Why buying a cheap filter just isn't worth it

[Marshalus Veteran]

For some, I'm not telling you anything you don't know... for everyone else, listen to what I say ;)

After I bought my new lens to accompany by "new to me" D200 (Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR) the first thing I did was rush out to get a UV filter to protect it. I didn't do much research (not typical of me at all) and I just wanted to throw something on there to get it protected from scratches, etc.

It was late in the evening and all of the camera stores were closed, so I pulled a boneheaded move and decided to run to Best Buy and buy a "PlatinumPlus by Sunpak 72mm UV filter" ... "what's the worse that could happen, it's not like I'm buying something that really filters color, etc, it's just a piece of glass" :rolleyes:

I then went about taking pictures over the last week, all of which I was supremely disappointed with. They all looked out of focus. Thinking it had something to do with the lens, I had almost decided to take it back. Then I popped off the filter and realized that I was an idiot.

I spent a bundle on a nice piece of glass and then set about handicapping it with a cheap piece of crap.

After promptly returning the Sunpak filter to Bestbuy and then visiting a real camera store to pick up a Hoya 72 mm Ultraviolet (UV) Pro 1 Digital Multi-Coated Glass Filter, the difference is night and day.

I can hardly distinguish a difference between no filter and the Hoya, except that it cuts down on some of the glare/UV from the monitor :p

So, let this be a lesson to anyone out there... don't scrimp on filters.

[qdave]

oh wow, i am amazed on how much worse it makes things look. such things should not be allowed at all.

thanks for the tip though...i might be needing one in the near future.

[0sit0]

Interesting... I almost bought that one from BestBuy as well the other day ... thanks for the info :D

[MR_Candyman]

for the record i think the hoya uv filters are the best bang for your buck out there, especially if you go the bit extra and get the pro1d, which are a bit slimmer and a bit crisper.

[Prince Charming]

Hoya Pro 1 UV filters are quite good - I can't notice any degradation on my 17-40L or my 70-200L, and both lenses have had their front elements saved from exposure to saltwater because of filters.

[Marshalus Veteran]

Yeah, I'd read they were about as good as you could get.

[lawtai]

wow, thanks for the photos. it's actually impressive how badly a filter can screw up an image.

[carmatic]

can it be used for artistic shots? it looks like some kind of 'softening' effect, is it evenly spread across the view or is it irregular

[houlty]

nice comparison shots there... in the past i've tended to go for B&W UV filters, but due to recent money woes was looking at cheaper alternatives. i think i'll stay away from them now though.

trouble is i need an 82mm filter for my latest sigma lens, but thats gonna set me back at least ?45 english pounds for a Hoya.... ouch!

[sin-ergy]

That doesn't surprise me. I was looking around for a CPL filter recently and after shopping around on eBay and reading reviews on some of the no-name filters, I decided to man up and pay the extra $$$ for the Hoya brand. They're good stuff :D

[Marshalus Veteran]

can it be used for artistic shots? it looks like some kind of 'softening' effect, is it evenly spread across the view or is it irregular

Irregular, sometimes it's general softening most of the time it's totally out of focus.

[o0moonman0o]

hoya pro 1d is good for the money but i find b+w and heliopan much easier to clean. i personally use heliopan.

[Prince Charming]

Yeah, Pro 1 smear a bit and take a fair bit of polishing.

[sundayx Veteran]

Here's a tip, whatever you put in front of your sensor, invest in it.

[Prince Charming]

Wise words :)

[Marshalus Veteran]

Here's a tip, whatever you put in front of your sensor, invest in it.

:yes:

[witalit]

Wow the difference is quite amazing. Glad you found a better filter. Would you recommend I get a UV filter also for my standard lens kit? I don't want to damage my kit! lol.

[lawtai]

There are usually two camps here. One group is for filters that protect lenses, the other isn't. In my opinion, for the average person, it probably doesn't hurt to have a filter on the lens to protect it. Just make sure you get a good one.

[Diffused Mind]

Generally, my lenses are all unfiltered, except for the occasional polarizer or if i'm somewhere dusty/dirty/salty...

Perfect example: touring a diesel locomotive shop, a big yes for having a filter.

[Marshalus Veteran]

Wow the difference is quite amazing. Glad you found a better filter. Would you recommend I get a UV filter also for my standard lens kit? I don't want to damage my kit! lol.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3911...violet_UV_.html

$40 for a filter for the 18-55mm that comes with the D40

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4772...5_6G_ED_II.html

$124 for a new lens

Your call.

[MR_Candyman]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3911...violet_UV_.html

$40 for a filter for the 18-55mm that comes with the D40

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4772...5_6G_ED_II.html

$124 for a new lens

Your call.

I can do better than that!: http://www.mcbaincamera.com/productdetail....bain_id=2112129

$27.95 CANADIAN

And yes, Hoya and Kenko are the same

[sin-ergy]

^ I've yet to find an online store here in Canada that has decent prices. The UV filters are cheap but that site has the Kenko 77mm CPL filter for $110! I got my Hoya off ebay for $45.

I used to order stuff from BHPhotoVideo in the US. But now that the CDN dollar is down, I've turned to ebay. Damn loonie.

[MR_Candyman]

I've found that if you include shipping (which I don't have to pay anymore since McBains is only a few blocks from me now) McBain is almost always the cheapest place in Canada. I only buy golf balls on ebay. For the amount you pay in shipping and border fees it's always pretty close to the price you pay in store anyway, and you don't run the risk of getting a knock-off (which there are knock-off Hoya filters)

[nemo]

I really don't know much about photography equipment... but I think the middle shot (no filter) is by far the clearest. There's a slight difference between the no filter and good filter. However the bestbuy filter is magnitudes worse than the better filter.

[Diffused Mind]

I really don't know much about photography equipment... but I think the middle shot (no filter) is by far the clearest. There's a slight difference between the no filter and good filter. However the bestbuy filter is magnitudes worse than the better filter.

You are correct, the middle shot is sharpest. The more stuff you put in front of your lens, the more image quality is degraded. Many lenses can have their front elements replaced for much less than the cost of a new lens, although this usually applies to pro-level glass.