Photographing with film using a UV filter to adjust the ultraviolet rays of light to reach the film, causing a bluish cast to the image can be very beneficial to use. So those who use film based camera’s certainly should add a UV-filter to their lenses today too.

When it comes to digital photography, one accessory that often sparks debate is the UV filter. The UV filter blocks ultraviolet light and reduce haze, but does it have any relevance in the digital age?

Understanding UV Filters

The UV filter is a transparent glass filter that attaches to the front of your camera lens. 

Benefits Beyond Protection

While the protective aspect of UV filters is widely acknowledged, there are additional benefits worth considering:

• Reducing Haze: UV filters can help minimize the scattering of light caused by atmospheric particles, reducing haze and improving image clarity, especially in outdoor and landscape photography.
• Preventing Bluish Cast: Although digital sensors are less affected by UV light, certain lenses may still benefit from UV filters by reducing purple fringing caused by chromatic aberration.
• If you shoot on film the UV filter is a good choice to avoid bluish cast when nearby the sea or in bright, sunny conditions or at high altitudes.
• Shooting in town, indoors or on cloudy days the UV filter will have little or no effect.

The Protection Debate

The most common argument for using UV filters is lens protection. Here’s a breakdown:

• Physical Protection: UV filters can act as a barrier against accidental drops or rough handling. However, studies suggest that while a filter might break, it doesn’t necessarily prevent damage to the lens itself.
• Environmental Protection: UV filters can shield the lens from dust, dirt, and moisture, which is particularly useful in harsh environments.
• Ease of Cleaning: A UV filter can protect the front element of your lens from dust, dirt, smears, and scratches. Since the filter is flat and easily removable, it simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
• Cleaning glass will always be with the risk of adding small scratches in the coating and surface of the glass. Having a filter in front of the lens will make a substitution easy and cheap compared to have the lens send to repair.

While the necessity of UV filters for blocking ultraviolet light has diminished with digital cameras, their role in protecting lenses and improving image quality in specific scenarios remains valuable. Whether you choose a UV filter ultimately depends on your shooting conditions and personal preferences.

I prefer protecting my lens and therefore always have an UV filter attached, and live with the minor risk of flare. Good quality UV filters will not make any visible loss of quality, whereas choosing a cheap filter will.

Workshop prices reduced

European Summer Time is celebrated (by me, because we get those beautiful long light evenings back).

Workshop prices are lowered, so now you have a chance to take two-day workshops for a limited time at a reduced price.

Join me for a weekend shoot in the streets of Rome, Copenhagen or Paris, and learn more about camera settings, choosing the best lenses and finding light and motives. Read more at the workshop page and sign up soon to get a spot.