I blow hot and cold on the issue of using a UV filter for the physical protection of the lens. If it's sunny, I use a sunshield (hood, etc.) instead, because I find that if a UV filter is the least bit smudged it causes flare if the sun's too near. If the sun's not going to be a problem, I tend to use the filter.

I would appreciate your thoughts on what kind of care you give a lens to keep it clean: lens tissues; cloths; fluids? And how do you care for your lenses in the field?

Cheers,

Leonard

It depends on the lens. I don't use filters unless I have a photographic problem that the filter will solve and then it is only a polarizing filter or Graduated ND filter. I do have some of the Nikon Clear lenses for when I am shooting in blowing sand, otherwise, no filters here. Most of the time to clean my lens, I just blow my breath on them and use a microfiber cloth to clean off the fog. When that doesn't work, I use Formula MC lens cleaner. That is about once per year. Anytime I pull the camera or lens out of the camera case, I use a squeeze bulb to blow any dust off it and twice a year, I vacuum the inside of my camera cases (I have about 5 or 6 cases. There are many ways of doing this and this is just MY way of doing it. What I don't like about a UV filter is that it does alter the color balance where as a clear filter doesn't.

I clean the wide angle lenses more than I do the telephotos becasue the dust doesn't show in the photo from a telephoto unless it is REALLY BAD, but I don't let them get that way in the first place.

Hi David,

Good point about color balance. I have always been anxious about not having one because I am a horrible slob. LOL, I cannot seem to make it through a session without handling the glass. I try not to, but I just cannot do it. I have been using the Hoya Pro 1 filters. They are not cheap, but they seem to work well. I see no difference in optical quality.

-James

Well James, the only thing I can say is try real hard NOT to TOUCH THE GLASS. LOL Like I said in my post, that is MY way of cleaning lenses and I am sure eveybody on this list have come up with THEIR way of cleaning that is just as good as mine or maybe better and then I can learn something new.

Thank you, gentlemen! You gave me something to think about, especially that a UV filter will alter the color balance. I knew that it cuts through haze, but didn't know that. How is the balance altered?

Leonard

To tell you the truth, I can't remember right off the top of my head because it has been so long since I have used one. But think about it's use. It is used to alter the light of haze and high mountains. I will look it up tomorrow and report my findings. I have it here somewhere, just don't have the inclination to look for it tonight.

Lenoard,

My feeling is...there is a lens cap for protection of the lens. Any filters I add to the mix usually are not of the same quality as the lens..even the higher end units...and become the weakest link in glass ...and can even reduce your glass (if it is a high end lens) to a moderate consumer grade piece of glass. For this purpose...I only use filters when needed....and never for protection. (LOL...but then again...I never walk around with my camera mounted to my tripod and my tripod over my shoulder...etc...a pet peeve of mine...I can always just imagine a nice 3 stooges move...Whooop..Whoooop...whooop!)

I put my lens cap on when I am not actually taking a picture....and take it off just before hand. This also keeps the lens clean and dry on the end.

As for cleaning...I actually use the microfiber towels from Costco. Their super cheap....and non scratch enough that I used them to even clean CD's....their that dependable. Just insure you dont get any dirt on it...or clingys...the stuff is like velcro...and darned near anything attaches to the little micro loops....just run a dry hand across it to see....you'll be supprised.

@RJ: Yup, you're right: lens caps protect, and mine dangles off my camera on a leash (I tend to lose 'em if I put them in my shirt pocket or elsewhere; this trick prevents that). But — maybe I'm paranoid, but I just get really nervous with the idea of an unprotected lens, when I'm bouncing around football stadiums trying to get shots of the players or the band on the sidelines. Your description of the Costco cloths sounded good at first, but then you say they collect all sorts of little gritties? What about that Zeiss lens protection kit?

@BT: Wow! That's some setup! I see similar ones, clusters, armies of photogs at the UCLA games, all wrestling with their giant zooms and monopods. I am in awe of how they've learned to control these behemoths! I'm of the same mind as John Isaac: the Olympus system provides the same quality pix, but without all the extra weight and cumbersomeness. (I wish to God I'd never sold my Oly C2100 -- which has virtually become a cult classic by now). The ONLY thing "wrong" with it was the 2.1MP sensor. Now I have an Oly E-510 with a zoom that goes to (FOV 2x/35mm) 360mm. In October, Olympus is going to release a zoom that goes to (FOV 2x/35mm) 600mm. And I'll be able to use it sans tripod because of the combination of image stabilization and lighter weight. You guys with the Canons and the Nikons really work for your money, and I say that with respect! But I think Olympus has something in the idea of lighter-weight equipment. (The Isaac review of the E-510 was a for me a really gratifying eye-opener!)

@DR: Back to the UV filter: I have never noticed any problem with either exposure or color rendition using one. I have run afoul of flare at times (just recently too, on two shoots), even with the filter immaculately clean. But when I get into a situation where there's mud and water flying, as with the other day, I'm glad I have it on. I don't use them inside though, although I will, as often as not, forget to remove it for inside use.

Cheers to all,

Leonard