The UV Protection Lens Filter — When and When Not to Use One

– UV Protection Lens Filter –

Note this: Everything with lens deserves protection! Just as you blink your eyes on impulse after looking at the sun, UV protection lens filters do the same for camera lenses. This article brings all information on UV protection Lens filters together.

Have you heard that a UV lens filter for your lens is like cheap lens insurance? You might be wondering if this is accurate. That’s exactly what we’ll look at in this article.

We’ll also look at why the UV protection lens filter was created in the first place, as well as how useful it is in today’s digital photography.

By the conclusion of this article, you’ll know the benefits and drawbacks of UV protection lens filters, as well as when to use one and when not to.

UV Protection Lens Filter Definition

Filters for camera lenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The UV protection Lens filter is one of the most ancient. Let’s look at the definition to see how it differs from other sorts of photographic gear.

What Is a UV Lens Filter?

A UV protection lens filter is a lens filter that attaches to the front of a camera lens to minimize the quantity of ultraviolet radiation that enters the camera. When shooting film photography, this is very critical.

UV radiation is more sensitive to film stock, which can cause deterioration in photographs.

Digital cameras, on the other hand, are not as sensitive to UV radiation as film cameras. Photographers who shoot digitally, on the other hand, nevertheless need a UV protection lens filter to protect the frontal parts of their lenses.

Functions of UV Protection Lens Filters

The three (3) basic functions of these UV lens filters are:

1. UV light reduction.

2. Provide scratch-proof for lens

3. Protects lens from dust, moisture, and other potential risks.

We discuss these and other functions in the following sub sections.

1. Blocks UV Light

Film was the sole option prior to the advent of digital photography. Photographers discovered that some of their images were discolored. The presence of blue colors was visible in their photographs.

They quickly discovered that ultraviolet light, sometimes known as UV light, was the source of the problem.

Photographers devised the UV protection lens filter to address this issue. They reduce the quantity of ultraviolet light allowed into the camera using this UV filter camera lens modification.

UV light became less of a concern with the emergence of digital technology in DSLR and mirrorless cameras. UV light was not as sensitive in digital cameras.

Digital photographers used the UV protection lens filter as a physical shield for the frontal parts of their lenses.

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2. Protects the Lens

Let’s look at how much UV protection an ultraviolet lens filter provides. Dropping any sort of camera lens is the most straightforward way to damage it.

UV filters, however, have far weaker glass than the elements in most camera lenses. This implies that they will frequently shatter when your lens would not otherwise.

Internal lens damage is likewise not protected by UV filters. There are many more quality glass components within a lens than the frontal portion.

Dropping your lens while wearing one will do just as much internal damage as dropping it without one.

Although UV protection lens filters are ineffective at protecting your lens from drops, they can shield it from other dangers. They can help to protect your lens from scratches caused by minor contact with abrasive surfaces.

They may shield your lens from contaminants such as dust, grime, snow, and even salt in the air while shooting near the sea.

Con(s) of UV Protection Lens Filter

The following are the disadvantages of using UV protection lens filters

Slightly Reduces Image Quality

When you use a UV filter on your lens, it provides a new medium for light to pass through before it can generate a picture. Your image’s good quality will be significantly lowered as a result of this.

UV filters can cut the quantity of light that enters a camera by 0.5 percent to 5%. Your image’s resolution will be reduced as a result of this.

However, the change is negligible. The quality loss can be practically undetectable or, at least, corrected in post-production.

The quality of your UV filter determines the fluctuation in image quality. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Spending a little more on filters will help you preserve image quality while also safeguarding your lens.

Check out the comparison video below to see how a cheap vs. high-quality filter might affect your shot.

Light aberrations and unintended lens flares are the things to watch out for. When shooting straight at a bright light source, the additional glass element might generate undesired flares.

Do You Need a UV Lens Filter?

“Do I need a UV filter on my lens?” you might question after reading all of this. To that query, the response is that it depends. What are you filming and where are you shooting it?

If you’re filming an event with a lot of people or action, you’re more likely to have an accident. Guests may spill beverages, confetti may fly, dancing may occur, and someone may accidentally bump into your lens. Who knows what will happen.

Maybe you’re a photographer who specializes in action sports. Your photo sessions take you to the desert, snow-capped mountains, and sandy beaches. These are places where dust, salt, and water particles abound.

In instances like these, a filter would be a good idea to cover the frontal aspect of your lens at the very least. Sure, if you don’t have an Ultraviolet filter, you may just clean your lens.

However, even using expert equipment to clean your lens may result in the buildup of micro scratches, which could eventually harm your lens.

When Not to Use a UV Protection Filter

Why not keep your UV lens filters on all the time if they can safeguard your camera?

It will, once again, depend on what you’re filming. Image quality may be one of your top objectives while shooting studio images for artistic conceptual photography.

When photographing directly at light sources such as sunsets, you should avoid utilizing UV filters, as explained in the video. The additional glass element might induce undesired flares or distortions in the light.

It’s never a bad idea to keep a camera lens UV filter in your camera bag. It is not required, however, to have one on your lens at all times.

Based on the facts presented in this article, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not to use one.

Types of Camera Lenses

Finding the proper lens for your camera may make a significant difference in the quality of your photographs and overall output.

However, understanding everything there is to know about video and photography camera lenses may be costly and time-consuming.

We’ll go through the many sorts of camera lenses in this post, so you can figure out which lens, or collection of lenses, is ideal for you going ahead.

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1. Camera Lenses for Photo and Video

Camera lenses come in a variety of shapes and sizes. That’s why a camera lens guide like this can assist you in purchasing or renting the best lenses.

We’ll go through the fundamental sorts of lenses, however many lenses can be two distinct types at the same time.

Consider the following scenarios:

a. A standard lens can also be a prime lens.

b. Parfocal lenses are similar to zoom lenses.

c. Telephoto lenses can also be long-focus lenses.

Different lenses are better for different scenarios, and this isn’t only true for photography or video. The picture qualities of both are determined by the lens quality and focal length.

Also, the lens mount, not the focal length or lens capabilities, determines the sorts of lenses accessible for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

A prime lens for a DSLR or a fish-eye lens for a mirrorless camera are both acceptable as long as the camera and lens mounts are compatible. Let’s have a look at the many varieties of camera lenses.

‣ The Prime Lens

We refer any lens with a fixed focal length to as a prime lens. As a result, it cannot be “zoomed” in order to change the lens’ field of vision. A prime lens, for example, has a fixed focal length of 50mm.

Although you can’t change the focal length of a prime lens, you can vary the focal distance of the lens using the focus ring.

Because of their typically greater image quality, they commonly regarded prime lenses to be industry standard.

Some cinematographers favor zoom lenses over primes, but depending on the situation, they will flip back and forth. There is no hard and fast rule, and it frequently depends on tone and topic matter.

Roger Deakins describes his general approach to lens selection in this video. He also explains why he favors prime lenses over zoom lenses, and his response might surprise you.

As Deakins says, different focal lengths of camera lenses convey different tales. Julia Trotti’s video does an excellent job of comparing the various focal lengths of prime lenses.

A prime lens isn’t only a movie lens, though. Photography prime lenses do exist, and the quality of the lenses is frequently superior since the lens elements do not change when zooming.

Because they are created around a small number of established characteristics rather than continually varying parameters like a camera zoom lens, prime lenses are superior for picture and video.

Another advantage of prime lenses over zooms is that you must adjust the camera to a more deliberate angle rather than simply zooming in from your previous setup.

‣ The Zoom Lens

We refer to any lens having a changeable focal length to as a zoom lens. They may zoom it in on to change the focal length and hence the field of view.

The topic is magnified or de-magnified to bring them “closer to” or “further away” from the audience.

Although some cinematographers favor zoom lenses, prime lenses are commonly recommended. The fixed focal length usually correlates to a high degree of picture control and quality.

That stated, you’ll need a zoom lens for your next film project if you want to take a zoom shot.

In addition, prime lenses frequently have a higher camera aperture rating, which impacts the depth of focus. Shallow depth of field is achieved with wider apertures, and we achieve deep depth of field with narrower apertures.

These factors, however, are applicable to all types of camera lenses.

The Office, Parks & Recreation, and Brooklyn 99 are just a few examples of comedy series that employ zoom lenses for that Cinéma Vérité style. Wes Anderson’s directing technique also incorporates zoom lenses.

They’re used for dramatic zooms and a little of humor in Anderson’s better flicks.

By simultaneously zooming in with the lens and dallying backward, they achieved the iconic Vertigo dolly zoom. The focal length of the lens was altered but the relative photo composition remained the same.

‣ Parfocal Lens

A parfocal lens is one that maintains relative focus while changing the focal length of a zoom lens. Because the focal length of a prime lens cannot be modified, we must classify any lens that is deemed parfocal as a zoom lens.

It’s best to have a parfocal lens if you plan to utilize a zoom lens on your next project and wish to alter focal length while filming. On a varifocal zoom lens, keeping your subject in focus while changing the focal length is practically impossible.

Because zoom lenses offer their own benefits, manufacturers have spent a lot of time and effort developing them to behave more like prime lenses.

Professional cinematographers understand that a decent parfocal zoom lens is a valuable tool for any filmmaker to have, but they may be costly. Like… The price ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.

2. Standard Types of Camera Lenses

The following are types and examples of standard camera lenses.

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‣ Standard Lens

A standard lens has a fixed focal length (prime) that is about the same as the camera sensor or film gauge (measured diagonally).

Your focal length for a full frame sensor should be approximately 42mm. A lens having a focal length of 35mm to 55mm is commonly referred to as a “standard” focal length.

The human eye is said to have a field of vision comparable to that of a 17mm to 25mm lens with an f/3.2 aperture rating, although this has been questioned since the human eye has a genuine field of view closer to that of a 17mm to 25mm lens with an f/3.2 aperture rating.

Our cone of visual focus is the underlying reason 35mm to 55mm are identical to the human eye.

The rest of our eyesight is peripheral vision, which restricts what we’re actually focused on inside our field of view.

‣ Wide-angle Lens

A wide-angle lens is one that has a fixed focal length that is less than the sensor or film’s length (measured diagonally). Your wide-angle focal length for a full frame sensor would be anything less than 35mm.

A wide-angle lens is often defined as a lens having a focal length ranging from 35mm to 23mm. Any wider would put the lens in fisheye area, which can still be deemed wide-angle but is more particular thanks to the fisheye name.

It’s vital to think about your lens choices before you step foot on set, so having the ability to specify your lens while establishing your shot list is helpful.

That way, you’ll know what type of equipment you’ll need to hire for your shoot days, and you’ll be able to make the most of every visual decision you make.

‣ Long-Focus Lens

Any lens with a fixed focal length that is much longer than the length of the sensor or film is referred to as a long focus lens (measured diagonally). Any focal length greater than 55mm would be appropriate for a full frame sensor.

A long-focus lens is often defined as one with a focal length ranging from 55mm to 500mm. They’re sometimes referred to as ‘long lenses.’

Some long lenses can also be telephoto lenses, although this only happens when a telephoto group of glass is integrated into the lens.

The next section delves deeper into the most extreme varieties of camera lenses, such as fish-eye, telephoto, macro, and smartphone lenses.

3. Extreme Types of Camera Lenses

This category makes a note-worthy list of extreme camera lenses and explains each of them.

‣ Fisheye Lens

Any lens having a fixed focal length that is much shorter than the length of the film sensor is referred to as a fisheye lens (measured diagonally).

For a full frame sensor, a fisheye focal length of less than 23mm would suffice. From Vox, here’s a look at the history of the fisheye lens.

A fisheye lens is often defined as a lens with a focal length ranging from 22mm to 1mm. It’s easy to understand why the fisheye lens is considered a specialty type of camera lens.

The distortions it causes are aesthetic, but they are entirely “unnatural” in comparison to human vision.

‣ Telephoto Lens

The telephoto group is an unique lens group fitted into a telephoto lens. This is due to the fact that certain lenses have a focal length that is larger than the lens’s physical length.

A 500mm lens is one example of this, however it depends on the actual length of the lens.

Consider how a telescope can see planets that are millions of miles distant yet is little bigger than your bedroom window.

‣ Macro Lens

A macro lens reproduces an image on the sensor plane or film plane that is similar in size to the physical subject.

Macro lenses are most commonly employed to capture a very small subject in excellent detail, such as an insect or a coin.

‣ Smartphone Lens

Because so many indie filmmakers and social media influencers are shooting video on their cellphones, we must at the very least discuss iPhone and Samsung lenses.

Moment is one of the most popular.

To attach the lenses to the iPhone or Samsung body, you’ll need to purchase the Moment Brand cover, but once it’s in place, you can switch lenses in a flash.

Each lens will set you back approximately $100.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The following frequently asked questions provide more direct answers to specific questions. This section provides additional information on UV protection lens filters from first-hand knowledge, mostly.

1. What Is the Use of UV & Nd Filter in Dslr? Which One Is Better?

Ans: “There isn’t a separate DSLR filter. UV filters are most useful at high altitudes.

It shields the lens from dust and finger marks caused by careless handling in general. During filming, an ND filter was used.

However, in today’s digital cameras, it’s pointless. Because contemporary digital cameras have the power to deal with very bright or reflected light.”

2. How Important Is UV Protector for Camera Lenses?

Ans: “Because digital is resistant to the effects of UV radiation, UV filters are no longer necessary in current DSLRs.

Most people just use UV filters on their lenses to protect the front element from scratches these days. It is important to remember that glass is a super-cooled liquid that is nearly hard to scratch.

Lenses, on the other hand, contain a unique coating on the glass parts that helps to eliminate chromatic aberration and diffraction effects. This coating is extremely readily scratched.

If you have a UV filter, the front element of the lens is protected from dust, sand, wind (with dust or sand), rain, water splash, and other elements.

A bird spat spit on the lens while my companion was shooting looking up during a trip in the bush for wildlife.

Thankfully, the drop landed in the lens body, which was then protected by lenscoat. Consider what would have happened if the dropping had landed on the exposed front piece.

A UV filter, on the other hand, puts another glass element in front. It’s possible that this glass isn’t as well coated or as effective as the lens itself.

As a result, images will be significantly “damaged.” If you want to use a UV filter, make sure you choose a decent one, such as this one.

It’s also worth noting that the UV filter will not protect the lens from a fall. The filter will be shattered if this happens. Although I stated that scratching glass is very impossible, glass can scratch glass (others are diamond and tungsten carbide).

As a result, there’s a probability of gashes on the front element of the lens.”

3. What Nd Filter Should I Use in Bright Sunlight?

Ans: “In strong sunshine, a 10 stop ND filter is the best option. It’s also possible that 6 stops will suffice. Please make every effort to obtain the greatest ND Filter.

For a bright day, especially in the middle of the day, I like a 10 stop filter. As the sun sets, you can use a lower-powered ND filter.”

4. Is the Lens Blue Cut, if It Is UV Protection?

Ans: “they often used Blue cut lenses inside or in the office to cut blue light with a wavelength of 380–450nm for gaming or computer glasses.

Sunglasses lenses filter UV rays with wavelengths of 100–380nm and are intended for usage outdoors.

The answer is that it depends on the lens maker or standard. Crizal Prevencia lenses, for example, block both UV and blue radiation.”

5. Can I Leave a UV Filter on All the Time?

Ans: “You certainly can, but many professional photographers do not. They may, however, be a touch purist about it.

Yes, it’s a cheap piece of glass or plastic between your lens and the scene, but I’ve never been able to tell the difference between two photos taken with and without the UV filter.”

6. Is It Necessary to Use a Lens Filter to Avoid Dust Into a Lens?

Ans: “No.

Any quality lens has a relatively strong coating on the front surface. It’s not a phone screen, but it’s also not very delicate. It is possible to clean it (with the right products and good technique).

If you’re talking about sand or something like, it’s usually best to keep it away from the lens.

So, having some UV filters on hand is a smart idea, but don’t immediately slap them on since they have a drawback: they contain internal reflections and diminish the contrast of your photos.”

7. How Can I Tell if My Lenses Have a Blue Light Protection?

Ans: “When you glance at the computer screen, all of the pale colors turn a bit yellowish.

Furthermore, only if the eyeglass lens includes blue light protection will you see a blueish reflection.

If it contains UV protection, it will reflect in a greenish hue.

I’m not sure, but I’m sharing my glasses experience with you. I had every single one of them.”

8. Which Is Better, a UV Filter or a Polarizing Filter?

Ans: “It’s important to remember that UV-protected lenses must have a blue cut. However, blue cut lenses may absorb not just blue light but also damaging UV rays from the sun.

You can choose a blue cut lens to shield yourself from the sun’s rays when choosing a lens.”

9. Why Do Some Camera Filters Vignette on My Wide-Angle Lenses?

Ans: “Wide angle lenses (with or without UV protection lens filters) are more prone to vignetting at the corners of photographs than standard or long-focus lenses due to an optical fact.

As you may expect, a big amount of the light captured and concentrated by the wide-angle lens around the image’s perimeter must be twisted MORE than light forming regions towards the image’s center.

As a result, light from the frame’s borders strikes the sensor at a lower angle than light from the center.

Although the sensor’s pixels are extremely tiny and thin, they do have depth. That is, photons of light striking a pixel at a low angle are LESS EFFECTIVE in illuminating that pixel than photons striking it directly.

And this implies that pixels at the wide-angle image’s perimeter aren’t lighted nearly as well as those in or around the center.

This issue can be mitigated to some extent by lens design, and it can be nearly eliminated by processing software (both in-camera and post-production).“

10. Can You Use a Lens Hood and Filter at the Same Time?

Ans: “Yes, you certainly can.

Some lens hoods attach to the lens’s exterior and are sufficient. Some screw to the inner thread of the filter mount; with wide angle lenses, you must be careful that a UV protection lens filter plus a lens hood do not cause vignetting.”

We hope this article has provided you with all and more information on UV protection lens filters. Do well to share this article with your friends and loved ones by using the share buttons on this page.

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The UV Protection Lens Filter — When and When Not to Use One