UV or Clear Protection Filter?

When deciding between a UV (ultraviolet) filter and a clear protection filter for your digital camera, it’s important to understand how each one works and the benefits they offer. Both are designed to protect your lens, but they serve different purposes. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

UV Filters:

Pros:

1. Reduces Haze: UV filters help cut down haze caused by ultraviolet light, especially in bright or high-altitude environments​
2. Lens Protection: Like clear filters, UV filters provide a physical barrier to protect your lens from scratches, dust, and dirt​
3. Improves Film Photography: If you’re shooting with a film camera, a UV filter can actually improve the image quality by reducing UV light interference​

Cons:

1. Potential Image Degradation: Some UV filters, especially lower-quality ones, may slightly affect image sharpness or introduce flares​
2. Unnecessary for Digital Cameras: Modern digital sensors already block UV light, so using a UV filter won’t necessarily enhance your images in most conditions​
3. Cost: High-quality UV filters can be more expensive than basic clear protection filters, even though the benefit for digital photography might be limited​

Clear Protection Filters:

Pros:

1. No Impact on Image Quality: Since clear filters don’t filter out light, they won’t affect the colors or sharpness of your photos​
2. Lens Protection: Like UV filters, clear filters act as a shield, protecting your lens from scratches, dust, and potential damage​
3. Lower Cost: Clear filters are often more affordable than UV filters, especially if you don’t need the UV filtering effect​

Cons:

1. No Haze Reduction: Unlike UV filters, clear filters don’t help with haze or light interference when shooting in certain environments​
2. Can Still Get Dirty: Clear filters protect your lens, but they still require regular cleaning to avoid dust and smudges affecting your images​
3. Basic Protection Only: They don’t offer any additional benefits like cutting down on reflections or glare​

In my experience working with photographers, I’ve seen the value of both UV and clear filters in protecting camera gear. Each has its own strengths, depending on what and where you’re shooting.

I prefer UV filters. As a suggestion, choose a filter with metal frame and a thread for additional filter. Let me attach polarizer without taking off UV filter. Also, prevented extra damage to my lenses more than once.