Protect your lenses

[F, Calla & Luca]

Years ago, when I got my old SLR, I somehow learned, maybe from the camera store salesman, about using a clear filter to protect my lenses. I transferred my old filter to my new camera. Lo and behold one day recently I saw a chip in the filter. Lucky it was there to protect the lens. Today I bought a replacement for $11. A good deal I think.

[Mandy&Bailee]

I can't tell you how often I see someone while I am out shooting and they don't have a filter on their lens - it makes me so sad....one scratch, one drop, and that lens is useless. Most average "kit" lenses will cost as much to repair the lens glass as they would to replace! Of course a higher value lens is worth repairing, but why risk it anyway? I will admit something to all of you - I'm a total clutz, I've dropped my camera body and many lenses over the years, never broken anything but a filter (thank god!). Makes me grateful Nikon makes sturdy equipment!
Great idea to point this out to everyone!
Here is more info on filters:
http://www.tutorial9.net/photography/filters-and-photography/

[Billy Woody]

Hey everyone, I take pictures too! I don't sell them or make any money from them so I guess I should be safe in this group. ;)

Anyways, if they saying goes, "the suit makes the man" then by far the "lens makes the camera". Take good care of those optics, some are very expensive.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome Billy. I started this group and it is based on fun, helpful critiques, and I will protect you : ) I am glad you didn't give up on DK.

[Jennifer and Jack]

OHHHHH... when I get a new lens you better believe I am getting this!!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

What lens are you getting?

[Diane Margetts]

However, there is also a lot of discussion on the quality of the filter. One thought process is that it makes absolutely no sense to but a high quality lens and block it's effectiveness with a low quality filter . . . just something to think about . . . some of the better filters can cost a bit more . . . 

[F, Calla & Luca]

No doubt this is true but many of us are not doing the high caliber work that you are. But a better quality filter would be,well, better : )

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Ok, I did not know I needed a filter. Now, I have to research that or hope someone tells me what to get :)

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I think Hoya makes a very good filter. The more coating the better the filter.  Laurie what you need is a multicoated UV/Haze filter for your lens.  Any camera store can sell you the right size.  You can also protect your lens from damage by using the hood that usually comes with the lens.  An inexpensive filter on an expensive lens will degrade the sharpness of your picture.  Some photographers won't use filters for that reason, but I am such a klutz that I can see myself walking through the doorway with the camera over my shoulder, smacking the lens into the door jam.  I use both the filter and the hood to protect mine.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Linda. I am going to look into a Hoya filter very soon. It took me months to open the box to my new camera and start using it, so now I have another project :)

[Diane Margetts]

You're much too kind! There are a lot of sites that discuss filters. filters don't have to be super pricey to be good and you can usually find good value on Amazon--or sometimes ebay. I think I have Hoya filters for the most part. I confess I don't yet have a filter for my really good lens but I do intend to get one. It's a Canon lens and I can buy the recommended filter from the Canon store--it's a bit pricier but I'm sure it's worth it. Now that I'm thinking about it, I better do that. I did crack a filter once and was ever so grateful it was the filter and not the lens . . .

[F, Calla & Luca]

Glad this reminded you : )