How much difference do filters make in image quality? - An empirical test

<p>There is almost always at least one thread going on Photo.net someplace or other about how much difference filters make in image quality.</p>

<p>I decided to test this difference empirically on a Canon EOS 5D with an EF 24-100mm IS L lens set at 24mm.</p>

<p>The first picture shows the two filters I tested. On the left is a Hoya MC Protector filter, on the right is a water bottle bottom, and of course the third exposure was done with no filter at all.<br>

The images below the filters are 100% crops from the pictures taken without filter, with Hoya filter, and with water bottle filter.</p>

<p> </p><div></div>

<p>This second series shows the photos first without a filter (2), with the Hoya MC filter (3), and with the water bottle base filter (4).</p><div></div>

<p>I am confident that this will settle some issues for once and for all. I will make no effort to make a 'double-blind' test, although that is what ultimately needs to be done.</p>

<p>First, despite the claims to the contrary made by Singh-Ray or B+W filter fans, the Hoya is clearly better than a bottle bottom.</p>

<p>Secondly, both the unfiltered and the Hoya filter are superior to the water bottle bottom<br /> Finally, this test lacks sufficient controls to pass on the issue of how much better or not the unfiltered picture may be than the Hoya filtered one.<br /> QED</p>

<p>;)</p>

<p>How did the water taste after running it through the Hoya filter?</p>

<p>It was sharp as a tack with a slight greenish tinge (it was lemon-lime flavored).</p>

The water-bottle-based filter seems to be the sharpest of the 3 and actually shows more contrast and resolution. This is an excellent test JDM, abolutely brilliant and confirms my theory that expensive filters are not really neccessary in this day and age...

<p>I actually like the bottom base filter photo better . It gave your picture some mystery as the other two are sharper but mundane and boring:) </p>

<p>Thanks, Leslie.</p>

<p>I was hoping for 7//7s on the straight shots, though. We can't always make it however.</p>

<p>I see that the water bottle does an excellent job of compensating for the pincushion distortion of your lens. Brilliant.</p>

<p>It's a EF 24-105mm, so naturally it has distortion at 24mm, but it is barrel distortion, not pincushion. NTIM</p>

<p>Most illuminating. Of course, it should be borne in mind that not all bottle filter utilise the same combinations of ingredients as others. An opportunity for further study. Perhaps....Robert</p>

<p>They look pretty much the same to my eyes, except that the contrast and color rendition of the third image are slightly lacking in quality. However, bear in mind, JDM, THIS WAS NOT A FAIR TEST! If I'm not mistaken, you didn't use true optical polystyrene.</p>

<p>I do like the way the polystyrene filter enhances the lens' bokeh, BTW!</p>

<p>Has anyone tried this on an ultrawide? Is the vignetting acceptable or should I look for a slim water bottle?</p>

<p>Perfect test, leaves no doubt in my mind that I need to chop the bottoms off of all my water bottles and put them to use.</p>

<p>Would deposits from mineral water be more effective in reducing flare?</p>

<p>Careful guys - this kind of irrefutable scientific proof may attract the attention of the hypnoken and be added to his holy scriptures, to be read forever after by unsuspecting newbies...</p>

<p>You need to wait for a hurricane or good wind storm:</p>

<p>1. Take a test shot sans the filter with just the grit bouncing off your lens.</p>

<p>2. Take a second tet shot with the filter, and the grit bouncing off your filter.</p>

<p>3. Then take the test shot with the water-bottle feature you used.</p>

<p>...And filters have no place on a lens, ha!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>The new controversy, sugar or sugar free filters.</p>

<p>For some reason this reminds me of my neighbor waking me up when she walked into my house, I heard her laughing in my sleep. I woke up and saw that she was laughing that my dog was sleeping on my head. Life is weird and JDM is brilliant.</p>

<p>"I do like the way the polystyrene filter enhances the lens' bokeh"<br>

Cheap plastic bottles! Those are toys. What is photography coming to? I still have (and cherish) real glass Coke bottle bottoms from the 1940s. The bokeh glows.</p>

<p>JDM, I want to get back into street photography. Do you have a dual version of the soda bottle filter available for my old TLR?</p>

<p>With this filter, I'm thinking of starting up a thread, "Shattered lenses / shattered lives". Heck, never mind a thread ... how 'bout a whole show!.!.!</p>

<p>Tom M.</p>

<p>Well, I for one am glad it wasn't pincushion didtortion because I can't sew...</p>

<p>This test was obviously skewed towards rich people who can afford the premium water bottle bottom. The rest of us are stuck with the glue residue from the label inhibiting our field of view. It's clear this test was skewed to alienate those of us who can't afford at least "prosumer" water bottles. </p>

<p>Camera companies have developed brand new thorium "thermonuclear protection" water bottle bottom coatings for use with cameras, but they're having trouble getting past California's environmental regulators. Look forward to charts and graphs with no measurement markings and no research citations as part of proving their point.</p>

<p>JDM, I am going to have to continue to improvise with my plebian glass beer bottle bottoms and their 1926 technology. Obviously, "film era" equipment. </p>

<p>I'd like to replicate your results, but I can't figure out which side of the water bottle filter goes towards the lens. It looks better if the open end is away from the lens, but I can't get it to stay on except when shooting the sky.</p>

<p>Wow. LOL.</p>

<p>I'm trying to think of a post, but the comments provided above are so "brilliant" that I don't think I can add anything additional that will be "useful." I'm just amazed that all of this brilliance can originate on an early Monday morning. I used to work for state government, and I know state employees don't get cranked up until Tuesday afternoon at the earliest (and even then we we good only until Thursday around noon when the weekend shutdown process began).</p>