Sunpak - 72mm UV Lens Filter

For the price I would recommend this filter to anyone. $16 for a filter is far less to spend than $200 - well over $1500 and beyond for a new lens. The Sunpak filter does have some UV block properties but not as strong as I have seen with multicoated version of the same filter. Of course multicoated versions will run you about $30+ more. The more you zoom, the more the picture seems to haze and wash out. I would call it user error except I have used a Promaster 72mm multicoated UV filter as well and this problem was not as pronounced. Between 18mm-100mm I experience no problems, from 101mm-infinity the photo will appear more "hazy" the more you zoom in bright sunlight. Again, some might say this is just a by-product of being so far away from a subject in bright sunlight but I did not experience this problem as much with a multicoated filter. The "hazing" problem can be fixed with most simple digital editing programs, so it's not really that big of a deal, just some extra post-editing time. Having said that, indoors this thing works like a charm to cut down on glare from florescent and incandescent bulbs. I have never experienced a problem, zoom or not, indoors with picture quality. Again, for the money this is an EXTREMELY wise investment to help protect your expensive lens. For the most part all a UV filter is good for anyway is to put a barrier between your lens and the world. As soon as you buy your new Lens, always get a UV filter to protect that lens from scratches, dust, dirt, and shock (to the front lens) I would recommend this lens filter, it is a inexpensive way to help protect your lens and it will not harm your overall picture quality.

A UV filter is essential whenever you are shooting any pictures. While it does enhance the colors slightly, its main function is protection. The lens you are holding is probably worth hundreds of dollars and can scratch very easily. It would be much easier to replace a UV lens instead of that camera lens.

I use this mainly to protect the front element of my lens from scratches and dirt. It is cheap insurance for scratches. The lens ring is a bit shallow so adding a polorized filter to the front of it is difficult. I can't fault the company for this, I'm sure they assume that the UV filter will be replaced by the Polorized filter. Still, some of my shooting requirements demand that I be able to get the polorized filter on the camera as quickly as possible. A deeper ring would accodate this much better.

I feel that a basic UV lens filter is a must have to help protect your lenses from scratches or accidental dings. It's much easier (not to mention cheaper) to replace a lens filter than then entire lens itself. The only problem I have with this lens filter is that the lens cap that came with my lens doesn't fit as securely with the filter on. It only fits about half way. This can cause my lens cap to fall off when I don't want it to.

Every lens needs a UV filter for the protective qualities alone. The best way to protect your lens investments from scratching!

We have this filter installed on our Canon 35 - 135mm IS zoom (30D Canon Camera). Simple install as with all filters. Blocks UV as advertised.