UV/Skylight/Protection filters or not?

[bugmadmark]

Im about to buy a Sigma 150mm lens. Just wondered if other users of this very popular lens also utilise a Skylight/Uv/general protection filter, e.g Hoya and if so which is best for insect photgraphy? Traditionally I used a Skylight filter to primarily protect the front lens element. I see you can also buy high quality clear protective filters too from Hoyas Pro range. Any opinions?

Thanks
Mark

[Rogerdodge]

Mark
This year, whilst at Collard Hill, I met a really nice couple from (I think) Norfolk.
She was using Canon, and he Nikon.
We had a little gentle micky taking, and then setteld down to taking photos.
He looked like he was having problems with his 70-200VR lens.
I asked him if all was ok, and he said it just wouldn't focus.
I tried myself, and whilst the motor hunted like crazy, the image in the viewfinder didn't change at all.
I looked at front of the lens, and the element had been smashed to smithereens.
He had no recollection of it happening.
A UV/Skylight filter could well have saved him a bill for a grand or so!
Perhaps that answers your question?
Roger

[Gruditch]

To summarise, a guy with a Nikon has a friendly bit of brand banter with Roger "Canon" Harding, then moments later, finds he has a smashed up lens.

Gruditch

[Rogerdodge]

Imagine what would have happened if it had been a Sony.......

Roger

[Denise]

To summarise, a guy with a Nikon has a friendly bit of brand banter with Roger "Canon" Harding, then moments later, finds he has a smashed up lens.

Gruditch

Well he is Roger Grand Poobah of the Canonista

[Markulous]

To summarise, a guy with a Nikon has a friendly bit of brand banter with Roger "Canon" Harding, then moments later, finds he has a smashed up lens.

PML!

As regards OP I always use a filter, not so much to prevent someone smashing my lens (I'll quickly add that I'm Canon tho' also have a real camera: Sigma!) but to stop dust, water, pollen, etc getting on lens where it then smears, scratches, stains, etc A filter is cheap enough to replace - and anyway my ability lies way behind any possible negative effect a filter has on image quality!

[eccles]

I don't use UV or skylight filters as I think they may well affect autofocus accuracy. I cannot substantiate this but I just don't like the idea of a rather pointless bit of glass in front of the lens that may or may not affect the final image. I do try to remember to keep the front cap on when not shooting, which affords some protection.

If in future I have the pleasure of encountering Roger whilst carrying my Sony, I shall restrict my banter to sniggering behind his back and out of earshot.

[Denise]

If in future I have the pleasure of encountering Roger whilst carrying my Sony, I shall restrict my banter to sniggering behind his back and out of earshot.

It's bound to happen one day Mike.
You could always shove me in the middle, I'm bigger than both of you

Cheers
Denise

[bugmadmark]

[quote="Rogerdodge"]Mark
This year, whilst at Collard Hill, I met a really nice couple from (I think) Norfolk.
....

Giv'n that oym a good ol bor (boy) from Narfolk moyself yew ur newn if yew wera speaking tew genuin Narfolkians. And if they like us on ere wer anything loyk mad un bugs n beasts theyd u been talkin fewtus arv bishee barnabees n dardermans and maybe a few butterfloys tew, plus the usual ol 'ow yew gettin arn' squit. If any one is in any doubt bout this foyne part uv ther werld - just check out the friends arv narfulk dialect web - they can toype it fennyetically un better tan me and this letter ses et arl ... http://www.norfolkdialect.com/johnfitzroyjones.html

Oy left Narfulk when oy were 12. Oym now 40 with new real accent to speyk arv thanks tew Cambridgeshoyres accentless parpulation, but loyk me old Gran used tew say - yew can tayke ther bor (boy) outta Narfulk - but yew can't tayke the Narfulk outta the bor!

Now then back to business - in general the answer is get a filter - do I gew for UV, Skylight or the Prof protection filter offered by Hoya - I was cosidering the latter as I wasn't sure if UV affected flower and insect colouration?

Mark

[Rogerdodge]

You could always shove me in the middle

Now your talkin'............