Filters 95

Hello folks, I haven't been here for a long time but I know i can get some valuable feedback.

I need to purchase a filter for new lens, 95mm , UV , see link.

Question, How much do I need to spend on a filter?? Thanks for any and all feedback !!

 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ipp=100&atclk=Rating_5+Stars&ci=112&Ns=p_PRICE_2%7c0&N=4026728358+4294955261+235&view=GRID

I would get the B+w MRC 010M. It is optically as any element in the lens, multi-coated against flare, and with a dirt/water shedding coating. A lens that takes a 95 mm filter is probably pretty expensive, worth protecting from the elements, children's fingers and dog licks. The less you have to clean the lens itself, the better.

Look at this comprehensive test of UV filters:

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http://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test_Introduction.html

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Personally, I'd see no advantage in spending big money on a filter on the strength of an undeserved reputation for quality. A brass mount means nothing to me, if the glass in it isn't adequately coated.<p><br>

Having said that; the only reason I use UV filters is for lens protection. I'd rather clean dust or smudges off a relatively cheap filter rather than an expensive lens. But if image quality is paramount I'll remove the filter before taking the shot.

The lenstip review gives a good overview of how various common filters perform, but note that the overall score takes into account the UV absorption properties of each, which may or may not be something you care about. Otherwise, the biggest issue is probably flare resistance, which means a good multicoated filter, as you'll see in the individual tests. It also helps to have one of the more recent types of multicoating that includes an 'easy clean' layer (some older coatings, like the original version of Hoya's HMC, are pretty hard to clean without smearing). In general, I would suggest B+W MRC, B+W MRC Nano, Hoya HD, or Hoya EVO (aka 'Fusion'). On the B&H page, the 3 cheapest filters say nothing about coating, so I'll assume they are uncoated and likely to flare very easily. The cheaper B+W SC is only single coated. I would therefore consider the B+W MRC, as Ed suggests. However, note that this uses B+W's standard 'F-Pro' mount. Some wideangle lenses can vignette with standard mounts and require a lower profile mount. B+W's XS-Pro mount, as used by their Nano filters, can help in this situation, but isn't listed in 95mm on that page. The Hoya EVO will be low profile, but is a lot more expensive in 95mm. If the filter can be tried and returned if necessary, or the lens isn't very wide, I'd go for the B+W MRC.

• If you are going to use it for a protection cover, and you remove it for critical shots, then you don't need B+W quality.
  
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• In any case, for most purposes, the better, multi-coated Hoya filters are adequate and they cost a LOT less.
  
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• I have B+W, Hoya, and ultra-cheap Chinese filters, and there is not as much difference as you'd think or hope.
  

B+W filter mounts are brass, which is less likely to jam. Brass is stiffer and doesn't flex as much when attempting to remove it. It is somewhat self-lubricating and does not gall in a metal filter ring. Most filters have aluminum mounts, which do all of those nasty things.

 

They have little effect on removing haze. The best tool for that is a polarizer (scattered light is polarized). For better contrast (less flare), remove filters when shooting toward the sun, against a bright cloudy sky or sun reflecting from water.

It's true, the B+W brass mounts ARE superior, if you want the best. But the aluminum Hoyas work well enough, if you are careful.

"The best tool for that is a polarizer (scattered light is polarized)." - I think not Edward. Evidence please.

<p><br>There are plain glass protector filters, but as the Lenstip tests show, those filters that claim UV rejection vary quite widely in that ability. The best UV rejection filters usually have the numbers 39 in their designation to show that they cut off at 390 nanometres, rather than the more common 370 nm. However such filters may show a faint yellow tint, which can easily be corrected with a white-balance tweak.<p><br>

BTW, a small amount of candle wax rubbed into a filter thread will stop it sticking. And with modern plastic lens threads it doesn't really matter what material the filter mount is made from.<p><br>

Addendum: Sigma filters are missing from the Lenstip tests. I have a couple of them and I'm quite impressed with the eefectiveness of their coatings. The entire filter is pretty "invisible" unless viewed at a very raking angle. The rim is quite thick though.

Edited March 3, 2017 by rodeo_joe|1

In this case we don't need to bother with the relative merits of B+W and Hoya, since the B+W MRC is (oddly enough) the cheapest 95mm multicoated filter on the linked B&H page. I think uncoated filters are a false economy for most users - why buy something that will flare horribly in common conditions, and you intend to remove to take the shot? Just use a lens cap. As for UV absorption, the received wisdom (I haven't seen hard evidence) is that digital cameras are much less sensitive to UV than film, hence the recent popularity of 'protector' filters that make no claims about UV. I haven't yet had problems with any filter jamming, brass or aluminium - don't over tighten.

All good comments and also recommendations that I expected, Ref. B&W. B&W has always served me well. When I began shopping and saw some decent reviews on filters as low as $10.00 - $30.00, well, ????

 

B&W it is! Thanks everybody

Wow, I got lucky. Just ordered from B&H, B+w MRC 010M, Open Box @ $70.00

Re

B+W filter mounts are brass, which is less likely to jam. Brass is stiffer and doesn't flex as much when attempting to remove it. It is somewhat self-lubricating and does not gall in a metal filter ring. Most filters have aluminum mounts, which do all of those nasty things.

 

They have little effect on removing haze. The best tool for that is a polarizer (scattered light is polarized). For better contrast (less flare), remove filters when shooting toward the sun, against a bright cloudy sky or sun reflecting from water.