What is the difference between an inexpensive filter and an expensive filter?
What is the difference between an inexpensive filter and an expensive filter?
I don't have much experience with either, but I do have some mid cost filters that I've since taken off all my lenses. But from everything I've read Suzie, you get what you pay for in this regard. More expensive filters give you better glass quality with less issues like lens flare and such.
There is not debate though that whenever you add more glass to a lens whether it be TC's or filters and the like, you run the risk of an image with less technical quality. What I read most is that a lesser quality, or cheaper filter will knock down some of the sharpness. The difference might not be evident to the average weekend photographer, but it will be there, less so with a higher grade filter.
Last edited by coffee; 07-30-2009 at 04:01 PM.
to be honest i think it depends on houw much you intedn on using the filter...i have a Hoya UV filta]er that stays on all the time adn i payed a fair bit for it but others that i dont use like my CP i didnt pay too much for it.....
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit
Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.....
Sony A350 + Kit lens
About $100.00.Originally Posted by SuzieQ
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
I tend to have a UV left on both my DSLR lenses as protection. There is great debate as to the disadvantages in the loss of resolution and fine detail by using a filter in this way. I have to say that judged by eye, I cannot tell the difference with or without. The advantage of the protection from grit, dust, rain and sauce dripping from my lunch sandwich has to be taken into account. If I have to wipe dirt of of anything I would rather it be an inexpensive filter than the delicate coated front element of the lens.
I suppose that if you measured the differences between a medium priced and a top priced filter, you would be pushed to tell a real difference but there are some very cheap filters on a well known auction site that should be left alone. Not so much for the glass which may or may not be OK but the quality of the screw threads. A cross threaded filter takes heck of a lot to get off your lens.
On that point, filters that you will out on and take off often, such as Polarising or Neutral Density need good threads or they could soon strip or jam. In this case, the more expensive should be better machined.
Hi,
I think there are differences between the two. Inexpensive will give you low quality. I already have experince in this. Better go for a good qualtiy.
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