9 replies to this topic

[Chikorita]

Hi Everyone, I'm new so apologies if this is in the wrong forum. Feel free to move. So Here's my question: I needed a new UV filter and my lens cap went MIA at a wedding. It is supposedly being posted to me but who knows. Anyway, these items are 'cheap as' on eBay but hubby bought the genuine stuff from a camera store. Just wondering what the non-guenuine stuff from eBay etc is like? Do you take your life in your hands purchasing online like that? I know it depends on a lot of things but is there anything that is any good? Hope this makes sense.

[Black Pearl]

A lens cap is a lens cap is a lens cap. It's a bit of plastic (generally) that you take off to take a picture.
While its nice to have 'Nikon' stamped on the front it doesn't really matter.

A UV filter is a different kettle of fish entirely:

You take pictures with it on your lens.
If its inferior you run a higher risk of it affecting the results.

[Chikorita]

Thanks. That is a good point. I would have bought the cap online except I want to use my camera and I'm worried I'll wreck the lens. It is my BiL who has my lens cap so hopefully it will arrive soon and I will then have two.

[Gary Worrall]

I guess you may already know this but you do not need a UV filter on a digital camera lens For those who want to protect their lens, There are some filters out there that are just for protection only

[Art]

I agree with Robin on both comments. Typically, you will pay substantially more to have the Nikon logo on the replacement. Both work, it is up to your budget. As for filters.... I use non on my lenses. I did buy a series of amazingly cheap fotodiox pola filters to experiment with, fully expecting to toss them, but I wanted to try them out. Surprisingly, they worked out OK for what I was doing. I remove them for serious photo taking until I have time to test and see how they actually perform in terms of image degradation. My philosophy on filters has always been, you don't put cheap glass on expensive glass. If you want quality results, buy a brand name filter. They are substantially more expensive, but the results will speak for themselves.

[chaswes5]

Agree, Agree. Cheap filter glass no. I have been using a Pro Master brand for some time and have found that brand to be good. Not cheap but good. A good filter, depending on size, can easily run a $100 USD.

[Chikorita]

I guess you may already know this but you do not need a UV filter on a digital camera lens
For those who want to protect their lens,
There are some filters out there that are just for protection only

I didn't already know that. I basically know nothing but I'm keen to learn.
What are the protection filters called?

[Gary Worrall]

I didn't already know that. I basically know nothing but I'm keen to learn.
What are the protection filters called?

First of all, I must say I agree with the rest,
It is best not to put anything in front of the lens, usually, image quality will drop off with cheap filters,
Plus you can get refraction, flaring, and the list goes on

There is a cheap Kenko filter but I don't use any filters now due to the problems mentioned
Now, you can buy "hi end" filters that cost a lot, in Australia, I've seen them as high as 100-200$ They are extremely thin but often sit that close to the lens cap, the lens cap scratches them!

It is recommended that a protector filter be used in extreme environments like saltwater spray or other situations where the lens is being pelted by particles
In general, its best to go naked, even in public
Keep a lens cap on for protection in transit,
If you do loose a lens cap in transit, (it happens), just use any old filter as a back-up and take it off when shooting

Get yourself a rocket blower, and a good lens cleaning kit

Lastly, in the old days, (yes I'm unfortunately old enough), shooting film, you did need a UV filter, with our digital sensors, they are not required
Hope this helps
Regards
Gary

[Chikorita]

That's a great help. Thanks heaps.

[Gary Worrall]

Your welcome, Have fun