p.1 #1 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
Hey, everybody,
I’ve been trying to figure out which is a reasonably priced and functionable filter for the Plena.
I’ve never subscribed to either of the two sides of the debate about whether or not to use a filter on the front of one of my lenses. I have straddled both sides of the debate.
In my 50+ years of photography I think I am only damaged one element and that was way back in the early 80s.
I plan on using this lens a great deal. I really want to put it to the test of being used as an every day lens.
I’m not looking to be cheap considering I’m trying to protect a $2500 lens. Yet, I know that more expensive does not always mean it is better.
This will be mostly for protection.
I’ve read a great deal about the debate of whether or not it needs to be a UV lens.
I’d be interested in hearing from people with more knowledge than me about this given that’s a great amount of literature of the built in UV filtering on the Z lenses.
Anyways, thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate the support that I’ve received through this form through the years.
p.1 #2 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
The hood offers better protection than a filter.
The only time you should use a clear/uv filter is when in a VERY harsh environ (seaside with salt water, blowing sands, etc) otherwise you are putting needless glass in front of very specific coatings that Nikon has very carefully engineered for color and clarity.
p.1 #4 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
RoamingScott wrote:
The hood offers better protection than a filter.
The only time you should use a clear/uv filter is when in a VERY harsh environ (seaside with salt water, blowing sands, etc) otherwise you are putting needless glass in front of very specific coatings that Nikon has very carefully engineered for color and clarity.
Hi and thanks RS.
I’m still looking for information on which brands are good. I’ve used B+W and Hoya but am not up to date on the many others that are more recent.
What would the Nikon clear lens filter be for?
I’ve seen it recommended by Nikon for Nikon.
Thanks Rocco.
p.1 #5 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
Alan Olander wrote:
There's not built-in UV filtering on lenses, but on camera sensors.
Hi Alan and Thanks. I have read so many posts this past week. I thought I saw one that was quite technical between some very smart sounding photographers here on the forum where one of the posters referenced specific coatings being on some of the glass lenses closer to the sensor. I may misunderstood.
That means said, I’m just trying to figure out which brand.
Thanks again, Rocco
p.1 #6 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
RoamingScott wrote:
The hood offers better protection than a filter.
The only time you should use a clear/uv filter is when in a VERY harsh environ (seaside with salt water, blowing sands, etc) otherwise you are putting needless glass in front of very specific coatings that Nikon has very carefully engineered for color and clarity.
I would basically agree with that, but the Plena is a bit of a special case in the Z range because it uses SR glass for the front lens.
It is also the only Nikon Z lens that uses an SR element as its front element.
These two notes are also in the Plena operating instructions.
"This lens uses SR glass for the front lens. Compared to other types of glass, SR glass has characteristics such as susceptibility to sudden temperature changes and prone to damage due to the softness of the lens, so please handle it with care."
"Neutral Color (NC) filters (available seperately) and the like can be used to protect the front element."
Hood will also offer the best protection here, but the Plena is one of the few lenses with which I occasionally work with an NC filter, due to the higher sensitivity, softness of the large SR front element.
Personally, I use a Nikon 82mm NC filter with my Plena, at least in confusing shooting situations where you don't always have full control and there are a lot of people.
Parties with lots of people, things like a fair with crowds.
A few years ago, lens rental conducted a comprehensive test of various protection filters.
Nikon's NC filter was among the best NC filters there.
Nikon now also offers the Arcrest II NC filters, which are currently Nikon's highest-quality NC filters and are available with and without a gold ring.
So if you want a peace of mind solution in the area of protection filters, Nikon Arcrest II filters would be my first choice.
p.1 #7 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
covrc wrote:
Hey, everybody,
I’ve been trying to figure out which is a reasonably priced and functionable filter for the Plena.
I’ve never subscribed to either of the two sides of the debate about whether or not to use a filter on the front of one of my lenses. I have straddled both sides of the debate.
In my 50+ years of photography I think I am only damaged one element and that was way back in the early 80s.
I plan on using this lens a great deal. I really want to put it to the test of being used as an every day lens.
I’m not looking to be cheap considering I’m trying to protect a $2500 lens. Yet, I know that more expensive does not always mean it is better.
This will be mostly for protection.
I’ve read a great deal about the debate of whether or not it needs to be a UV lens.
I’d be interested in hearing from people with more knowledge than me about this given that’s a great amount of literature of the built in UV filtering on the Z lenses.
Anyways, thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate the support that I’ve received through this form through the years....Show more →
the best ones IMO are Sigma ceramic line, B+W PRO MRC and Nikon Arcrest II (Leicas are actually the best for me, but with the filter size it's probably going to end up more expensive than your lens)... and opt for the _clear_ filter . for most other filters...the problem is that they are _hard to clean_ and cause some color casts...Hoya (and I'm talking about their pro HD line which actually pretty pricey) is the most offending one for me.
but beware on the B+W ...some of their slim filters doesn't quite sit quite flush with the lens caps...the Arcrest filters are slim and there are no issues with the Nikon lens caps.
it's not that hard to find deals on filters if you look around. I was able to score an open box 82mm Nikon Arcrest II on eBay for $52 just a few days ago.
p.1 #9 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
I've always used a clear UV filter on all my lenses and have never put a scratch on any of them. And, I've been doing this since the 70's. It just makes me feel better. In your case, you might consider a Nikon Neutral Clear Filter.
p.1 #10 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
Nikon’s Arcrest II are so much easier to clean compared to their old clear filter and the gold ring looks good too. Breakthrough Photography filters are also top notch.
p.1 #11 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
The main point is that any high quality 82mm filter should work. No special filter bandpass properties are required since the sensor stack has it's own filtration for undesired wavelengths.
p.1 #12 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
covrc wrote:
I’ve been trying to figure out which is a reasonably priced and functionable filter for the Plena.
[...]
I’ve read a great deal about the debate of whether or not it needs to be a UV lens.
On the first, to preserve image quality with a known-quantity filter, I would use a Nikon NC filter (or the newer Arcrest II, more flare-resistant). Having said that, I've seen studies with stacked filters and any 'good' filter will do. The only downside is you may get flare if a bright source is in-frame, e.g., the sun going down while shooting football. If you do, take the filter off for that specific use-case.
On the second, UV filters are from the film era and aren't required for MILCs or DSLRs. But they don't hurt either.
p.1 #13 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
Long ago, I saw a study where they stacked a bunch of UV filters and tested the transmission %. I think the outcome of those were that Hoyas and B+W's were good. There have been separate tests on flare in contra light, but I forget the results from that.
I personally like putting on a UV, because I do find myself near beaches with salt spray, etc. I like being able to wipe the filter glass with a cloth or a lenspen and not worrying about doing some drastic to it, and the IQ penalty is minimal. If I'm shooting towards the sun, obviously I'd be more cautious.
p.1 #16 · Suggestions for Clear vs UV filter for Nikon 135mm Plena
covrc wrote:
I’ve read a great deal about the debate of whether or not it needs to be a UV lens.
I’d be interested in hearing from people with more knowledge than me about this given that’s a great amount of literature of the built in UV filtering on the Z lenses.
Anyways, thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate the support that I’ve received through this form through the years.
Personally, I believe that those technical articles provide the definitive answer on the use of filters, which can be summarized as follows: filters do not alter the quality of a lens in any way; they may introduce or add ghosting in certain conditions (street lights at night, star trails, etc., but this will not happen often, and you can always remove the filter if you notice this happening in a particular shot).
So, buy a quality filter and enjoy shooting with your 135 Plena (a lens that is not immune to ghosting & flare: https://www.lenstip.com/691.9-Lens_review-Nikon_Nikkor_Z_135_mm_f_1.8_S_Plena_Ghosting_and_flares.html).
P.S.: I use B+W UV-Haze MRC nano and (now discontinued) Nikon L37c filters with NO issue at all.
P.S. 2: I own the Zeiss ZF.2 135/2 Apo Sonnar, a (MF) lens that has little to envy your Plena in terms of quality; B+W filter is always fitted.
matches the Plena so nicely 
