Filter for my 24-105mm f4L

[Fedgrub]

hi all,

My 24-105mm will be arriving next week, so I am wondering what filter I should get to go with it. I don't want something that will limit the greatness of the lens, so I know this won't be a cheap option.

Just need a UV filter, not a polarising one.

Was thinking of this:

http://camerapro.net.au/hoya-filter-77mm-p-295.html

What does everyone think? Will this degrade the quality of my lens? Are there any better options out there?

Thanks!

[MarkChap]

What does everyone think? Will this degrade the quality of my lens? Are there any better options out there?

Sure is, save your money.

[Fedgrub]

Sure is, save your money.

Thanks, Mark. What do you recommend?

[MarkChap]

my recommendation is just to, ALWAYS, use your lens hood

That is all I use now

[Fedgrub]

my recommendation is just to, ALWAYS, use your lens hood

That is all I use now

I've heard that, but I'd really prefer to use a filter.

Anyone have any recommendations of high quality filters?

Thanks!

[wideangle]

I've heard that, but I'd really prefer to use a filter.

Anyone have any recommendations of high quality filters?

Thanks!


The Hoya Pro1 series are great if you can get them.

[rookie]

my recommendation is just to, ALWAYS, use your lens hood

That is all I use now

same

[Speedway]

Another one with Mark.
Keith.

[Scotty72]

Simple thing. If you use a UV filter, you will suffer IQ loss.

The lens hood on that lens will be far more protection than a filter.

Save your money towards the inevitable repair cost when that len's ribbon breakage occurs. :(

[Tricky]

Whilst I'd generally agree with the sentiment of "don't use a filter, just use the lens hood", I know that some people prefer to use a UV filter and that's fine. I'd suggest trying the Kenko Pro 1; it is made by the same company that makes the Hoya Pro 1 and I personally cannot tell the difference between them. I've never seen official confirmation that the glass is the same, but everyone seems to think so. However, Kenko's prices are WAY cheaper than Hoya's...

[mikew09]

I understand where you are coming from as I contemplated the same with my first L series lens. I did a fair bit of research on use of screw on filters as protection both on this forum, on the web and spoke with a pro photog in person also.
My experience with UV filters was all bad, especially with IQ and that was with a mid range filter.
99% of photogs I spoke too all chose the hood as the option and no filter with a couple of exceptions. When shooting seascapes where the conditions are blowing sea spray or sand etc onto the front element. When doing sports such as car rally shoots due to flying stones and if the lens required a filter to complete the seal (a few L's do) and then in general you can use canon clear filter for that purpose.

I also found some very interesting tests on the web that showed, how hard it is to damage the front element, that minor scratches have no effect on IQ. There is also evidence to show that a filter will actually increase your chance of front element damage if the lens is impacted or dropped.
My experience with UV for protection has all been bad. Loss in IQ and slower shutter speed in some cases and after doing away with filters 2 yrs ago I have never felt the need to go back. I always use my lens hood which has far less impact to iq and such if left on for all accasions.

This topic comes up a lot in on the web and in conversation and from what I can gather it is those of us on a tight budget and in the early stages of our photographic journey who tend to challenge ourselves over this - I opted to take my cash that would be used for quality filter and put it into my insurance on my gear that for far less than a couple of filters also covers me for accidental damage away from home.

It is a personal decision but in my experience, most end up going the filter less path. My recommendation is to go with what you are comfortable with and accept your mind may change going forward. I still carry a UV in the bag just in case I hit the conditions I need one.

Cheers,

Mike

[Fedgrub]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Will go with the Hoya Pro 1 or the Kenko. Just can't bring myself to leave the glass unprotected...

[Scotty72]

There is a theory, that I have seen demonstrated, that the addition of the filter can do more harm than if there were no filter.

I friend of mine bumped the end of her lens onto a brick wall or something.
Because the filter glass and frame is very weak compared to the lens build, the filter shattered and warped.
It was then stuck onto the lens' screw and could not be removed without irrepairable damaging the lens' thread.

Such a bump is very unlikely to damage the lens glass itself (or the stronger thread).

[Fedgrub]

Have heard of that also.

How easy is it to clean a bare lens? I have a lens pen that I've used on a filter before and seemed easy enough.

[Scotty72]

Dead easy

[wideangle]

Each to their own, it's just like Ford vs Holden debate.....it never ends, never will and at the end of the day you have to do what's right for you.

[Fedgrub]

Thanks everyone. Ended up going with a Kenko Pro1D UV filter. The lens came with a hood, so I can always try out each method and see what works.

[Allan Ryan]

you might be interested in this site. B&W filters https://www.schneideroptics.com/ecommerce/catalogsubcategorydisplay.aspx?cid=57

I stopped useing a filter on my 24-105 but ALWAYS use the hood - even at night :)
Cheers

[tarwoona]

Hi
I have a 24-105 and do use a filter. Both because I'm clumsy, but also i live and work in a very dusty environment and tend to take the camera places they don't like.

I use a Hoya HMC UV filter that doesnt degrade the images to a noticable degree. I was looking to buy another one over the weekend and found this review http://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test.html which says this filter is pretty good. I ultimately found one on evilbay for $24.

cheers,
Steve