I recently purchased the 16-35mm Mark II (I had been using the 17-40, which I still like). My question is not about the purchase itself, but rather about some practicalities.
With this lens (and I don't like the lens design that much -- the bellows it creates when the glass assembly just asks to push dust around - kind of like the 24-70. grrr.), you have to put a filter up front to complete the weather seal.
So, to prevent vignetting, I put a B+W 82mm slim UV filter on it. Well, now the original lens cap doesn't fit on the lens, and I'm relegated to using a "slip-on" lens cap. The "slip-on" cap does not stay on -- effectively no matter what.
I recently purchased the 16-35mm Mark II (I had been using the 17-40, which I still like). My question is not about the purchase itself, but rather about some practicalities.
With this lens (and I don't like the lens design that much -- the bellows it creates when the glass assembly just asks to push dust around - kind of like the 24-70. grrr.), you have to put a filter up front to complete the weather seal.
So, to prevent vignetting, I put a B+W 82mm slim UV filter on it. Well, now the original lens cap doesn't fit on the lens, and I'm relegated to using a "slip-on" lens cap. The "slip-on" cap does not stay on -- effectively no matter what.
I got B+W 82mm MRC UV 010 Filter F-PRO from http://hvstar.net/ for same lens, cap stays fine. This is my first B+W (I use Hoya before). Only thing I don't like that brass filter is heavy a bit in compare to Hoya aluminum made.
Excellent question. I researched the heck out of this when I bought my 16-35f/2.8II and I also did not want another slim filter that would fall off in the middle of the woods never to be seen again.
Readers Digest version: UV filtering provides no benefits on a modern DSLR - just get a high quality clear glass filter if you think you need "lens protection." Filters have the potential to create some image degradation - so avoid them if possible and use only those whose quality is comparable to that of the lens you put them on. Increased flare is one such potential problem - not sure if you did or did not use a filter in your sample shot, but the bright background window is the sort of thing that is a bit more likely to flare or reflect with some filters.
While "junior" may occasionally get his/her thumb on your lens (and lots of other interesting "stuff" all over other parts of your anatomy, clothes, and possessions ;-) it really isn't going to be a major issue. You can wipe a lens clean as easily as a filter.
(And, yes, I know this from personal experience having raised three kids...)
depends on yr shooting style. i cover nfl and i can tell you it is nice to have a clear filter on the 16-35 when i put it into the Black Hole at Oakland. All sorts of 'items' come flying your way and a filter will help protect the lens front to some degree. my 70-200 has always had one from day one--chlorine water (olympic trials), foul balls (mlb) and surf spray have done a number on the lens but it is still producing great shots and the front element looks way better than the rest of the lens.
Which camera are you using this on? The 30D you have listed in your profile? If its a crop camera, just use the regular B+W filters. I use the regular F-Pro B+W filters with my 5D. I get some vignetting occasionally, but its manageable.
At this very moment, the answer is on a 30D, but plans are to get either a 1DsIII or the upgrade to the 5D "soon" (time scale set by wife), so while I agree there's no vignetting issue now, I'm trying to get the "right" equipment and be prepared for the new body.
i've used the Heliopan sh-pmc, Rodenstock and the Hoya pro-1. I got rid of the hoya bcoz they were impossible to keep clean and they bind to the adaptor for my Lee wide angle hood.
There is no vignetting with any of these filters and they all have front threads that allow other filters, as well as the lens cap.
Anthony Kaye wrote:
Many thanks for the help, everyone. I really appreciate all the responses.
To answer the "why do you need to seal it" question, the answer is salt water spray and (in other cases) blowing sand.
Those are the only two reasons I can think of to buy, or use, a(n) UV filter. We all fell for that stuff that you need to protect the lens back in the film days, but I just started saying "No" over 10 years ago and haven't mounted one in that time....
Tom K. wrote:
Excellent question. I researched the heck out of this when I bought my 16-35f/2.8II and I also did not want another slim filter that would fall off in the middle of the woods never to be seen again.
The price on the linked page will show the filter costing $79.27 but they are on sale so click the link and the sale price will come up as $47.70.
I use it with zero vignetting.
-Tom K.
After several years of using Hoya I wouldn't suggest DMC filters, they are much worse in cleaning than S-HMC type which is best from Hoya. Pro 1 or not depends on your need and lens.
