I know Canon calls for a filter for this lens to keep dust out but I'm wondering if this finicky lens may not like a filter and if anyone ever noticed a difference between having a filter on it to protect or not to have one. Thanks
I keep a B+W on my 50L. It's the only lens that routinely wears a filter. I can't say that I've done controlled testing of IQ or AF with vs without, but I have not noticed any degradation.
I've used with and without, in really nasty weather and close-range explosions (yeah, that stuff). When used, it was always a B+W MRC. I never saw any difference with or without. And, once, the filter was almost melted through so it DID save the lens.
Like Jim C., I don't use a filter on the 50L except for effects, or very rarely for environmental factors.
OTOH, my 24-105/4L IS and 24-70L wear UV filters all the time, being my "action" lenses. Only when used on tripod do they go naked. My 28-300L IS gets UV filter about 1/2 the time.
Don't need a poll. Your decision will be determined by your shooting environment and the task at hand. If it's windy and dusty or rainy or there's danger of banging the lens against rocks or other surfaces, then I use one. If it's safe and clean then no.
Why buy a weather sealed lens and not put a filter on it at all times? I don't pretend to to be able to divine the weather patterns, and would rather have the ability to keep shooting through the crap weather than worry about some non-existent defect in the optical clarity of the lens.
As far as I know the only lens that reacts poorly to having a a filter in front of it is the 100-400.
Either don't use a filter or use a filter. If you get the best filter, you will not notice any degradation. I have a filter on all my lenses because it's just what I do. There is zero image quality loss except in the odd case of a perfectly placed lens flare buy that's very rare and I prefer to protect my front elements. Once upon a time I had a rental 16-35 mark I on my 5D standing in a serene lawn photographing landscapes for a client when suddenly the water sprinklers came on and soaked the front of my lens full force. Since that time I won't take a lens out without a filter on.
I never use filters in the past. But recently I use B+W filters to protecting my lenses during beach weddings and other similar environments. If you use the hood it can be good!
So far I haven't used a liter on my 50/1.2, but I certainly would in dusty or rainy environments. I read that the 50/1.2 lens is only weather sealed with filter on top. I normally use my lens outside simply with its hood only.
