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loadedcamera's picture
Submitted By: loadedcamera
Location: Matthews, NC
Joined: Mar 14 2006
Posts:
To UV, or not to UV, that is the Question!
Posted: March 14, 2006 - 10:56am

Hello All!

I have a question regarding the use of a UV filter on a macro lens.

Who uses them? Has anybody experienced any softness that they can attribute to a typical Tiffon UV filter?

I shoot a Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens. It could be due to auto-focus (I know.. shouldn't use auto-focus in the macro world) but I tend to see a softness in the focus/sharpness of the images that I get with this lens. Its not 100% of the time, but enough that I'm considering letting someone else try it and see if they get the same results.

Lets hear your opinions..

Byron Yeiser

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uniq1111's picture
Submitted By: uniq1111
Location: Cleveland Ohio
Joined: Dec 8 2005
Posts:
#1
Re: To UV, or not to UV, that is the Question!
Posted: March 14, 2006 - 1:57pm

according to the B&W website....

here is the function of a UV filter

"Haze filters provide additional benefits of correction for Ultraviolet(UV) light which can register on film and videotape as a bluish cast and can obscure distant details. Ultraviolet filters allow you to correct for the UV effect to varying degrees.

The UV-Haze filter is helpful when photographing mountain and marine scenes, where increased haze threatens to make your photographs indistinct in color and clarity. "

now exactly why are you putting this piece of glass between your lens and the subject? It ain't to block UV..unless you are in the habit of using a macro lens for landscapes on hazy days.

If you honestly feel there could be ANY possibility that you are getting softness then why in God's name would you keep it on the lens?

as for protecting the lens....that's even more ridiculous...the 105mm Sigma has a front element so far recessed into the barrel that the only way you are going to scratch the front element is if you poke a screwdriver down the barrel.

the case for UV/skylight filters is weak with most normal lenses....but there is NO reason for using one with this partcular lens...or any other lens with similar construction like the Nikkor 60mm and 105mm Micros

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