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Replace UV filters with clear?

Eco-Scott
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I've just changed camera systems, and I have a new set of lenses. All of my old lenses had B+W UV filters on them.

For new lenses with different filter sizes, I'm now buying clear B+W filters.

My question is, will the clear filters have less of an image impact than the UV filters?

Put another way, should I bother replacing my old UV filters even if they fit some of my new lenses?

(NOTE: I'm aware of the filter/no filter debate so no need to go down that rabbit hole).

Edited on Jul 26, 2024 at 06:58 AM · View previous versions

Jul 25, 2024 at 05:11 PM

sjms
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Replace UV filters with clear?

all you want is a multicoated clear filter. the UV factor has no effect on digital. If the UV filter fits move it over and not drop the $ for a new filter.

Edited on Jul 29, 2024 at 07:01 AM · View previous versions

Jul 25, 2024 at 05:30 PM

Eco-Scott
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I just ran across this comparison of filter properties by type and by brand: https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/06/the-comprehensive-ranking-of-the-major-uv-filters-on-the-market/

In their study, the B+W clear filter reflected 0.3% of the incident light, while the B+W UV filters reflected 2.2%. So, it apparently does make a difference, but perhaps nothing I would notice.

Jul 25, 2024 at 06:36 PM

JBPhotog
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I have used Nikon NC filters for a number of years when I felt some sort of 'protection' was required.

Jul 25, 2024 at 07:11 PM

sjms
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Replace UV filters with clear?

i currently and for a past 6+ years have use breakthrough UV filters and their ND filters. still not shedding a tear in use.

looking into Kolari filters too

https://kolarivision.com/product/kolari-vision-pro-uv-cut-protective-filter/

no real world difference

Jul 25, 2024 at 07:12 PM

sjms
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Replace UV filters with clear?

i do use clear/uv filters on all my in-use optics. all multicoated

Jul 26, 2024 at 07:13 AM

tsdevine
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I have found edge cases with Voigtlander lenses where a hard cut UV filter (L410/410nm) has a positive effect over other filters. It's not the sensor coming into play, it's purely the lens.

I use Kenko ZXII L41 UV filters although Zeiss UV filters also have a hard cut at 410nm, so there are a couple to choose from.

I did try the Kolari, but they actually adjusted the advertised cutoff when I was finding it wasn't working as effectively as the above. Might have been an error in my testing. It's not an exact science for the problem I was trying to solve.

Again though, this is an edge case with just some lenses. (The Tamron 35/2.8 Di III also can benefit from the filters above.)

Edited on Jul 26, 2024 at 08:00 PM · View previous versions

Jul 26, 2024 at 09:02 AM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I would advise to never use them unless you're going to be in very inclement environs like sea-side. Hoods are a far better protector and front elements are very tough.

Jul 26, 2024 at 09:14 AM

sjms
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Replace UV filters with clear?

aren't opinions great?

Jul 26, 2024 at 09:50 AM

sjms
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Replace UV filters with clear?

tsdevine: I did try the Kolari, but they actually adjusted the advertised cutoff when I was finding it wasn't working as effectively as the above.

sjms: in my case not that it has affected any of my optics in any way except the increased resistance and protection level of "Gorilla Glass" from Corning. but could you explain your above statement with greater detail.

Kolari is pretty well known and respected for the work they do and have done in a pretty specialized niche.

references:

Kolari: 99% transmission and low reflection while cutting UV at 415nm, a strong cutoff point designed for digital based on our analysis of hundreds of modern cameras.

Kolari: 36 layers of premium coatings to make the glass incredibly transparent and low reflection, while making the already durable glass water, oil, and scratch resistant.

Kolari: The refractive index is dependent on the material and is a measurement of the amount that that material will refract or “bend” light as it passes through. At 90 degrees or dead center of the filter the light does not deflect and continues straight, but as the angle of incidence towards the edge of the filter increases, it deflects light more and more causing a discrepancy across your frame, particularly with wide angle shooting. The higher the refractive index value, the more image quality can suffer.

Jul 26, 2024 at 10:41 AM

tsdevine
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Replace UV filters with clear?

PM me and I'll forward you my email correspondence with Kolari. They might have tightened up manufacturing since I bought them, it was very soon after they were launched.

-Tim

sjms wrote:
tsdevine:

sjms: in my case not that it has affected any of my optics in any way except the increased resistance and protection level of "Gorilla Glass" from Corning. but could you explain your above statement with greater detail.

Kolari is pretty well known and respected for the work they do and have done in a pretty specialized niche.

references:

Kolari: 99% transmission and low reflection while cutting UV at 415nm, a strong cutoff point designed for digital based on our analysis of hundreds of modern cameras.

Kolari: 36 layers of premium coatings to make the glass incredibly transparent and low reflection, while making...Show more →

Jul 26, 2024 at 07:38 PM

sjms
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Replace UV filters with clear?

C/W

Jul 26, 2024 at 09:10 PM

nhanzero
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Replace UV filters with clear?

You can try the Sigma WR, no effect on lenses, very easy to clean and not a dust magnet like my old Hoya HD3.

Jul 26, 2024 at 09:13 PM

sandycrane
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Replace UV filters with clear?

I would not go to the expense of replacing existing UV filters with clear glass filters.

Jul 27, 2024 at 12:58 PM

sjms
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Replace UV filters with clear?

For new lenses with different filter sizes, I'm now buying clear B+W filters.

the difference between the two types in this case is irrelevant. i do have a combination of both on my optics. good multicoated filters of either type do the job. so, in this case, it's not a matter of dumping one for another but getting the size that fits the (new) optic if you don't have the size to swap over.

Jul 28, 2024 at 06:06 AM

Norm Shapiro
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Replace UV filters with clear?

https://camera.metalmickey.jp/2018/09/08/un_eins/

This is a link leading to a post on an interesting filter that does not change lens IQ. You can use your phone to translate it. They only make smaller filter sizes and are hard to find.

Jul 28, 2024 at 02:17 PM

sjms
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Replace UV filters with clear?

read it. but it is a rather limited sizing outside of very a particular brand usage.

Jul 28, 2024 at 02:54 PM

Norm Shapiro
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Replace UV filters with clear?

Sjms I did mention those limitations. One point the article makes is that the make did not want to make a filter that changed what these older lenses were giving us. I would imagine today’s clear filters do the same.
Also the 34mm filter I bought is extremely thin, 1.3mm and outer ring seems even thinner.

Jul 28, 2024 at 09:57 PM

sjms
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Replace UV filters with clear?

Yes. I would expect it.

Edited on Jul 29, 2024 at 07:03 AM · View previous versions

Jul 28, 2024 at 09:59 PM

ZoneV
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Replace UV filters with clear?

Eco-Scott wrote:
..
Put another way, should I bother replacing my old UV filters even if they fit some of my new lenses?
..

No, when the old filters are okay for you, dont replace them.
Never change a running system!

Working as optics designer for a camera company I can tell you the consumer filters are not well enough defined (specified) to be clear which brand filter is better for which application than the other from the public accessible data.
So a change would be a kind of gambling.

Jul 29, 2024 at 02:28 AM

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