparent. It has an extremely low reflection factor. The camera sensor is unaffected.

In 2025 any filter is basically obsolete with perhaps the exception of a polarizer or ND and even than if you are experienced in Photoshop they are pretty much unnecessary. Not to say you can't find a particular situation where one is good and needed. And that is my recommendation, you get Photoshop and learn it or perhaps you can get DPP4 from Canon. It is free but not as capable as Photoshop. You can d/l DPP 4 from the Canon website.

Consider this all the great beautiful professional fall color photos you see and admire have gone through Photoshop.

Re: Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:37:05 GMT

B+W protecto filters are expensive which anything at this level will be. In that case it probably does not make economic sense to put them on an inexpensive lens like a ef 50mm f1.8 or ef 85mm f1.8. There are cheaper choices that are pretty good and more reasonable. You need to ask yourself is it a good idea to buy a $60-$70 dollar filter to use it on a $100 dollar lens? Some do and that is their choice.

Re: Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

Ramsden — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:38:30 GMT

Thanks EB. I’ll take that advice on board straight away. I’ve got DPP4 and use it most days. I guess I also thinking of protecting my lens - but I’ll just have to be more careful (which I am anyway)

Ramsden

Re: Are UV lens filters suitable for autumn colours?

Ramsden — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:11:15 GMT

That makes perfect sense to a Yorkshireman.

We are known for being prudent (tight) with our £££!

Ramsden