Using lens filters when you take a picture is much more satisfying than spending hours sitting in front of your computer trying to get the effect you want. You can of course still use your software to make image adjustments. So you’re using a filter on your lens, maybe to protect it from dust or finger smears or maybe for an effect that you want, what can you do to ensure that it does not degrade the quality of your expensive lens? Here are some pointers:
DOs:
1. Buy a good filter. A bad filter can do more harm than you expect.
2. Never touch the glass of the filter. The oil from your skin will rub off on the filter and could damage it’s coating. Some filters, are noted to retain fingerprints if not cleaned up immediately. Always touch a filter by the edges.
3. Store filters in their boxes. This ensures that dust and fingerprints stay away.
4. Clean it like you would clean your lens. Use a lens cleaning kit or a blower brush. Keep it clear of sand, dust and sea spray.
5. Keep a UV filter on at all times, especially if you’re likely to be visiting the beach or are in a sandy / humid location.
DONTs:
1. Don’t press the filter when screwing it on or unscrewing it. The filter mount is usually made of thin Aluminium and will warp if you press it or tighten it too much. This makes it difficult to remove and could spoil your lens’ filter mounting thread.
2. Don’t use your camera like it’s all fine now that you have a protective UV filter on it. It’s still the same lens, you’re only protecting the first element from dust and direct scratches. You still have to be careful with it.
3. Don’t point your camera in to direct sunlight or harsh lights. The filter’s anti-reflective coat (if it has one) is not as good as a lens’ and it will usually create a spot of lens flare.
4. Don’t forget to clean the filter regularly.
5. Don’t forget that you have a filter on. If you think that you’re going to get a group of unforgettable images and you have a great lens on your camera, take the filter off – capture the image in all it’s glory.
