UV Filters – An answer to ultra violet rays!

Ultraviolet rays creek blurry images; UV filters aids in abbreviating them. These filters reduce the scratches on your camera lenses. Theses filters are easy to maintain. UV filters are a must have for any standard photographer. UV filters are also used with digital cameras.

Defend your lenses

Camera Lens (Canon or Nikon or any other)

Accidents are unforeseen. They happen even before we think about them. Your dear camera might drop off to the ground thereby giving a crack on the camera lense. Well there comes a solution- UV filters. Any scratching on the lenses can be guarded by UV filters. Aviating objects can also harm the lenses of your camera UV filters takes care of that too! If the lenses of your camera get wet and you have UV filters, you have a solution.

Add life to your camera

UV filters minimizes the wear and tear of your camera and hence it increases the life of the camera. Your camera will not look so old even if it is. Reselling of such camera is easy and fetches a good sum of money to your pocket.

Minimize haze

UV filters does not completely helps in removing the haziness but it minimizes it to a great extent. UV filters are not successful with digital cameras as the sensitivity of the digital cameras to the UV light sensors is less.

Contrasting effect

With and without UV Filter

UV filters freezes the ultra violet rays. It therefore helps in reducing the contrast by minifying the quantity of ultraviolet light that reaches the film. As discussed earlier digital cameras are not so sensitive to the ultra violet rays therefore, these filters does not really help the digital cameras.

Quality matters

UV filters are easy to maintain and are easily available. They can be easily replaced if any problem occurs. You can always continue your good work with these filters by excelling in the quality too! To minimize the effect on the image it is advisable to invest in a high quality, multi-coated UV filter. Glares and flares can be cut down by using multi-coated filters. These filters will help you in producing consistent and better quality images. After all its quality that matters!

Affordable

UV filters are no so expensive so it is affordable for every pocket. They are easily accessible and therefore can be replaced very easily without troubling your pocket too much!

Using UV Filters – Here you go!

UV rays – as the name goes ultraviolet rays are rays from sun that affects not only our skin in our day to day to life but also affects our looks in the images clicked! It is very important for a photographer to accessorize his camera with a UV filter. Images clicked under natural UV rays give a blurry image to the pictures. UV filters have many effects as it helps to give a better look to the images, Improves contrast, minimize wear and tear of the camera etc. these filters can be installed easily and are easily accessible. It however creates a boundary between the camera lenses and the object. Use a multicoated UV filter if you use the filter all the time. It is therefore very important to know when where and how to use UV filters!

The filter on the camera is to be cleaned every now and then. Use a clean dust free cloth to clean the lens of the camera so that the dust particles do not stay behind. Otherwise the dust particles will damage the lens of the camera. Once you are through with the cleaning process you now got to fix the filter in the camera lens tightly.

With-Without-UV-Filter
With-Without-UV-Filter

Using UV filters on hazy and cloudy days can be of great help! Capturing images on a cloudy day gets difficult as the UV rays get disseminated by the air. Hence the camera gets revealed to larger quantity of UV rays leading in inadequate contrast. UV filters is again an answer to this problem. Use it and see the difference!

When you use a UV filter in your camera you are likely to create a boundary line between your camera’s detectors and the depicted object which will affect the quality of images. It is advisable to remove the filters if so. To see the difference it’s advisable to first click images when the weather is clear. You will surely end up clicking good picture even without the UV filter. But if you don’t want to go without a filter then you can go for a filter which is multicoated. But wait! If you are purchasing a digital camera you really don’t need these filters as digital cameras get very less affected by the UV rays.

Now this is again important! Don’t go without a filer if you really worry about your camera’s well being. Using a filter will reduce the wear and tear of your camera. This filter will help you in preventing your camera from dust, scratches etc. which in turn will give you better quality pictures it will help in adding life to your camera. Using UV filter for black and white photography will also help!

Effects of UV Filters

When you buy a camera you promise yourself to keep it with utmost care. Filters help you in keeping that promise. We have all heard about ultraviolet rays, its effect on our skin. We use sunscreens to protect our skin against these rays. Similarly ultra violet rays have a great role in effecting the photography. To protect our photographs from these rays we use UV filters.

An Scene with and without UV Filter

An important accessory for any photographer is UV filter. UV filters are also known with some other names like skylight filters or protectors. A very obvious thing about camera is that it somehow gets scratches on the lenses. UV filters masters in upcoming these wear and tear of the camera. To avoid such kind of damages you can rely on these filters all the time. At times when there is a strong source of light these filters enclose lenses flare, thereby producing an untoward effect on the contrast and sharpness of the images. So one should use filters with optical coating.

All roses come with thorns! And UV filters are no exception. When you use a UV filter in your camera you are likely to create a boundary line between your camera’s detectors and the depicted object which will affect the quality of the picture. An alternate to using the UV filter is that you can wipe the lenses of you camera with a clean cloth every now and then. But the cloth has to be dust free otherwise it will leave behind the dust particles in the lenses of the camera. You can also opt for lens hoods. However it is yet believed that if the UV filter you are using has no visible wavelength cuts then the images won’t get affected in terms of quality.

UV filters can affect night photography (see image below). The only time to notice the difference in using the UV filters at night. Flares can be easily noticed at night as background is darker. It is difficult to see these flares during the day.

Using or not using UV filters should depend upon an individual depending upon the effect they want to give to their images. An individual himself is the best guide for him. Moreover with time the more you experience your camera the more you’ll come to know the pros and cons of using filters. Filters reduce wear and tear of your camera lens. But with age and experience you can handle your camera without them too!

Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens

Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is especially designed for Canon’s DSLR cameras to meet the demands of users. This amazing EF – S zoom lens was launched in 2006. Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is one of the most accepted lens with a highest image quality, a very famous focal length range of 17-55mm, large f/2.8 aperture and 3 – stop Image Stabilization or Image Stabilizer (IS). Measuring 110.6 mm in length x 83.5 mm in diameter / 4.4 inches x 3.3 inches and weighing 22.8 oz / 645 g, the lens has brilliant and solid build quality. The external construction of the Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is made up of polycarbonate. The lens is compatible with Canon EF 12 II extension tube, EF 25 II extension tube and EOS Digital Rebel series.

With an inner focusing, AF algorithms and a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic motor), the standard zoom lens attains autofocus quietly, very fast and quickly and with FTM (full time manual) focusing, it adjusts focus even in AF (autofocus) mode. The focal length range of EF-S 17-55mm lens is equivalent to 27mm-88mm. Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens has optical Image Stabilizer technology which is specially designed to compensate with shift and angular camera shake and it also provides slow shutter speeds. This makes sure crisp, sharp and clear images even in low light conditions. The optical structure of Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is made of 12 groups including 19 elements with 2 super Ultra – low dispersion (UD) glass plus 3 aspherical elements. These super UD glass and aspherical elements deliver an excellent image quality during zoom range.

The standard zoom lens features 7 rounded diaphragm blades. The lens is sharp wide open at f/4 throughout its all focal length range. The filter size is 77 mm. The prime lens has maximum and minimum aperture range of f/2.8 and f/22 respectively. Super Spectra coatings minimize ghosting and flare and ensure high contrast and accurate color balance. The horizontal, diagonal and vertical angle of view of this Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens are 68°40′ – 23°20, 78°30′ – 27°50′ and 48° – 15°40′. The Canon lens is much better than EF S 17-40mm f4L USM lens in terms of sharpness and fast aperture. Chromatic aberration (CA) and distortion level are well controlled in Canon EF S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM lens. This wonderful 17-55mm USM lens is inexpensive therefore it is easily accessible to all serious and proficient photographers. The focus and zoom rings operate moderately quiet and smooth.

Specifications of Canon EF – S 17 – 55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens

  • Name – Canon EF – S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens
  • Releasing Date – 2006
  • Camera Mount type  – Canon EF – S
  • Lens type – standard zoom lens
  • Focus details – inner focusing, USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) with manual focus option
  • Maximum format size – 35 mm full frame
  • Features – Image stabilization, autofocus
  • Focal length range – 17 – 55 mm
  • APS equivalent – 27 – 88mm
  • Image Stabilization – Yes
  • Dimensions – 4.4 inches x 3.3 inches (83.5 mm diameter x 110.6 mm length)
  • Maximum aperture – f/2.8
  • Minimum aperture – f/22
  • Number of diaphragm blades – 7 (circular)
  • Lens construction – 19 elements in 12 groups, including 2 UD (ultra – low dispersion) lens glass element, 3 aspherical elements
  • Weight – 22.8  oz (645g)
  • Focus ring rotation – 90°
  • Diagonal angle of view – 78°30′ – 27°50′
  • Horizontal angle of view – 68°40′ – 23°20′
  • Vertical angle of view – 48° – 15°40′
  • Filter size – 77 mm
  • Max length at full extension – 5.8 inches
  • Zoom system – rotary

Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM lens

The Canon introduced its world’s first super telephoto Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens with an Image Stabilizer (IS) in September, 1999. The Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM lens is 10 g lighter than Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens and Canon’s longest and inexpensive (it is less expensive than Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM lens) EF lens. The 600mm super telephoto lens weighs 5.36 kg / 11.8 lb and measures 168 mm in diameter and 456 mm in length. Like all Canon’s other super telephoto lenses, the Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens has an excellent build quality. The f/4.0 USM lens features one fluorite element and two UD glass elements to acquire high contrast, high resolution and eradicate secondary CA (chromatic aberration). The Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens utilizes inner focusing with Ring USM (ultra sonic motor) for high speed, very fast, quiet and silent autofocus. The telephoto prime lens has full time manual focus (FTM) with an amazing AF speed which is fastest in the world.

Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens has remarkable focal length range of 600mm that can be increased to 1200mm with the attachment of Extender EF 2x II. The 600mm camera lens is most suitable for wildlife and sports photography. The fantastic L series lens comprises 17 elements within the 13 groups including one fluorite element and two UD (Ultra – low dispersion) glass elements. The closest focusing distance has been reduced to 18 ft / 5.5 m. With 8 wide aperture blades, the lens eliminates background disturbance and provides smooth and stunning background blur (bokeh). The metal is used in lens barrel and mount. The minimum and maximum aperture of the prime lens is f/32 and f/4.0 respectively.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens has two stage image stabilization to correct camera shake and delivers highest image quality. The high performance prime lens has 35 mm image circle, 52 mm DI (Drop In) filter size, detachable tripod collar and focus preset function. The popular USM lens produces clear and very sharp images. A Ring USM (Ultra – sonic motor), image stabilization (IS) and impressive focal length range are the key features of Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens that makes it perfect lens for all proficient and serious photographers. The lens is moisture and dust resistance to get superb sharpness and higher quality. The lens has maximum magnification of 0.12x. The super telephoto lens delivers superb performance with the Canon Extender EF 1.4x II and Canon Extender EF 2.0x II.

Specifications of Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens

  • Name – Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens
  • Releasing Date – September, 1999
  • Camera Mount type  – Canon EF
  • APS equivalent – 960 mm
  • Lens type – telephoto prime lens
  • AF Motor type – Ring – type Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
  • Maximum format size – 35 mm full frame
  • Features – Image stabilization, autofocus
  • Focal length range – 600 mm
  • Image Stabilization – 2 stops at .12x magnification
  • Optional accessories – Tripod Mount
  • Dimensions – 465 cm x 168 cm / 18 inches x 6.6 inches
  • Maximum aperture – f/4
  • Minimum aperture – f/32
  • Number of diaphragm blades – 8 (circular)
  • Lens construction – 17 elements in 13 groups, including two UD (ultra – low dispersion) lens glass element and one fluorite lens element
  • Weight – 11.8 lb (5.36 kg)
  • Filter Size – 52 mm DI (drop in)
  • Focus detail – full time manual focus with USM (Ultrasonic Motor), 3 position focus limiter
  • Focus ring rotation – 210°
  • Focus ring – 4.7 in. (focus)
  • Diagonal angle of view – 4°10′
  • Horizontal angle of view – 3°30′
  • Vertical angle of view – 2 °20′
  • Maximum magnification – 0.12x
  • Max Length at full extension – 18.38 inches

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens is a high performance and fast autofocus lens specially designed for portability and excellent handling. The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens was introduced in 1993. This super telephoto lens is one of the three popular telephoto 400mm lenses. The field of view of Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens on APS – C DSLRs is equivalent to 640mm. The super telephoto lens is compatible with cropped frame SLR and full frame cameras as well as Canon EF 1.4x extender and Canon EF 2x extender. The focusing ring and switches are moisture and dust resistance. The 400mm lens is the most reasonable lens among the all 400mm Canon telephoto prime lenses. The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens utilizes UD (ultra low dispersion) glass elements to offer an amazing optical performance even wide – open. The lens has minimum focusing distance of 3.5 m / 11.5 ft and maximum magnification of 0.12x. To improve fast AF (autofocus) speed, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens features focus limiter switch that provides 2 modes, first mode allows 3.5 m to infinity focusing and second mode allows 8.5 m to infinity focusing.

The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens presents inner focusing and a ring – type USM (ultra – sonic motor) to obtain fast, quick and silent autofocus. Full time manual focus is enabled. High contrast, color balance and saturation are brilliant. An eight blade aperture offers crisp, clear and superb bokeh (background / foreground blur quality). The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens consists of six groups with seven elements including 1 UD (Ultra Low Dispersion) and 1 super UD element. Vignetting and Chromatic aberration (CA) are amazingly very well controlled. The lens is average in weight of 1.25 g / 2.8 lb and also average in size of 90 mm (diameter) x 256 mm (length) when compared to other Canon’s telephoto lenses. The maximum aperture of this L series lens is f/5.6 and accepts 77 mm filter size. The external barrel of the lens is made of metal with rubberized focus ring which is very smooth.

The Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens has some similarities with Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM lens in terms of weight, max magnification and build quality. The front element of this super telephoto lens does not rotate so it becomes easy to use polarizing filters. The super telephoto prime lens includes a removable tripod mount and a built in hood. The build quality of the lens is no doubt extremely solid and it delivers incredibly sharp picture quality into full frame corners. Horizontal, diagonal and vertical angle of view of this prime lens are 5°10′, 6°10′ and 3°30′ respectively. The lens has a compact focal length range of 400mm and a minimum aperture range of f/32. The telephoto lens is available at low price so this high performance lens is most popular among the all natural and professional photographers.

 Specifications of Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens

  • Name – Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens
  • Releasing date – 1993
  • AF (Autofocus) Motor type – Ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor)
  • Lens type – telephoto prime lens
  • APS Equivalent –  640 mm
  • Image circle – 35 mm
  • Format compatibility – 35 mm Film / Full – Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS – C)
  • Focal Length Range – 400 mm
  • minimal focusing distance – 11.5 ft (3.5 m)
  • Dimensions –   3.5 in. x 10.1 in. (256 mm in length x 90 mm in diameter)
  • Diagonal angle of view – 6°10′
  • Vertical angle of view – 3°30′
  • Horizontal angle of view – 5°10′
  • Lens construction – 6 groups including 7 elements with one UD (ultra – low dispersion) element, one super UD glass element
  • Filter size – 77 mm
  • Focus adjustment – Inner focusing system with USM (Ultrasonic motor)
  • Minimum aperture range – f/32 (long)
  • Maximum aperture range – f/5.6 (wide)
  • Number of aperture blades – 8
  • Manufacturer specification weight – 44.1 oz (1.25 kg)
  • Focus ring Rotation – 150°
  • Maximum Magnification (MM) – 0.12x
  • Lens hood size – 3.55 x 4.04 inches
  • Focusing type – Internal
  • Maximum reproduction ratio – 1:8.3
  • Features – fast autofocus, tripod collar