Everything you've ever needed to know about using aUV lens filter from best use cases to hidden benefits.

An ultra violet (UV) lens filter is a must-have for many photographers, and it tends to exist the kickoff type of filter that newcomers to photography purchase. Just when should you apply a UV filter to reap its many benefits?

Why should photographers use UV filters?

Whether ametuer or professional person, most photographers utilize a UV filter to protect their photographic camera equipment, especially if they take an expensive lens. UV lens filters prevent dust and clay from coming into contact with the lens essentially acting as a protective embrace that shields your lens at all times.

A UV lens filter acts as a protective filter that weatherproofs camera lenses by shielding the front element of your lens from dust and other nasties. So, if you shoot outdoors, this filter volition testify invaluable.

The filter can block sand, dust or other particles in the air from getting about your lens. If rain or water droplets go on your lens filter, information technology's easier to wipe these off your filter than your lens and y'all run less adventure of dust scratches. This is especially and then if your lens filter has a multi-resistant blanket.

A UV lens filter besides offers protection in windy conditions. It acts as a buffer, keeping air current-borne substances such as sea spray, grit or sand from going near your lens. Certainly, if you need to take photos in any kind of atmospheric condition, you'll discover a UV lens filter indispensable.

A lens filter with UV backdrop can as well protect your camera from whatsoever accidental bumps or, and can ofttimes exist the difference between having to replace a smashed lens for thousands of dollars and a smashed filter for under $100.. This is particularly relevant if you're out and virtually with your camera, climbing upward mountains, scrambling over rocks or shooting past the ocean.

Lens protected from sand by a UV filter.

Do UV filters reduce paradigm quality?

Some people believe that using lens filters negatively affects image quality, but it actually depends on the quality of the lens filter. So long as the optical glass on your UV filter is as good equally or amend than that of your lens, information technology won't noticeably affect image quality. A premium quality UV filter won't affect image quality, exposure settings, colouration or contrast, and volition assist clarity and sharpness while protecting your lens. For this reason, you can go on a UV filter on your lens permanently .

Y'all may encounter a reduction in image quality if you determine to stack multiple lens filters onto your lens, because light is passing through extra layers of glass. If you're shooting in challenging weather nonetheless, and need the combined effects of two filters, the benefits of the filters may outweigh the loss of image quality. We've written upwards a guide to stacking lens filters to assistance you lot with this.

Are UV filters necessary for digital cameras?

If y'all use an sometime-school film camera, a UV lens filter will block out UV lite from the film, peculiarly useful when using film stock that might exist particularly sensitive to UV lite.

Modernistic digital cameras (typically post 2007) have an inbuilt sensor that automatically keeps UV light at bay. However, even photographers using mod cameras note that a UV filter tin can nonetheless reduce brume and sharpen an prototype. It can too help to boost contrast on overcast days or shooting when shadows are present. Simply most importantly, a UV filter will protect your lens, making them invaluable fifty-fifty for use on digital equipment.

If you'd prefer lens protection with the added benefits of polarisation, perhaps a CPL could exist more than beneficial for your photography. Have a look at our UV filter vs CPL filter comparing guide to find out more nigh the best use cases for these two filters.

Are UV filters expensive?

UV filters can cost anywhere betwixt $20 and $100, a small price to pay to protect a lens in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Urth's UV filters range from $22 for our standard range up to $89 for our professional person Plus+ range. The departure in these two ranges and price points lies in the quality of the drinking glass used and the layers of nano-blanket. For example, our more expensive UV Filter Plus+ uses world-leading German SCHOTT glass and thirty layers of nano-coating to produce an extremely loftier quality image.

When you're deciding how much money to spend on a UV filter, nosotros recommend matching the quality of the lens filter to the quality of your lens. Nosotros've written an ultimate heir-apparent'due south guide to UV filters that can shed even more light on the more practical, financial considerations to take into account when shopping for a UV protection lens filter.

An Urth UV Filter.

When should yous not utilise a UV filter?

Some photographers fence that calculation a UV lens filter tin can increase the prevalence of reflections, ghosting and lens flares in your images. However, this is very unlikely to happen if you utilize a skilful quality lens filter from a reputable supplier.

Should I get a UV filter for my lens?

If you want to reap the most benefits from using a UV lens filter, choose ane that is of a loftier quality and preferably comes with a protective multi-resistant coating, particularly if y'all use your camera outdoors a lot. You tin find different grades of UV lens filter protection, ranging from those that cake out minimal UV radiation to those that absorb the majority of UV light. Our ultimate buyer'south guide to UV filters should be really helpful if y'all're looking for more information on the available options!

Did you know Urth makes lens filters that reforest the globe? V copse are planted in deforested areas for every filter purchased. Shop our range of lens filters here .