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Well I got a Canon 70-200 f2.8 II lens a couple of weeks and ago and have been very disappointed with it as all shots taken have not been as sharp as I would have expected.

Today whilst out with the family and still not being able to get decent shots even on fully automatic, in desperation I tried some shots without the genuine Hoya UV filter.


With filter


Without filter


With filter


Without filter

The last 2 images have been heavily cropped.

To my surprise the camera & lens came alive. Is this common, is there something I am missing. The filter on this lens used to be on my Tok 12-24 (shots taken with it here viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34237)

I read on one forum that UV filters are no longer necessary and to use clear glass instead. I would appreciate ppls thoughts

Cheers
Bruce

Can I ask what sort of filter you are using?

It is true that we could go bare lens, but if you decide to go down the route of a filter then you should get something good.

There is a very interesting article that compares a whole bunch of filters.
http://lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test.html

I had a similar problem that affected sharpness - turned out the piece of filter glass (expensive top quality filter ) was cross threaded on it's mount so did not sit parallel to the lens glass , after we finally worked out the problem the store swapped it for another , now no problem
DebT PS Great review thanks Cameron

The filter is a Hoya HMC UV(c) and it is not cross threaded

I have just ordered two HOYA 77mm 77 PRO1D PRO1 Digital CLEAR Protector Filter for my L series lens's so I will see how they go. I would not imagine there will be an issue with them.

Chaase wrote:The filter is a Hoya HMC UV(c) and it is not cross threaded.

I have just ordered two HOYA 77mm 77 PRO1D PRO1 Digital CLEAR Protector Filter for my L series lens's so I will see how they go. I would not imagine there will be an issue with them.

That is strange, the HMC filters (silver box) are highly regarded, and test as well as the Pro1D's in that comparison. I personally use B+W XSP MRC and Marumi DHG

Isn't the answer self evident?

A filter adds something between the subject and the sensor. It can have a small effect, or a very large effect as evidenced by this example.

Add filters when you need them...

photohiker wrote:Isn't the answer self evident?
It can have a small effect, or a very large effect as evidenced by this example.

It was most noticeable at full zoom as per the photos. I want a piece of glass on the end for protection purposes due to my ineptness at times. Hopefully the HOYA 77mm 77 PRO1D PRO1 Digital CLEAR Protector Filter will live up to it's reviews.