What Are UV Lens Filters and When Should You Use Them?

From the best use cases to hidden benefits, here’s everything you need to know about UV lens filters.

For most photographers, an ultra violet (uv protection lens filter) is a must-have, and for newcomers to photography, it is their first lens filter. When should you use a UV filter to maximize its benefits?

For photographers, what are the benefits of UV filters?

Most photographers, whether amateurs or professionals, use UV filters to protect their camera equipment, especially if they have a The flash is expensive and the lens is expensive. UV lens filters prevent dust and dirt from coming into contact with the lens essentially acting as a protective cover that shields your lens at all times.

By shielding the front element of your lens from dust and other nasties, UV lens filters weatherproof camera lenses. Therefore, if you shoot outdoors, this filter will be invaluable.

You can prevent sand, grit, or other particles in the air from coming in contact with your lens by using the filter. If you get rain or water droplets on your lens filter, it’s easier to wipe these off than your lens, and you run less risk of dust scratches. Multi-resistant lens filters are especially useful for this.

It is also possible to protect your lenses from windy conditions with a UV lens filter. It prevents windborne substances such as sea spray, grit, or sand from coming near your lens. In any weather condition, you’ll find a UV lens filter essential if you have to take photos.

UV filters can also protect your camera from accidental bumps and can often be the difference between having to replace a smashed lens for thousands of dollars versus a smashed filter for less than $100. It’s especially important if you’re out and about shooting by the sea, climbing mountains, or scrambling over rocks with your camera.It’s especially important if you’re out and about shooting by the sea, climbing mountains, or scrambling over rocks with your camera.

Is it true that UV filters reduce the quality of images?

There are some people who believe that using lens filters negatively affects image quality, but it really depends on the quality of the filter. Your UV filter won’t affect image quality if the optical glass is as good or better than your lens’. UV filters of premium quality won’t affect image quality, exposure settings, colouration or contrast, and will keep your lens clear and sharp. It is for this reason that UV filters can be permanently attached to your lens.

As the light passes through extra layers of glass, you may see a reduction in image quality if you stack multiple lens filters on your lens. If you’re shooting in challenging conditions, however, and need the combined effects of two filters, the loss of image quality may be outweighed by the benefits. In order to help you with this, we’ve written up a guide on stacking lens filters.

Is it necessary for digital cameras to have UV filters?

When using an old-fashioned film camera, a UV lens filter blocks out UV light from the film stock, which is especially useful if the film stock is UV-sensitive.

Modern digital cameras (typically those manufactured after 2007) have an inbuilt UV light sensor. Even so, there are still photographers. A UV filter can still reduce haze and sharpen images when used with modern cameras. Overcast days or shooting when shadows are present can also benefit from it. Most importantly, UV filters will protect your lens, making them essential even for digital cameras.

A CPL could be more beneficial for your photography if you prefer lens protection with polarization. Learn more about the best use cases for UV vs CPL filters in our comparison guide.

How much do UV filters cost?

In order to protect a lens worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, UV filters can cost between $20 and $100.

Urth’s UV protection lens filter range from $22 for our standard range to $89 for our professional Plus+ range. There is a difference between these two There is a wide range of prices depending on the quality of the glass and the layer of nano-coating. We use world-leading German SCHOTT glass and 30 layers of nano-coating in our more expensive UV Filter Plus+.

If you’re deciding how much to spend on a UV filter, we recommend matching the quality of the filter with the quality of your lens. Taking into account more practical, financial considerations when shopping for UV protection lens filters is the goal of our ultimate buyer’s guide to UV filters.

Is there a time when a UV filter should not be used?

According to some photographers, adding a UV lens filter can increase reflections, ghosting, and lens flares. If you use a good quality lens filter from a reputable supplier, this is very unlikely to happen.

Is a UV filter necessary for my lens?

Choose a UV lens filter that is of high quality and preferably with a protective multi-resistant coating if you frequently use your camera outdoors. There are different grades of UV lens filters, ranging from those that block out the smallest amount of UV light to those that absorb the most UV light. Check out our ultimate buyer’s guide to UV filters if you want more information about what’s available!

Are you aware that Urth makes lens filters that help reforest the planet? A tree is planted in a deforested area for every filter purchased. Here you can find our range of lens filters.