[net.rec.photo] filters & lens protection

smh@mhuxl.UUCP (henning) (12/20/85)

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From the keys of Steve Henning, AT&T Bell Labs, Reading, PA mhuxl!smh

> The notion of always protecting a lens with a low-effect filter, such as a
> UV filter, is considered very controversial among professional
> photographers.  The reason is that any extra glass-to air interface, even
> with modern coatings, reduces image contrast measurably.  

One often over-looked accessory that is very important is the lens shade.
It not only improves image contrast measurably, but it protects the lens from
most incidental contact.  I use original equipment metal lens shades on all
my lenses. I must admit that the shade on my 24mm lens is almost a joke,
but the others are very important.