This video features the Minolta SRT 201 SLR film camera and the Nikon D3200 DSLR and focuses on the use of photographic lens filters for lens protection. For our purposes, lens filters are round pieces of glass mounted in a metal ring that screw into the threads at the front of a lens. They typically serve a photographic purpose related to image quality or image manipulation as seen through the lens. In this video, I want to discuss my personal practice of using certain types of lens filters solely to protect my lenses—specifically the front (or top) lens element. On DSLR or mirrorless cameras, clear, UV, or skylight filters can be used for this purpose, and when high-quality filters are used, there is no noticeable impact on image quality. It’s important to note that there is ongoing debate among photographers about whether protective filters should be used at all. Protective lens filters are only effective when you invest in good-quality glass.
Pros:
Lens filters help protect your lens from scratches and physical damage.
High-quality filters do not noticeably degrade image quality.
Using a UV filter regularly can prevent tiny scratches that may occur during routine lens cleaning.
Cons:
Low-quality filters can reduce image quality.
What not to do:
Avoid stacking a protective filter with other filters.
Consider removing the protective filter when shooting directly toward the sun, as it may increase lens flare.
Ultimately, it’s often much more reassuring to clean dirt or grit off an inexpensive filter rather than risking damage to an expensive lens.