topic Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection? in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Do I need a lens filter for protection?

kitkat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 00:30:05 GMT

I recently bought a Canon T5 bundle without really knowing the first thing about cameras. I'd like to learn, though, which is why I bought it.

My mother tells me I absolutely, definitely, 100% must get a lens filter to protect the lens, but I've read conflicting theories on whether or not it's a good idea, so I've come here to ask. I have heard people say that lens hoods give better protection, but I'm still unsure.

I got the camera on clearance for very cheap, and I'm on an extremely limited budget, so I'm unable to spend a lot on accessories, but I also don't want to fail to protect what I've got.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 01:02:49 GMT

Forget the filter. Use a lens hood for bump protection and stay out of rain and water spray.

A cheap filter will likely degrade image quality.

There are times for filiters (polarizer, neutral density filters) but for a beginner on a limited budget be careful and enjoy learning your hobby.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

kitkat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 03:46:20 GMT

Thank you so much. Is there anything in particular I should look for in a lens hood? And will I need a different one for both of my lenses (18-55mm and 75-300mm)?

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 04:02:14 GMT

Look on Amazon. Search for lens hood for your lens and get the cheapest one. Should be under $10 each. Unlikely that both lenses use the same one.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

TCampbell — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 05:24:32 GMT

I wouldn't worry about any filters immediately. Filters can create reflections and ghosting which would degrade image quality. Better filters have good anti-reflective coatings and these help ... but it's still possible to get reflections even with these.

In some environmentally hostile shooting situations it might be helpful to have a filter on the front of the lens... but that's infrequent and most of the time the filter isn't needed.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:34:17 GMT

"...my lenses (18-55mm and 75-300mm)?"

This is a hotly contested issue. To use protecto filters or not. I am generally on the side of, always use one. The down side to using protecto filters is so small as to not be a problem at all. It is always over stated. Plus, if the situation arises you can always remove the filter. Lots of folks seem to forget filters screw off just as easily as the screwed on!

The real truth is filters are largely obsolete. Their time has come and gone with the digital age. The few exceptions are the protecto and perhaps an ND or polarizer. But even they are mostly obsolete, too.

On some Canon lenses a protecto filter is mandatory for full weather sealing. Canon states this in the manual for the lens.

Now to answer your question specifically, the benefit must be considered. You do need to buy high quality filters. You need to compare that vs the cost of your lens. On a $1000 dollar lens a $50 or $60 dollar protecto filter is a small price to pay for the protection. The same filter on a $100 or even a $200 dollar lens is not such a good value is it? I would skip the filter in your case as others have suggested.

A hood does offer a small amount of prtoection but it is an item that you should use all the time anyway. So, it has two advantages.

Personally, I have protecto filters on almost all of my lenses. They all have hoods, too.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

TTMartin — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 11:43:08 GMT

@kitkat wrote:
I recently bought a Canon T5 bundle without really knowing the first thing about cameras. I'd like to learn, though, which is why I bought it.

My mother tells me I absolutely, definitely, 100% must get a lens filter to protect the lens, but I've read conflicting theories on whether or not it's a good idea, so I've come here to ask. I have heard people say that lens hoods give better protection, but I'm still unsure.

I got the camera on clearance for very cheap, and I'm on an extremely limited budget, so I'm unable to spend a lot on accessories, but I also don't want to fail to protect what I've got.

For your EF-S 18-55 IS and EF 75-300, no you are not going to want to use a protective filter. If you use protective filters they have to be top quality filters to avoid degrading the image quality. The problem is a top quality filter will cost well over half the replacement cost of your lens. So in cost benefit terms you are much better off taking the small risk of damaging your lens and having to replace it vs spending more than half that cost to try and protect it. If you just buy a cheap filter you are going to hurt the image quality of your photos.

Get a bulb blower like the Rocket Blower. Get a brush designed for lenses like the LensPen. And get some Zeiss Lens Wipes. Use the minimum amount of cleaning needed. Always use them in this order, Rocket Blower, Lens Brush, Zeiss Lens, Wipes, cup end of the LensPen. If a Rocket Blower works, stop there. Always use the minimum amount of cleaning needed. More isn't better when it comes to caring for your lenses.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

Waddizzle — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:54:47 GMT

@kitkat wrote:
I recently bought a Canon T5 bundle without really knowing the first thing about cameras. I'd like to learn, though, which is why I bought it.

My mother tells me I absolutely, definitely, 100% must get a lens filter to protect the lens, but I've read conflicting theories on whether or not it's a good idea, so I've come here to ask. I have heard people say that lens hoods give better protection, but I'm still unsure.

I got the camera on clearance for very cheap, and I'm on an extremely limited budget, so I'm unable to spend a lot on accessories, but I also don't want to fail to protect what I've got.

Others have already pretty much exhausted the pros and cons of protective filters. If you do buy a filter, I would recommend buying a clear filter. You do not need a UV filter because there is a UV filter built into your digital camera.

If you do buy a clear protective filter, then it will not be as expensive as previously described. Your lenses will need a 58mm filter, which costs about half of previous estimates. I would recommend the B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter. The same filter can fit either of your lenses, so you can buy one filter, or two.

The best course of action may be to keep Mom happy. Buy the clear filter, not a UV filter. For technical reasons, nearly all digital cameras have a UV filter built into their image sensor assembly. With the use of a filter, then the use of a hood, to shield the filter from light hitting it from angles outside of the field of view, becomes all the more important. Look for 3rd party hoods, too..

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

TTMartin — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:53:27 GMT

The B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter costs $30. Half the replacement cost* of the EF-S 18-55 IS or the EF-S 75-300.

* EX+ condition at KEH

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

Waddizzle — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 12:57:30 GMT

@TTMartin wrote:
The B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter costs $30. Half the replacement cost* of the EF-S 18-55 IS or the EF-S 75-300.

* EX+ condition at KEH

The same filter can fit either lens, which is one quarter of YOUR cited replacement cost of both lenses.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

TTMartin — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:02:22 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@TTMartin wrote:
The B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter costs $30. Half the replacement cost* of the EF-S 18-55 IS or the EF-S 75-300.

* EX+ condition at KEH
The same filter can fit either lens, which is one quarter of YOUR cited replacement cost of both lenses.

And having to change the filter when you change the lens in the field? You really need to get out from behind the computer and do some real world photography.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

Waddizzle — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:02:51 GMT

@TTMartin wrote:
And having to change the filter when you change the lens in the field? You really need to get out from behind the computer and do some real world photography.

Okay, I'll do that. Meanwhile, I'll stick with my advice to keep MOM happy.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

kitkat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:30:29 GMT

Oh wow, okay. I'll get the cleaning supplies right away, and a couple of hoods. I'll have to hold off on the lens filters, since $60 on top of the rest is a bit out of my budget currently.

Thank you all so much.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

RobertTheFat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 13:45:04 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@kitkat wrote:
I recently bought a Canon T5 bundle without really knowing the first thing about cameras. I'd like to learn, though, which is why I bought it.

My mother tells me I absolutely, definitely, 100% must get a lens filter to protect the lens, but I've read conflicting theories on whether or not it's a good idea, so I've come here to ask. I have heard people say that lens hoods give better protection, but I'm still unsure.

I got the camera on clearance for very cheap, and I'm on an extremely limited budget, so I'm unable to spend a lot on accessories, but I also don't want to fail to protect what I've got.
Others have already pretty much exhausted the pros and cons of protective filters. If you do buy a filter, I would recommend buying a clear filter. You do not need a UV filter because there is a UV filter built into your digital camera.

If you do buy a clear protective filter, then it will not be as expensive as previously described. Your lenses will need a 58mm filter, which costs about half of previous estimates. I would recommend the B+W 58mm XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter. The same filter can fit either of your lenses, so you can buy one filter, or two.

The best course of action may be to keep Mom happy. Buy the clear filter, not a UV filter. For technical reasons, nearly all digital cameras have a UV filter built into their image sensor assembly. With the use of a filter, then the use of a hood, to shield the filter from light hitting it from angles outside of the field of view, becomes all the more important. Look for 3rd party hoods, too..

I don't see any reason to prefer a "clear" filter over a UV filter; I'd buy whichever one is cheaper. And it wouldn't surprise me if the clear filter turned out to be more expensive than a UV filter of equivalent quality.

Ordinary window glass does a good job of filtering out UV. That's why hospital sunrooms, where unfiltered sunlight is considered beneficial, use special glass that doesn't filter UV out. Auto glass filters UV, which is why photochromic sunglasses don't work well in a car. The glass used in lenses does pass UV (or at least some of it), and in the film days many films were sensitive to UV. This was considered detrimental in most cases, hence the use of a UV filter. But as Waddizzle points out, digital cameras get rid of UV before the light hits the sensor, so whether an additional filter passes UV or not is irrelevant.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:03:34 GMT

Just to reiterate - cleaning "supplies" should be limited to a Rocket blower or similar device. Squeeze to blow dust of the lens surface.

Never use canned air or other such product.

Until you gain experience and understand what is going on don't try cleaning anything inside the mirror chamber. Too many horror stories posted on the orum of folks who did that and damaged parts. When you chnage lenses keep the camera opening facing down and don't do it when dust/breeze is blowing.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

RobertTheFat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:34:31 GMT

@jrhoffman75 wrote:
Just to reiterate - cleaning "supplies" should be limited to a Rocket blower or similar device. Squeeze to blow dust of the lens surface.

Never use canned air or other such product.

Until you gain experience and understand what is going on don't try cleaning anything inside the mirror chamber. Too many horror stories posted on the orum of folks who did that and damaged parts. When you chnage lenses keep the camera opening facing down and don't do it when dust/breeze is blowing.

I'll second John's point. Not wanting to change lenses outdoors is one of the two reasons that many of us often carry two cameras, (The other is that with certain kinds of photography things happen so rapidly that you don't have time for lens changes. And when you're rushed, you're not as careful.)

And to John's other point: Having your camera professionally cleaned and inspected every couple of years can pay dividends. It isn't exactly cheap, but neither is remediation of a botched DIY project.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 15:35:12 GMT

"Having your camera professionally cleaned and inspected every couple of years ..."

Good advise. Remember, never put anything smaller than a football in the mirror box of your Rebel. Even the Rocket Blower, which I think is a good tool, has limited use.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

John_SD — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:49:34 GMT

@kitkat wrote:
I recently bought a Canon T5 bundle without really knowing the first thing about cameras. I'd like to learn, though, which is why I bought it.

My mother tells me I absolutely, definitely, 100% must get a lens filter to protect the lens, but I've read conflicting theories on whether or not it's a good idea, so I've come here to ask. I have heard people say that lens hoods give better protection, but I'm still unsure.

I got the camera on clearance for very cheap, and I'm on an extremely limited budget, so I'm unable to spend a lot on accessories, but I also don't want to fail to protect what I've got.

I use a UV filter on my lenses whenever I'm out shooting -- not to filter out UV light, but for lens protection. I favor shooting in nature -- the California desert, mountain areas, wooded areas, and seashore. I don't have enough confidence in lens hoods to protect my lenses in these environments. And to date, I have not noticed any degradation of image quality, flaring or other obvious abnormalities. I do this even though I have only inexpensive kit lenses, but everytime I am out, it doesn't seem to take terribly long to discover small specks of dust or a grain or two of sand on the filter surface. So I am glad that I have that protection.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

Waddizzle — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 16:55:41 GMT

@kitkat wrote:
Oh wow, okay. I'll get the cleaning supplies right away, and a couple of hoods. I'll have to hold off on the lens filters, since $60 on top of the rest is a bit out of my budget currently.

Thank you all so much.

I bought a complete "Lens Cleaning Kit" that was made by Zeiss, which included an air blower, a retractable lipstick cleaning brush, pre-moistened wipes, micro fiber cloth, cleaning fluid, and it comes in an lint free, cloth bag.

It's my emergency first aid kit, which I carry in my camera bag when I go out. In the course of three years since I bought it, I have only used the blower a couple of times. In fact, the blower is the only tool in the kit that I have had need to use. I have a few lenses that have never had their front elements cleaned.

Learn to observe good habits when it comes to changing lenses and using your gear. Most of it is common sense, but there are a few unforeseen pitfalls that you learn through experience. Others have mentioned not changing lenses outdoors, because their is usually a lot of airborne particles outdoors.

Always change your lenses in a clean environement, free of breezes and wind drafts. For example, I have learned to never change lenses sitting in a car with the A/C blasting away. This was one of those times that I needed the blower.

Beware of opening the camera body in high humidity environments, which only traps high humidty air inside of the camera body where it will only eventually condense on the image sensor and other places.

Finally, first and foremost, keep MOM happy.

Re: Do I need a lens filter for protection?

RobertTheFat — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 19:50:33 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:

Finally, first and foremost, keep MOM happy.

Some of the worst decisions I ever made, and some of the best, stemmed from trying to placate my mother. For example, I once attended, with great reluctance, a party (the 1960s equivalent of a high-end dating bar) to which my mother had wangled a colleague into getting me invited. She had made it abundantly clear that if I didn't go, she would be mortified to face her colleague ever again.

I never met the colleague, but I did meet my future wife at that party. We've been married for 50 years.