6:48 Omg! One of those videos where the content creator doesn’t say to like or subscribe, that’s the confidence in the quality of his content, keep it up Steele!
I've started attending TH-cam University for photography when Quarantine started last year lol. Today the algorithm put this video in my recommendations. Best one it's ever sent my way...
I have learnt the hard way wrecking a front element of an unfiltered 70 -200 Canon "L" glass lens when the trpod fell over . I always used them in my film days, but was persuaded that they weren't necessary on modern digital cameras. Thanks to your clear explanation I will be returning to using them with a better understanding ..... Thank you
Re negativity bias: to many new photographers spending an extra $50 to protect their lens is unnecessarly painful... until they actually break one. I'm new to this channel and I love every bit of it so thank you!
I had to watch through 3 other youtubers videos on this topic to find yours and be happy with the concise answers you've provided on UV filters. Thank you!
As a beginning photographer and someone trying to improve upon this skillset, I truly appreciate the way you explain the processes. I have watched a few of your videos as I am beginning to take this "hobby" seriously and find your clear, concise way of explaining techniques refreshing and helpful. I can't wait to check out your site. Thank you for being thorough. I am always excited when I can see a person's passion reflected in what they do.
I am a professional photographer. I used UV lens filters early on in my career, and have taken many, many photographs bot with and without. I too have not seen or had any noticeable loss of quality in my photographs using UV filters. I agree that it comes down a personal choice.
@@majicMix911 which isn't really protected if it gets hit cause the thin glass fitler breaks easily. Oh you meant scratches, yeah, modern lenses are very hard to scratch. You meant dust? Then you are right. Otherwise? Use a lens hood for protection
Thanks, Phil. Your clear, common sense explanations are always top notch. When I was a DSLR newbie years ago, your videos took me to the next level and I've been a fan of your tutorials since.
That was a great video. I agree that having a good quality filter is key. It's funny that no one ever says to me "Did you use a filter for this photo? I think it could be 5% better."
I love this! I'm a psychologist and a self thought photographer and it got excited of how you integrate in the end with real life basically! thank you!
Tip (from a easy going prosumer): When you get something like liquid on your lens, maybe first try to soak it up with a piece of cloth without putting much pressure. But then use a LensPen to wipe it clean. Those things are really good at grabbing onto anything and make the glass really clean and shiny. - Don't use it for removing solid materials of course, you can use a soft brush, which is also built into the other end of a LensPen. - This looks like an ad, but trust me, I had some old lenses previously owned by someone else, and they were kind of haze-y when inspecting them. I decided to try out LensPens which made them look all clear like new and it's totally worth the small investment.
you can really tell he is a good photographer even without looking at one of his pictures. I am just starting into this world of photography and this video was really helpful for me thank you!!! Not only a good photographer, a really good person!
I just got a camera and learning photography. By accident I ran across this channel and I can’t get enough of it! I was so overwhelmed when I first got my camera and I have learned so much watching these videos. I love the explanation on the filters and the discussion of negativity bias… talk about an amazing video! Thank you!
I am as yet an aspiring DSLR owner and even I gained incredible value from this video. Thank you sir for making it so clear and balanced. I was already going to comment in appreciation and then.... Negativity bias....blew my mind
This is indeed probably the most down-to-earth, common sense, no-BS approach to the topic that I've seen on TH-cam or anywhere else frankly, and the one that I've been using myself for quite some time. I'm usually keeping the protective filter on by default, especially when outside or traveling, but take it off when I'm going in for the potential money shot. I also usually remove it indoor studio settings and rather keep the hood to protect it from a casual fingerprint etc.
Just put a Hoya HD UV filter on my Nikkor 70-200 F/2.8 E FL lens and was looking for confirmation basis for my decision. Thanks for the thoughtful and simple analysis. Works for me :)
I agree with this video-analysis on the debate. I use B+W Digital MRC Nano Clear Filter XS-Pro to protect my new Canon EF-100-400mm II and an EF 85mm f/1.8 lenses. Other lenses I use are protected with good quality UV filters like B+W and HOYA. These filters are a good rather inexpensive investment to protect your expensive glass. I rather loose a couple of pixels of resolution, visually insignificant for a good image, than fail to protect the lens against dust, salt mist near the sea, smears, scratches, impact and other damages. Anecdote: I once dropped a Canon L lens on my tiles floor from my knee. The lens fell against the front edge of the lens. The filter broke (either B+W or HOYA - don't remember exactly) just like the initial image in the video above, but the glass and the lens survived without a scratch and without damage to the focusing system. I thanked goodness and inmediately replaced the broken filter with a new coated clear glass high quality filter with brass frame. Please do not buy cheap filters. Those may really visually degrade your images and not protect your investment on lenses.
Agreed, I open a new lens and filter at the same time and they are married for life. So many times I'm shooting macro where the dof is so thin that while focusing on a subject I don't see the stray branch that's headed for my lens as I manual focus. Saved me many times. On top of that my lens is an open barrel because the focus mechanism is internal and dust can get down into the lens itself. I strive for super crisp photos and scratches and dust don't mix with high magnification. Great video!
Wow! that is the most insightful message I've heard, not only about filters, but about who I am as a photographer, and what really matters to me. thank you.
I was searching on the internet after buying my new DSLR about this matter. After reading many forums and articles I found this video. Neatly and well explained. Many thanks.
Wow. The clarity of this training is better than any filter would or would not provide in my next shoot! Thanks, a great, logical, straight ahead explanation of an otherwise noisy debate. Much appreciated sir, well done as always.
I chanced upon one of your videos , it really got me hooked onto watching all of them, straight in a row..never was once bored or confused, and it made so many concepts so crystal clear!!! You are an amazing teacher Phil !!
Phil, your teaching of photography is simply amazing. In the short time you summarize all the necessities and I feel very grateful because you share your acknowledgments so generously.
I've seen a couple of videos and I like this guy so far ...no nonsense, straight talking, unbiased advise with a full range of examples as well as no monotonous intros...its topic then a quick intro and most importantly it's accurate information. Definitely subscribing. Looking forward to other videos. 👍👏👏👏
I watch many YTers claiming to give tips informed by their professional experience. And yet, it's rare that any of them cover the topics that you do. Not only that, on the odd occasion that they do, they tend to recycle the common/known talking points in support of the pro or the con; rarely do that offer their own practical and sensible tip born of the real professional experience they profess to have. I'm learning a lot from your videos even though I've been doing hobby photography (and forgetting most of it) since 1981, starting with an SLR. Thanks! I look forward to all your videos.
I’ve been a photographer for a decade, and using a filter seemed common sense to me from day one, but I really enjoy how you go into detail about both sides of the argument and at the end of the day, it’s personal choice. Liked and subscribed!
Thanks you for your straight forward no nonsense tutorials. You keep a steady stream of knowledge going without having to give it a second thought. And you don't talk about your personal life (unless it has to do with photography) like many other people on tutorials do. Thanks again, learned a lot.
What a great, objective review of lens filters... Who else is talking about negativity bias in their reviews to recommend what's right for each individual?? Well done...
Man I wish you were my neighbor! I love learning from someone that actually can teach. Thank you for explaining so well! I love your videos. So helpful no matter what subject you pick. Even if I already think I know it all, you come along and prove to me I don't!
I just found your site and have watched a couple of episodes with great enjoyment. I love how you get to the point sand don't ramble on and on like many people do in tutorial. I've sent the link on to a novice photographer friend. I know she'll learn a lot and enjoy the way you present your topics
Awesome video - you are so thorough at your explanation that you don't leave any "why's" on the table. Hope that makes sense. So many videos make statements but never say why.
Very well-presented video. I saw Tony Northrup's video on this question a while back and it was really interesting to see just how difficult (nearly impossible) it is to scratch the front of a good quality lens. Moreover, he showed that even lenses which have nasty cracks in them don't really affect the image much, if at all. I think your example of getting a drop of something on your filter that wouldn't clean off, however, is real food for thought. I am going to have to reconsider my current aversion to using filters for lens protection.
No-nonsense clear answer. Information-packed and worth every minute of watching (I took notes.) Now I get it because he explains much more vital info than the other videos I've watched. For me, it was a bonus (near the end) about his info about negativity bias since I love behavior/psychology. Thanks for a great video!
This is a never ending debate, and you handled and presented it supremely, and I happen to concur with you. Let’s break this down: For one, Canon happens to require the use of a filter on the front of their ‘L’ Series lenses, to complete the weather proofing process, and warranty! Two, there was this man on the Internet, forget the link, that did some crazy stuff to the front of a Minolta lens I believe, showing how scratches and haze had to be really significant, to affect the final image. He even went so far as to smash/ crack the front element, which did show up of course, but not as bad as one would think. Three, imagine shooting an event, say a child’s birthday, and a young boy or girl walks up to you with chocolate cake all over their little fingers, and proceed to touch and smear that stuff on the front element of your unprotected lens! Would you rather be cleaning a removable filter, or that beautiful front element? I think you know the reasonable answer to that! Just some food for thought, No Pun! Four, I have shot from inside vehicles, or through a window of my house, capturing the many Deer that go through my back yard, and the images come out nice. I have printed them out to 11X14 no problem. Might they have been better not shot through a ‘glass barrier?’ Of course! My point is, it’s not gonna matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Of course, YMMV. To each their own. Peace! 👍✌🏻🇺🇸📷☺️
I love your risk/ reward summary at the end along with all the technical details along the way. When searching for photography questions, when I see a video by Phil Steele, it's the first one clicked! Hope your making serious $$ on your seriously useful training videos.
As someone in psychology and photography, I wasn’t expecting that blending. It was smart and very accurate in your explanation in terms of the negative bias lol
Excellent informative video. Personally I have had protective filters on the front of my lenses since I first started photography back in 1974. I am glad you mentioned quality as well because the filters I use start with German Schott glass and although some might find paying $125 for a 77mm filter is a bit high, the protection of the front elements of Canon L lenses is important to me. This video just validates my personal choice over the decades.
Absolutely right. Dust will eventually accumulate on your lenses over time without you visibly noticing it. I've learned to remove my UV filter when I'm taking photos indoors, such as in museums. Also, my compliments on your informative videos.
Mr. Phil, this is my first time seeing your video's. You've got it going on. Your simple, efficient, thorough, exact, with a calm soothing voice. Plan and simple is always best. Thank you so much.
Negativity Bias ... you rocked that like a ... like a ... hundred dollar bill!! What a beautiful explanation of NB and the choices of UV lens. Great work.
I hike a lot and I consider myself to be a mediocre amateur photographer. My friends like my pics but I know they aren't professional. I've been watching a ton of TH-cam videos trying to improve over time and I have to say your videos have by far been the best ones for me personally. Filters recently came up on my radar and this video really helped me make the decision on whether or not to use them. I'm gonna start using them!
Best explanation whether you should use UV or not!!!! I've seen a lot of videos where you hear either yes or no. I completely agree with you, it's absolutely depends on conditions you're shooting in. Spending $50 is worth for $1000 lens when you think that you may damage front element and you always can remove it if you wish. Another thing is that many people think they have insurance like extended warranty which may cover accidents including ones with front element and they will replace your gear, but nobody knows that you'll receive back a good copy of that lens.
Im so glad I watched this as I had never gave much thought to salt air at the beach and the camera lens. I should have thought about, I have seen what it does to cars. I will definitely cover the lens while I’m at the beach! Thanks!
Great explanation Phil. I've been a photographer for over 30 years and have always used a UV filter on all lenses (taking them off for specific shots). Never have I seen any unacceptable degradation in quality. It always makes me laugh when I see this debate, especially from photographers who refuse to use them yet are happy to stack 2 or 3 thick square filters in front of their lens.
Impressed. Plain english! No one could have made it easier to understand. Thumbs up.
5 ปีที่แล้ว +1
I am just buying new kit and thinking about protective filter for lens. Your explenation is best I saw on internet. I am going for Sigma WR Protective. Thank you for help to decide.
Thanks a lot Steele. You are amazing. Clear, practical, and answering almost everything that comes to mind. You are now my go to teacher for all my questions. Thanks again.
I very much agree with what you're saying. There are some who express a paranoia of "image degredation" by 'evil' filters. During 'lock down' (in UK) I tried to ease the boredom, spending half a day shooting on/off filter comparisons, images tripod mounted, I do use good quality filters. Then I sent doulbe blind to four of my friends, who could pixel peep to any extent they wished. NOBODY identified the filter-no filter images to any consistency or accuracy. The 'droplet' on your filter could have been tree resin, which can be very difficult to remove, especially if it stays on for long, or sets dry. An old truism but has merits, "it's better to keep a lens clean, than to keep cleaning it" one of the functions of the filter.
First of all: I agree, you make a great educator. And you make an excellent argument - for either side. Where I come from is - let me guess - about 65 years of amateur photography, some of it with a degree of ambition. My main point has always been that the best "neutral density" filter to protect my lens came with it. Most people refer to it as the lens cap. I make it a point to remove it before I take an important photo - or any other photo, for that matter. But then I usually put it right back on. On the rare occasions when i go to environmentally questionable locations and plan to use one of my precious lenses (not all my lenses are precious) I may use a filter - I have been known to use the polarizing filter if it was all i had handy. On the other hand, it is ironic that the precious lenses are the ones where you need the filter most but you also want to avoid the filter most in order to get the full optical quality of what you paid all that money for. There has always been the consoling thought - which I never to date had to invoke - that if anything happened to the front element of an expensive lens one could in all probability have just that front element replaced at a cost less than replacing the whole lens. If I have an accident - and I did once - where the mechanics of the lens suffer and repairs are not economical a filter would not have saved the day in any event. Fortunately, said accident involved two good but not "priceless" lenses - as well as two bodies. The bodies, fortunately, were salvageable with minor repairs. None of my filters were harmed ;-) (needless to say?) On the other hand, if I ever engaged in the type of photography where one smears Vaseline or such onto the lens (remember David Hamilton?) I would most certainly employ a filter - and one that I don't need to clean to well afterwards. The point of such an exercise is indeed to reduce "image quality" under controlled circumstances. But then I also wonder if for such photos I would need to use the fanciest glass around. In closing one last question that came to mind while I was listening to you: Do you think Anselm Adams used a protective filter for his "Moon over Hernandez" photo?
Thank you for your information, and for being professional - instead of being one of the "You need this filter!", or "Why You Should Never Use a UV Filter!" guys.
Thanks for your explanation. I totally agree with you. About 15 years ago, or so, I was visiting Egypt as a tourist, enjoying all of their old history and monuments. My brand new Nikon D100 went to the floor from my dining table, but I was lucky: the only part that was broken was the protective filter in my 24-120mm lens. Otherwise, the more than 1.000 dollars lens had been broken or damaging the front part or the lens. Since then, I always use a protective filter (from 20 through 100 dollars, depending on the lens), except for the cases you have mentioned, (I love astronomy pictures) and except for the fish eye lenses, of course. Thanks again.
Many Thanks Phil, Filters are extremely important for protection. I had an Olympus Zuiko Lens 65-200 Zoom F4 and had polarising filter attached to it. I accidently dropped the lens while I was ready to mount it on my Camera Body. It was dropped on the bus floor and the filter was bent and the glass cracked thus saving my very expensive brand Zoom Lens. Besides, for nature and portraits they give an excellent colour balance without any reflections.
The bottom line is if you care about preserving your investment in a lens you need to use filters. If you don't care about the investment then don't use them. I use them simply to preserve the lens's value to resell later. There are some who consume products and simply aren't worried. They run their property into the ground and that's it. They consume the product. When they are done, they might trade it in for another and then consume it's value etc. The lens will have marks and cleaning marks on the front element. It's value will be less than a 10 percent of the new price when sold or traded in. Some buyers just won't touch a lens which has marks or scratches on the front element. Buy the filter and put on your lens when new and you will never have to touch it's surface. It will be pristine forever. You will maintain 60 to 80 percent of its value.
I use 'haze/UV' filters on all my lenses just as matter of habit to protect the front lens element on my lenses..filters are much cheaper to replace than my lenses! Also like to use 'skylight' filters to give a slight 'warming' effect to skin tones. I have found Hoya and Canon brand filters to be quite high quality. Also a note about CPL (circular polarizing filters): I like to use those to emphasize and enhance sky in color photos (like many photographers do). Recently bought a digital camera (Fujifilm X100F) and wanted to use a polarizer on it. All my filters are 52mm or 62mm, thus won't fit on my X100F which has a 49mm lens diameter. Checked on a 49mm polarizer at local photo store and choked at the price for a 'digital' 49mm polarizer ($76.00 !) so I tried my 'regular' polarizer on the camera and it works fine. So: I'm going to use a 49--52 step-up ring to enable me to use one of my 52 mm polarizers and I'm good to go. (already bought the 49mm adapter ring from Fujifilm which is required to be able to use filters with the X100F)
Since most of my work is Boudoir and other types of indoor portraiture, I'm not faced with too many of the hazards you mentioned. However, I agree with you 100% when it comes to most other situations. There really is no reason NOT to protect your lens this way, and I seriously doubt anyone's going to be able to see the difference in clarity when a good quality filter is used. Great video.
Okay, this was by far the best video of this type. You covered all aspects from a neutral standpoint. More than the filter topic, there were other learnings too. Thanks a ton.
Watch more of my free tutorials that are not on TH-cam:
www.steeletraining.com/
Learn about photography and about life in the same video. I love it.
Yes we did lol
Awesome
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
The last part of this video, the psychological analysis, is the crème de la crème. Love it!
Blending photography, psych, and biological natural selection in a 10 minute video? I might have a new TH-cam hero.
Happy to be your hero! Thanks!
same here!
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
wow. that escalated quickly.
Yes Lord
I'm new and I had to take a breather lol
But I'll go ahead and out my UV filter on. Lol
great clip as always thank u
Hey, I love your channel. I that that was you. God Bless Bro.
After reading articles and forums and watching other videos, by far this is the best explanation on the topic
The best answer of this question I have ever seen.
Thanks, Tank, glad to be of service.
Couldn't agree more
I never comment on videos but I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and depth of this explanation. Bravo!
Robin, thanks for the kind words.
Same here. Perfect, simple explenation. Thanks for this video!
Came here to say exactly this!
Why never comment on videos?
6:48 Omg! One of those videos where the content creator doesn’t say to like or subscribe, that’s the confidence in the quality of his content, keep it up Steele!
I've started attending TH-cam University for photography when Quarantine started last year lol. Today the algorithm put this video in my recommendations. Best one it's ever sent my way...
Try Derrell ho-shing 5 tips for better portraits on budget...
This guy has the most logical response to the debate. I side with him!
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
You are not only a master of photography but also a person with highly logical sense!
I have learnt the hard way wrecking a front element of an unfiltered 70 -200 Canon "L" glass lens when the trpod fell over . I always used them in my film days, but was persuaded that they weren't necessary on modern digital cameras. Thanks to your clear explanation I will be returning to using them with a better understanding ..... Thank you
I would listen to this guy for hours. Great comunication skills 👍👍👍
Clear voice and articulate with a simple, straight forward and unambiguous rationale.
Re negativity bias: to many new photographers spending an extra $50 to protect their lens is unnecessarly painful... until they actually break one. I'm new to this channel and I love every bit of it so thank you!
I had to watch through 3 other youtubers videos on this topic to find yours and be happy with the concise answers you've provided on UV filters. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
As a beginning photographer and someone trying to improve upon this skillset, I truly appreciate the way you explain the processes. I have watched a few of your videos as I am beginning to take this "hobby" seriously and find your clear, concise way of explaining techniques refreshing and helpful. I can't wait to check out your site. Thank you for being thorough. I am always excited when I can see a person's passion reflected in what they do.
this has to be one of the best clearest explanations of any topic I've heard on youtube
And the part about negative bias, it's just mind blowing. We know it's there somehow, but the fact that you spoke it out explicitly helped me so much!
I am a professional photographer. I used UV lens filters early on in my career, and have taken many, many photographs bot with and without. I too have not seen or had any noticeable loss of quality in my photographs using UV filters. I agree that it comes down a personal choice.
Gotta protect your precious lens though. Why I use them!
@@majicMix911 which isn't really protected if it gets hit cause the thin glass fitler breaks easily. Oh you meant scratches, yeah, modern lenses are very hard to scratch. You meant dust? Then you are right. Otherwise? Use a lens hood for protection
Thanks, Phil. Your clear, common sense explanations are always top notch. When I was a DSLR newbie years ago, your videos took me to the next level and I've been a fan of your tutorials since.
Thanks Joel! Comments like that make my day.
My thoughts exactly
That was a great video. I agree that having a good quality filter is key. It's funny that no one ever says to me "Did you use a filter for this photo? I think it could be 5% better."
spytromics thats because they are saying your photos could be 100% better ...
@@darrendavenport3334 wrecked him
I love this! I'm a psychologist and a self thought photographer and it got excited of how you integrate in the end with real life basically! thank you!
Only just found these videos but love how he covers everything and doesn't push his own thoughts and ideas as being absolute fact.
Tip (from a easy going prosumer): When you get something like liquid on your lens, maybe first try to soak it up with a piece of cloth without putting much pressure. But then use a LensPen to wipe it clean. Those things are really good at grabbing onto anything and make the glass really clean and shiny. - Don't use it for removing solid materials of course, you can use a soft brush, which is also built into the other end of a LensPen. - This looks like an ad, but trust me, I had some old lenses previously owned by someone else, and they were kind of haze-y when inspecting them. I decided to try out LensPens which made them look all clear like new and it's totally worth the small investment.
you can really tell he is a good photographer even without looking at one of his pictures. I am just starting into this world of photography and this video was really helpful for me thank you!!! Not only a good photographer, a really good person!
I just got a camera and learning photography. By accident I ran across this channel and I can’t get enough of it! I was so overwhelmed when I first got my camera and I have learned so much watching these videos. I love the explanation on the filters and the discussion of negativity bias… talk about an amazing video! Thank you!
I am as yet an aspiring DSLR owner and even I gained incredible value from this video. Thank you sir for making it so clear and balanced. I was already going to comment in appreciation and then.... Negativity bias....blew my mind
This is indeed probably the most down-to-earth, common sense, no-BS approach to the topic that I've seen on TH-cam or anywhere else frankly, and the one that I've been using myself for quite some time. I'm usually keeping the protective filter on by default, especially when outside or traveling, but take it off when I'm going in for the potential money shot. I also usually remove it indoor studio settings and rather keep the hood to protect it from a casual fingerprint etc.
Just put a Hoya HD UV filter on my Nikkor 70-200 F/2.8 E FL lens and was looking for confirmation basis for my decision. Thanks for the thoughtful and simple analysis. Works for me :)
I agree with this video-analysis on the debate. I use B+W Digital MRC Nano Clear Filter XS-Pro to protect my new Canon EF-100-400mm II and an EF 85mm f/1.8 lenses. Other lenses I use are protected with good quality UV filters like B+W and HOYA. These filters are a good rather inexpensive investment to protect your expensive glass. I rather loose a couple of pixels of resolution, visually insignificant for a good image, than fail to protect the lens against dust, salt mist near the sea, smears, scratches, impact and other damages. Anecdote: I once dropped a Canon L lens on my tiles floor from my knee. The lens fell against the front edge of the lens. The filter broke (either B+W or HOYA - don't remember exactly) just like the initial image in the video above, but the glass and the lens survived without a scratch and without damage to the focusing system. I thanked goodness and inmediately replaced the broken filter with a new coated clear glass high quality filter with brass frame. Please do not buy cheap filters. Those may really visually degrade your images and not protect your investment on lenses.
Thanks for this information! I'm an amateur photographer in San Diego, so your SD shoutout made my ears perk up.
Agreed, I open a new lens and filter at the same time and they are married for life. So many times I'm shooting macro where the dof is so thin that while focusing on a subject I don't see the stray branch that's headed for my lens as I manual focus. Saved me many times. On top of that my lens is an open barrel because the focus mechanism is internal and dust can get down into the lens itself. I strive for super crisp photos and scratches and dust don't mix with high magnification. Great video!
Wow! that is the most insightful message I've heard, not only about filters, but about who I am as a photographer, and what really matters to me. thank you.
Unbiased and comprehensive. A rare gem on YT. Thanks a million!
I was searching on the internet after buying my new DSLR about this matter. After reading many forums and articles I found this video. Neatly and well explained. Many thanks.
Absolutely spot on Sir! Protect that front element but take the filter off when you think best! 👏👏👏
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
last few minutes of your speech bought me! Thanks for sharing the philosophy.
Wow. The clarity of this training is better than any filter would or would not provide in my next shoot! Thanks, a great, logical, straight ahead explanation of an otherwise noisy debate. Much appreciated sir, well done as always.
I chanced upon one of your videos , it really got me hooked onto watching all of them, straight in a row..never was once bored or confused, and it made so many concepts so crystal clear!!! You are an amazing teacher Phil !!
Phil, your teaching of photography is simply amazing. In the short time you summarize all the necessities and I feel very grateful because you share your acknowledgments so generously.
I've seen a couple of videos and I like this guy so far ...no nonsense, straight talking, unbiased advise with a full range of examples as well as no monotonous intros...its topic then a quick intro and most importantly it's accurate information. Definitely subscribing. Looking forward to other videos. 👍👏👏👏
I watch many YTers claiming to give tips informed by their professional experience. And yet, it's rare that any of them cover the topics that you do. Not only that, on the odd occasion that they do, they tend to recycle the common/known talking points in support of the pro or the con; rarely do that offer their own practical and sensible tip born of the real professional experience they profess to have. I'm learning a lot from your videos even though I've been doing hobby photography (and forgetting most of it) since 1981, starting with an SLR. Thanks! I look forward to all your videos.
Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated.
I’ve been a photographer for a decade, and using a filter seemed common sense to me from day one, but I really enjoy how you go into detail about both sides of the argument and at the end of the day, it’s personal choice. Liked and subscribed!
Thanks you for your straight forward no nonsense tutorials. You keep a steady stream of knowledge going without having to give it a second thought. And you don't talk about your personal life (unless it has to do with photography) like many other people on tutorials do. Thanks again, learned a lot.
Even if I were earning $1000 an hour I would be seriously upset if my lenses got damaged, so it's filters for me all day long! Thanks, good job!
The most clever and clear video about filters I've ever seen. Congrats.
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
What a great, objective review of lens filters... Who else is talking about negativity bias in their reviews to recommend what's right for each individual?? Well done...
You sir, are the real Dr. Phil. I salute you!
Man I wish you were my neighbor! I love learning from someone that actually can teach. Thank you for explaining so well! I love your videos. So helpful no matter what subject you pick. Even if I already think I know it all, you come along and prove to me I don't!
I just found your site and have watched a couple of episodes with great enjoyment. I love how you get to the point sand don't ramble on and on like many people do in tutorial. I've sent the link on to a novice photographer friend. I know she'll learn a lot and enjoy the way you present your topics
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
I'm just starting out on my photography side hustle, and am glad I have content like this to help me out so early in the journey.
Not only did you answer my question well, your tutorial is an excellent example of how a great video tutorial can be done. Thank you!
Awesome video - you are so thorough at your explanation that you don't leave any "why's" on the table. Hope that makes sense. So many videos make statements but never say why.
Very well-presented video. I saw Tony Northrup's video on this question a while back and it was really interesting to see just how difficult (nearly impossible) it is to scratch the front of a good quality lens. Moreover, he showed that even lenses which have nasty cracks in them don't really affect the image much, if at all. I think your example of getting a drop of something on your filter that wouldn't clean off, however, is real food for thought. I am going to have to reconsider my current aversion to using filters for lens protection.
I bought the filters long back without knowing , what for , and found proper answer today. Awesome video
No-nonsense clear answer. Information-packed and worth every minute of watching (I took notes.) Now I get it because he explains much more vital info than the other videos I've watched. For me, it was a bonus (near the end) about his info about negativity bias since I love behavior/psychology. Thanks for a great video!
This is a never ending debate, and you handled and presented it supremely, and I happen to concur with you.
Let’s break this down: For one, Canon happens to require the use of a filter on the front of their ‘L’ Series lenses, to complete the weather proofing process, and warranty!
Two, there was this man on the Internet, forget the link, that did some crazy stuff to the front of a Minolta lens I believe, showing how scratches and haze had to be really significant, to affect the final image. He even went so far as to smash/ crack the front element, which did show up of course, but not as bad as one would think.
Three, imagine shooting an event, say a child’s birthday, and a young boy or girl walks up to you with chocolate cake all over their little fingers, and proceed to touch and smear that stuff on the front element of your unprotected lens! Would you rather be cleaning a removable filter, or that beautiful front element? I think you know the reasonable answer to that! Just some food for thought, No Pun!
Four, I have shot from inside vehicles, or through a window of my house, capturing the many Deer that go through my back yard, and the images come out nice. I have printed them out to 11X14 no problem. Might they have been better not shot through a ‘glass barrier?’ Of course!
My point is, it’s not gonna matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Of course, YMMV. To each their own.
Peace! 👍✌🏻🇺🇸📷☺️
You deserve more likes
I love your risk/ reward summary at the end along with all the technical details along the way. When searching for photography questions, when I see a video by Phil Steele, it's the first one clicked! Hope your making serious $$ on your seriously useful training videos.
Thanks Warren!
As someone in psychology and photography, I wasn’t expecting that blending. It was smart and very accurate in your explanation in terms of the negative bias lol
Excellent informative video. Personally I have had protective filters on the front of my lenses since I first started photography back in 1974. I am glad you mentioned quality as well because the filters I use start with German Schott glass and although some might find paying $125 for a 77mm filter is a bit high, the protection of the front elements of Canon L lenses is important to me. This video just validates my personal choice over the decades.
Sir this is the best filters review i have ever watched and guidelines that no one had ever given on this topic.. wow
Absolutely right. Dust will eventually accumulate on your lenses over time without you visibly noticing it. I've learned to remove my UV filter when I'm taking photos indoors, such as in museums. Also, my compliments on your informative videos.
Mr. Phil, this is my first time seeing your video's. You've got it going on. Your simple, efficient, thorough, exact, with a calm soothing voice. Plan and simple is always best. Thank you so much.
This is the most rationale and balanced discussion I’ve heard. It’s a bit like stock market portfolio balancing! Nicely done, Sir.
Negativity Bias ... you rocked that like a ... like a ... hundred dollar bill!! What a beautiful explanation of NB and the choices of UV lens. Great work.
I hike a lot and I consider myself to be a mediocre amateur photographer. My friends like my pics but I know they aren't professional. I've been watching a ton of TH-cam videos trying to improve over time and I have to say your videos have by far been the best ones for me personally. Filters recently came up on my radar and this video really helped me make the decision on whether or not to use them. I'm gonna start using them!
Best explanation whether you should use UV or not!!!! I've seen a lot of videos where you hear either yes or no. I completely agree with you, it's absolutely depends on conditions you're shooting in. Spending $50 is worth for $1000 lens when you think that you may damage front element and you always can remove it if you wish. Another thing is that many people think they have insurance like extended warranty which may cover accidents including ones with front element and they will replace your gear, but nobody knows that you'll receive back a good copy of that lens.
I love how you express yourself and how you explain the negativity bias. I personally prefer to protect my lenses than obtain that flawless shot.
I am amazed by how good these Steele's videos are. Thank you very much for doing them.
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
Im so glad I watched this as I had never gave much thought to salt air at the beach and the camera lens. I should have thought about, I have seen what it does to cars. I will definitely cover the lens while I’m at the beach! Thanks!
Great explanation Phil. I've been a photographer for over 30 years and have always used a UV filter on all lenses (taking them off for specific shots). Never have I seen any unacceptable degradation in quality. It always makes me laugh when I see this debate, especially from photographers who refuse to use them yet are happy to stack 2 or 3 thick square filters in front of their lens.
Thanks, the most clear, smart and objective analysis about filters I've seen.
Impressed. Plain english! No one could have made it easier to understand. Thumbs up.
I am just buying new kit and thinking about protective filter for lens. Your explenation is best I saw on internet. I am going for Sigma WR Protective. Thank you for help to decide.
Thanks a lot Steele. You are amazing. Clear, practical, and answering almost everything that comes to mind. You are now my go to teacher for all my questions. Thanks again.
You are just wonderful. Precise, to the point, quick & very optimized to the subject. Thanks for all your videos.
I loved the psychological explanation at the end. I agree, I'd rather protect the lens than squeeze out one more drop of clarity. :)
I very much agree with what you're saying. There are some who express a paranoia of "image degredation" by 'evil' filters. During 'lock down' (in UK) I tried to ease the boredom, spending half a day shooting on/off filter comparisons, images tripod mounted, I do use good quality filters. Then I sent doulbe blind to four of my friends, who could pixel peep to any extent they wished. NOBODY identified the filter-no filter images to any consistency or accuracy. The 'droplet' on your filter could have been tree resin, which can be very difficult to remove, especially if it stays on for long, or sets dry. An old truism but has merits, "it's better to keep a lens clean, than to keep cleaning it" one of the functions of the filter.
Excellent job clearing that conundrum. Really.
First of all: I agree, you make a great educator. And you make an excellent argument - for either side.
Where I come from is - let me guess - about 65 years of amateur photography, some of it with a degree of ambition. My main point has always been that the best "neutral density" filter to protect my lens came with it. Most people refer to it as the lens cap. I make it a point to remove it before I take an important photo - or any other photo, for that matter. But then I usually put it right back on. On the rare occasions when i go to environmentally questionable locations and plan to use one of my precious lenses (not all my lenses are precious) I may use a filter - I have been known to use the polarizing filter if it was all i had handy. On the other hand, it is ironic that the precious lenses are the ones where you need the filter most but you also want to avoid the filter most in order to get the full optical quality of what you paid all that money for.
There has always been the consoling thought - which I never to date had to invoke - that if anything happened to the front element of an expensive lens one could in all probability have just that front element replaced at a cost less than replacing the whole lens. If I have an accident - and I did once - where the mechanics of the lens suffer and repairs are not economical a filter would not have saved the day in any event. Fortunately, said accident involved two good but not "priceless" lenses - as well as two bodies. The bodies, fortunately, were salvageable with minor repairs. None of my filters were harmed ;-) (needless to say?)
On the other hand, if I ever engaged in the type of photography where one smears Vaseline or such onto the lens (remember David Hamilton?) I would most certainly employ a filter - and one that I don't need to clean to well afterwards. The point of such an exercise is indeed to reduce "image quality" under controlled circumstances. But then I also wonder if for such photos I would need to use the fanciest glass around.
In closing one last question that came to mind while I was listening to you: Do you think Anselm Adams used a protective filter for his "Moon over Hernandez" photo?
Thank you for your information, and for being professional - instead of being one of the "You need this filter!", or "Why You Should Never Use a UV Filter!" guys.
we are camera filter factory, I am looking for dealer. Bobby@zoz.ltd
Thanks for your explanation. I totally agree with you. About 15 years ago, or so, I was visiting Egypt as a tourist, enjoying all of their old history and monuments. My brand new Nikon D100 went to the floor from my dining table, but I was lucky: the only part that was broken was the protective filter in my 24-120mm lens. Otherwise, the more than 1.000 dollars lens had been broken or damaging the front part or the lens.
Since then, I always use a protective filter (from 20 through 100 dollars, depending on the lens), except for the cases you have mentioned, (I love astronomy pictures) and except for the fish eye lenses, of course. Thanks again.
Literally The Best Explanation Bravo Sir, Absolutely Impressed By The Explanation.
Many Thanks Phil,
Filters are extremely important for protection. I had an Olympus Zuiko Lens 65-200 Zoom F4 and had polarising filter attached to it. I accidently dropped the lens while I was ready to mount it on my Camera Body. It was dropped on the bus floor and the filter was bent and the glass cracked thus saving my very expensive brand Zoom Lens. Besides, for nature and portraits they give an excellent colour balance without any reflections.
The bottom line is if you care about preserving your investment in a lens you need to use filters. If you don't care about the investment then don't use them. I use them simply to preserve the lens's value to resell later. There are some who consume products and simply aren't worried. They run their property into the ground and that's it. They consume the product. When they are done, they might trade it in for another and then consume it's value etc. The lens will have marks and cleaning marks on the front element. It's value will be less than a 10 percent of the new price when sold or traded in. Some buyers just won't touch a lens which has marks or scratches on the front element. Buy the filter and put on your lens when new and you will never have to touch it's surface. It will be pristine forever. You will maintain 60 to 80 percent of its value.
I use 'haze/UV' filters on all my lenses just as matter of habit to protect the front lens element on my lenses..filters are much cheaper to replace than my lenses! Also like to use 'skylight' filters to give a slight 'warming' effect to skin tones. I have found Hoya and Canon brand filters to be quite high quality. Also a note about CPL (circular polarizing filters): I like to use those to emphasize and enhance sky in color photos (like many photographers do). Recently bought a digital camera (Fujifilm X100F) and wanted to use a polarizer on it. All my filters are 52mm or 62mm, thus won't fit on my X100F which has a 49mm lens diameter. Checked on a 49mm polarizer at local photo store and choked at the price for a 'digital' 49mm polarizer ($76.00 !) so I tried my 'regular' polarizer on the camera and it works fine. So: I'm going to use a 49--52 step-up ring to enable me to use one of my 52 mm polarizers and I'm good to go. (already bought the 49mm adapter ring from Fujifilm which is required to be able to use filters with the X100F)
Fantastic... especially the last part!
I like this guy tutorial , straight to the point
Since most of my work is Boudoir and other types of indoor portraiture, I'm not faced with too many of the hazards you mentioned. However, I agree with you 100% when it comes to most other situations. There really is no reason NOT to protect your lens this way, and I seriously doubt anyone's going to be able to see the difference in clarity when a good quality filter is used. Great video.
What a pleasure to listen to calm logic. Thanks Phil for a great explanation.
Excellent, clear and concise, always super helpful
This is one of the best videos I've seen in a long time.
Awesome presentation. Both sides of controversy, with some bias toward using filter. Leaves the viewer to make their own decision. Thanks!
Okay, this was by far the best video of this type. You covered all aspects from a neutral standpoint. More than the filter topic, there were other learnings too. Thanks a ton.
dang. your droplet story convinced the heck out of me. UV filter acquired.
Such a nuanced answer to the question but a worthy video in all regards! Well done sir and hats off!
this makes me very glad i invested in a clear filter for my F100
Your explanations are so nice n concise, very easy to understand. Also your pronunciation is very good to listen n easy to understand. Thank you.