Lens filters or not?

[Chaitanya]

I only use circular polariser, ND and grads with my lenses. All of these from B+W and Lee. I used to own UV filters in past but only for protection of front element when there was no lens cap on the lens while trekking.

 

[flowers]

I only use circular polariser, ND and grads with my lenses. All of these from B+W and Lee. I used to own UV filters in past but only for protection of front element when there was no lens cap on the lens while trekking.

I actually found out that CPL and ND400 and UV multicoated pro filters work well for me. Mostly bc from the brand I use I can get them bundled together like that so I use the multicoated UV as lens protection and the CPL and ND400 when I need those filters. ND400 is the most useful ND filter for me, but I've also considered getting the VND (ND2-ND1000) of the same brand. I have been happy with the ND400 so far, but if I feel I need the flexibility I'll get the VND.

 

[Dylan777]

A good filter is as much an investment as the lens itself ... I always sell a lens without the filter and keep it for continued use on another lens.

Ditto. Even when I didn't think I'd need it, as was the case for the 58mm filter I had on the 85/1.8…then I bought an MP-E 65mm. OTOH, I do have a couple of 77mm UV filters currently unused, since Canon seems to be releasing new versions of lenses with 82mm filter threads instead of the smaller ones of their predecessors.

+1...I like BW XS-Pro Clear MRC-Nano 007 Filter. It's pricey, but I think it well worth it. People usually offer buying high-end filter @ fraction of original cost. They usually say, "I can get $20 filter for same quality" ??? ???

 

[Surfwooder]

I was on Cocoa Beach two years ago with a shooting buddy, (shoots Nikon) We were taking some shots of seagulls taking to flight. I was using my 7D paired to my 70-200 lens. The friend was using his new $2100 Nikcor lens. We were set to shoot the flock, as the took to air, they lightened their load and crapped on us. My Canon lens got hit, but the friends lens was covered on the outer element. I removed my filter and cleaned it and went back to shooting. The friend had a real problem, seems the high acid in the gull crap ate away the outer coating on the lens. But, only in spots. After got it back to the motel, and took some photos it was plain to see the effect of the coating on the outer element. Buy either a UV filter, or clear glass in filter ring, and cover your outer element. You can remove it when shooting with a CP filter to prevent possible vignetting. I did get tree sap on my EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM Macro it was on the outer element, but came off quickly, and cleanly. I was shooting a bug in a orange tree in the backyard. Thank goodness for Zeiss wipes.