What filters do you use?

[bindi]

I purchased some 58mm tiffen filters when all my lenses were 58mm, and now most of them require 77mm filters and they are better quality lenses. So I need to buy new filters.

Yesterday I did some googling, and I came across some different points of view

A. ``Bad' filters could potentially degrade the lens IQ and introduce flare, so a good, brand named Multi-coated filter is the way to go

B. Canon L lenses have sophisticated UV filtering and flare resistance built into their coating (which is part of why they are so expensive), so the fancy, expensive protector filters are not so necessary.

C. Hoya Super HMC Pro1 is a good choice, if you can't afford B & W filters

But others said the Super HMC is uneccesary with Canon l lenses, and the coating is difficult to clean!

Kenko Pro and Hoya Pro 1 filters are the same thing.

LOl, so I am not sure what to do, and I thought I'd ask the experts:)

Can anyone help?

[Ding Carpio]

No filters on mine. Just had to develop the habit of capping my lens when not in use.

[Bob Kaufman]

I agree with Ding. I used to have a Hoya 77mm for my 300mm lens, but the images I got were mostly soft. So I took off the filter and voila! sharp images!

As Ding said, just keep your lens clean at all times.

Just my 2 cents.

[Neon Rosell II]

No filters on mine either!!

Cheers,

[bindi]

Hey thats so good to know! Thanks guys!

I have a Hoya on my 300mm L, which came with it when i bought it. i think I'll try removing it to see if it will improve the image quality.

Thanks for the ideas!

[Bobby Kintanar]

I normally don't use filters - but a Circular Polarizer comes in handy every now and then. Beyond that, I shoot bare. Cheerps! :-)

[Romy Ocon]

No filters on my long glass too, but I always keep the hood in place for protection. I also use CPLs sometimes for landscapes.

[bindi]

Hey thanks so much everyone!

I tested this out today on my 300mm L, which has had a 77mm Hoya filter on it since it arrived.

I must admit, it was hard to tell much difference with it off when I shot without the TC, but when I used the Canon 1.4X extender (which I bought this week), the difference was quite noticable. Actually I was having my doubts about using the extender until I saw how sharp it was with the filter off.

I'll show you pic when i can; photobucket is down for maintenance at the moment so i can't
serve pics from there.

You guys are the best. Thankyou so much for your advice!