denoir wrote:
UV filters are considered somewhat of a sacrilege in these parts. Consider this: The image quality and rendering characteristics of the lens is achieved by an arrangement of optical elements positioned with sub-millimeter precision. The glass in the elements have have their refractive indices controlled by the substances in the glass which are controlled to the precision of parts per million. Is it really reasonable to think that one can improve the lens characteristics or get them to stay neutral by slapping on a random piece of glass in front of it?
A very high quality UV filter will of course minimize the impact but you will still lose a lot of the characteristic behavior - especially when stopped down and facing bright lights. Even the best multicoated filters can't compare to the T* coating of the Zeiss glass.
Add to that the front element of the lens is far stronger than any filter and that you increase the risk to the lens manifold by putting on a filter. Should you break the filter it is likely to create severe scratches in the front element. Filters break easily - front elements do not. You could hit it with a hammer without breaking it.
There are of course legitimate situations for UV filter use. If you are encountering salt water spray or dust storms then an UV filter can provide certain protection. Since Zeiss glass isn't weather sealed I would however not recommend using it in extreme conditions.
As for using a CPL - few people here do but it's not unheard of. Unlike UV filters there is a point to them and you do get something in return....Show more →
Appreciate your detailed response, In ideal situations I will not use a protective filter and use a cp when really needed. But here in NYC wind carrying sand and strange fluids will erode that fine T coating in little time!
My only Zeiss lens is in for repair, and I hope to manage to take a break from discussions. For so long, I would like to share this one from a long summer night. ZE 21/2.8 on 7D, sligthly cropped. f/8, 2 minutes exposure.
I have tried out my recently acquired ZF 18mm f3.5. As I was walking with my child at the time I could only grab a few shots.
This one taken at f8 on Canon 30D (more on my flickr account).
Bob, excellent series of shots. I really like the night sky shot! The shots of the small town have a great look to them. Love the last shot of the heat coming off the lake
Nice shots karel Love the color, detail and rendering.
Bob, excellent series of shots. I really like the night sky shot! The shots of the small town have a great look to them. Love the last shot of the heat coming off the lake
Nice shots karel Love the color, detail and rendering.
Thanks. I agree, lot's of good stuff on this page.
Here is a perspective on the Chapel with a bit more narrative quality.
Later in the day, ZF 35/2 at f8, Kodak SLR/n
On a related note, I should mention how sharp the Zeiss ZF lens and Kodak SLR/n combination is. It really makes me wish that one of the manufacturers out there will make a new full-frame DSLR body without an AA filter. Here is a completely unsharpened, unmanipulated, sample crop, ZF100 at f8 on the SLR/n. (If you look closely you can see a little false color in the wood)
, will have to find a better image host
Nice sunup shots.. 
