U.V filter advice,please.

[Jason Claxton]

Cheers UKW.It all seems one way here, regards to generally not using a U.V or clear filter.
I got my lens last night,it has got a substantial hood with it.My friend is having second thoughts about using a U.V filter as standard practice.

Thanks all for your help.And hope you have a Happy New year.Jason.

[RichBrew]

Jason,

You can also rest in the knowledge that the professional super-telephotos - 300mm and up - don't have screw threads at the business end of the lens barrel, so even if you could find a filter large enough you wouldn't be able to attach it!

RichBrew

[DanJeffery]

I agree with all the above. I once saw the advice that you should use a glass filter to protect the lens if you wear glass socks to protect your feet

(I am another 100-400L user and I don't use a UV/clear filter)

[Geoff F]

Well I prefer to be more of a 'belt and braces man'. Like Rich Brew said, salt spray is a serious problem. And I take my lens hood off when using flash.

When scrabbling about in the undergrowth I frequently get my lens rubbed by twigs and brambles, and mud etc. All of my filters have some sort scratching.

I know that adding extra glass will cause some form of image degradation but it isn't noticeable for the vast majority of photos and is less of a problem than a scratched lens.

I would prefer not to attempt an insurance claim on my household insurance for camera equipment. Even if they did pay up, I would expect to lose my no claims discount.

So I will continue to use some sort of filter. I always used to carry a polarizing filter but haven't used one for a long time. They really do cause image quality problems and a loss of light which means a higher ISO. Correct exposure is the best way of getting enhanced results.

[Arek]

You might be interested in these tests:

UV filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com
UV filters test - supplement - Introduction - Lenstip.com

I hope it helps.