DSLR Shots and Discussions

alcheng

UV filter is needed, unless the lenses used within the lens are glass.

Most of the less expensive lenses are using polycarbonate material, light rays (including UV) going through the lens elements to the sensor, from time to time, the UV will turn the polycarbonate material into yellowish thus affect the quality thus the lifespan of the lens itself.

A good quality UV+anti-reflection filter is essential.


+ Heliopan

cgust

This argument only works for film bodies. Film sensors are definitely susceptible to UV and it can change the exposure of the photo. So the use of a UV filter would be needed to mitigate this. However, Im going to guess that most of us use digital cameras and their sensors are not effected in the way you describe and using UV filters can even introduce flair and color casts.

alcheng

uh..... buddy, my post was talking about UV damage on the polycarbonate lens....

cgust

Ha sorry never heard of this happening before. Must be a great lens indeed to be yellowed from the UV rays.

alcheng

In fact it's those cheap/less expensive lenses on the market nowadays.

They use polycarbonate instead of glass.

While glass provide better optical quality and will not turn yellowish, it is more costly.

Thus manufactures use polycarbonate thus to cut cost and weight. However, polycarbonate and plastic material lenses will turn yellowish from UV, thus the lens needs UV filter.

Well, if the lenses you are using are have glass lenses elements, then you are pretty much safe.