No argument there, Ray. For one thing few if any filters I've seen can
match the multicoating of lenses.
Another, probably more significant factor, I believe - altho' I can't prove
it or explain why - the flat surface of a filter renders it more susceptible
to veiling flare than the curved surfaces typical of the front elements on
most lenses.
While both types of surfaces are vulnerable to flare, a curved surface tends
to focus or concentrate flare on a specific point, while flare spreads
itself across the flat surface of a filter. In both cases use of an
appropriate lens hood can help minimize flare, but it's probably more
difficult to do so with filters.
So when I'm concerned about a light source affecting the photo I do remove
protective filters. Unless I actually *want* flare in the image. There are
times when I like a certain amount of veiling flare - that even, brushlike
stoke of glare that closely resembles the effect of light on the human eye -
and if a coated lens seems to "overcorrect" for flare, I may use a filter to
recapture it.
I have an old Can-not-an-OM 35/3.5 S.C. lens that, while resistant to most
flare, produces a wonderful "romantic" sort of effect when the low rising or
setting sun is deliberately kept in or just out of the frame. I have some
really nice shots of a marina in the evening with a nice, subtle brush of
veiling flare with none of the familiar, specifically identifiable circular
or iris shaped flare artifacts.
Lex
===
From: Ray Moth <ray_moth@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [OM] Hoya lens? and other grumblings...
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 22:40:09 -0700 (PDT)
Lex wrote:
(snip) Anyone who is persuaded that decent quality filters
significantly impair resolution . . . (snip)
====================================================================
Lex,
I agree with your opinion; however, my impression is that it is not
resolution that is impaired by the unnecessary use of filters but
contrast and flare. It's very subjective, because I haven't carried out
side-by-side tests, but IMHO my pics are a tad more contrasty since I
stopped using UV filters all the time. As to flare, my experience has
been that a shot of a scene that includes a bright light source is
almost always adversely affected by using a filter. I must admit,
though, that resolution does not seem to have sufferred at all. (All
my filters are Hoyas and I believe them to be of good quality).
Regards,
Ray
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