filter for general protection

[xinssh]

I intend to purchase a filter for general protection on my 18-200mm kit lens.

I have narrowed my selections to the following:

Kenko
72mm UV - $20(CP Marina)
72mm Pro 1 Digital - $45 (OP)

Hoya
72mm PRO 1 Digital UV (slim) $65 (AP SLS)
72mm Super HMC UV - $55 (MS)
72mm HMC UV - $44 (MS)

Tokina
72mm UV - $20 (MSC)

Any good/bad reviews for any of the filters?

Which one would you pick and why?

I'll most probably pick Kenko/Tokina UV-$20 if there isnt any bad reviews on it.

Help me to an informed purchase. I am new and I welcome suggestions

 

[driveanegg]

Learn how to clean the lens properly so no need filters in the end ???

Google lens filters or hoods
Many answers there though need a bit of sorting out ....

Anyway for general protection the tokina is ok

Have fun and keep shooting

 

[DonnyDan]

72mm Pro 1 Digital - $45

It is good and cheap. No regret after using it.

 

[Octarine]

Hoya HMC, if you insist on a filter. Cheap filters will only invite more problems (do read about filter flare). Keep in mind that no lens was developed with the considerations of any filter. They work best without it.

 

[yc2005]

Maybe this filter comparison will help you

http://www.lenstip.com/113.4-article-UV_filters_test_Description_of_the_results_and_summary.html

 

[Numnumball]

I will go with Hoya HMC or B+W, cheap filters are harder to clean and will degrade IQ by inviting lens flare or maybe even reduce constrast.

Buy mulitcoated or NC to have a peace of mind and save u from B/S again..
u can try ur luck here

 

[horizon_grazer]

B+W or Nikon NC :thumbsup:
Heliopan :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[xinssh]

72mm Pro 1 Digital - $45

It is good and cheap. No regret after using it.

I have read somewhere the Pro 1 series from hoya and kenko supposedly came from the same production. Almost identical products, yet the price differs due to branding. Any comments?

Hoya HMC, if you insist on a filter. Cheap filters will only invite more problems (do read about filter flare). Keep in mind that no lens was developed with the considerations of any filter. They work best without it.

I suppose you are referring to cheap filters from those unknown brands? Or is kenko, tokina considered inferior too? Yap, read a bit about filter flare, thanks. I thought since I am entirely new, the filter as a general protection comes in handy when I am still learning the common pitfalls in handling lenses, especially in outdoor environment. I am okay with parting my money for insurance in this case.

I concur that lenses would probably work best without filters. Hopefully I won't need to use it after I get more experienced and confident in handling.

Maybe this filter comparison will help you

http://www.lenstip.com/113.4-article-UV_filters_test_Description_of_the_results_and_summary.html

Thanks! HMC UV-0 seems like the best and is most valued for money. I wonder what level of enhancement we get from HMC UV SUPER and Pro 1 digital. Any users care to share?

I will go with Hoya HMC or B+W, cheap filters are harder to clean and will degrade IQ by inviting lens flare or maybe even reduce constrast.

Buy mulitcoated or NC to have a peace of mind and save u from B/S again..
u can try ur luck here

Reduced contrast is definitely a no go. That is why I am seeking feedback on filters. Try and error doesn't appeal to me. I don't want ending up with many filters. I am referring to general protection filters of course. B+W is probably the best filters around right? I can't afford it unfortunately. Hence I hope some old timers can point the direction towards an economical substitute, with a tab of trade off in performance. I am okay

B+W or Nikon NC :thumbsup:
Heliopan :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Erm, you can help me more by suggesting the models too I guess. I can't possibly buy the best.



Given the limited amount of time I have to shoot, I will probably be stuck with my 18-200mm for 2 years just to get the fundamental techniques right. Yap that's one reason i chose this versatile lens too. So, 1 filter for 2 years, what's your take?

I think most of us would be happier not buying the best (inflated price) item but get hold of an (cheaper) equivalent. Unless you are a true enthusiast and $ is never a problem. HAHA ;p

 

[xinssh]

Learn how to clean the lens properly so no need filters in the end ???

Google lens filters or hoods
Many answers there though need a bit of sorting out ....

Anyway for general protection the tokina is ok

Have fun and keep shooting

I am concerned with accidental knocks on glass actually. Filter will be my first line of defense.

If there are no serious objections to tokina, I don't see any reasons not getting it. Thanks!