First let me say, I don't want to debate not using a filter vs using a filter.
I have Tiffen SKY-1A filters on some of my lenses and B+W KR-1.5 filters on others. Why is it that I seem to be able to clean my Tiffen filters without "smearing" the filter. Right now I have one of my B+W filters with a smudge on it that I cannot seem to remove. Can it be that the coating on the B+W is coming off? I read that Tiffen filters are not coated but instead are pieces of laminated glass. Is that better or worse?
the 2 Tiffen filters i own are multicoated and easy to clean up. i've also really never had all that much issue with my Hoya MC filters. as far as the B+W i find them relatively easy to clean too. what did you try to clean it with?
the SKY-1A is a slight warming filter making it a non color neutral filter. i use only color neutral or clear MC filters. a non MC filter can cause flare in use in many situations.
What are you using for cleaning? Have you tried ROR and a godo microfiber cloth? Usually a good multi coating becomes scratched or pitted before it "comes off."
for the best cloth around go to Adorama and pick up a Etsumi Microdear cleaning cloth. i have been using these for over 20 years now (i picked the original in Tokyo. no one comes near it. http://www.adorama.com/CPCML.html
Tiffen dyes their filter glass in the mass and uses a really good coating. I clean my filters with Iso-prop and a good quality lens tissue and have never had any difficulty with streaking (my filters are always fully clothed). I have been well-served by Tiffen's filters for a very long time.
