Filter or not

[gobbiner]

Ive always used a filter more for protection than anything, my next buy is going to be a lens that takes 86mm filters, and im seriously thinking of not using a filter, after all if the hood is on all the time is that not protection enough, is there any opinions on this please thank you...Ray

[nigel_b]

Yes, use one! Unless the outer lens is a sacrifical flat piece that can easily and cheaply be replaced. However make sure you get a good 'un. I was gutted at the performance of my Nikon 300mm f4 when I first had it, until I took the filter off

I went to the local Nikon pro dealer who sold me a B+W filter for £65 and you cant tell its on there. That or £400 to replace the front lens element. Anyhow I prefer cleaning the filter once in a while rather than the actual lens.

[Purplepixii]

I have filters for all 3 of my lenses, even when I use a lens hood. So long as the filter is good quality and doesn't impair the performance of the lense it is a much cheaper option than a new lense.

I wouldn't be without one

[Ukwildlifeo]

I dont both with lense filters - providing you have a lens hood on the front elemnt is protected if dropped. In fact Im struggling to think of someone I know who does.

I always think if I dropped my lens on the front element, the glass has got a better chance of surviving than a piece of plastic that would break into sharp shards that could scratch the front element anyway! Unless there is some sort of spray there pointless in my book for protection.

[gobbiner]

Thank you friends, my thoughts where always, yes use a filter, but looking back i have never marked or dinged a filter, and the ridiculous price of 86mm filters now makes me think im not going to bother this time, as the lens im buying will only be used in a hide, its too heavy to walk around with i think i will take a chance thanks for your replys...Ray

[pressld2]

Did anyone see the link that glsammy posted in his thread Worried about dust in your lens?

Here it is again in case you missed it: LensRentals.com - Front Element Scratches

Bit of an eye-opener to say the least!

Dave P.

[gobbiner]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Did anyone see the link that glsammy posted in his thread Worried about dust in your lens?

Here it is again in case you missed it: LensRentals.com - Front Element Scratches

Bit of an eye-opener to say the least!

Dave P.

Seen it a long time age its an exteme case that probably made to sell filters

[Swift Fox]

I must admit i was thinking about filters if i went for the 100-400 EF, and i was worried about it degrading the image quality somewhat. An interesting dilemma, although i guess it depends what you are doing outside, eg. in a hide or walking on a trail for example. I think the advice so far has been good and i need to think it over.

[Mike Jackson]

I don't bother with a filter on my 100-400, the lens hood is so deep that I can't see the point.

[Fwuffy]

I always filter my lenses, but I know colleague who never does, so it's horses for courses I guess.

I filter mine largely for protection, but not from drops/dings/that kind of thing. As people have pointed out, the hood is always on so that's not a problem. For me it's about not having the front element exposed to the elements and needing to be cleaned.

As a professional I use my lenses a lot, and occasionally in not so good conditions. That means over time the front piece of glass, whether it's an actual lens element or a filter, picks up a lot of muck. I find after a couple of years I usually find myself wanting to replace the filter because it's not in great condition, and I shudder to think if the same thing was the front element instead of a £40 filter.

As some have pointed out, if you are going to use one, get a good one