A Neutral Filter can be a See-through Permanent Protective Front Lens Cap!

[danielm]

 

 

 Had the privilege to be part of the photography business domain (as corporate and freelance photographer), I have developed a strong aversion over the years about the use of front lens caps. Why? Simply because they (lens caps) have the malicious habit to be in place at the wrong moment and they (lens caps) have the highest ability to lose themselves in too many occasions. Very early in my visual creator life, the neutral filters have been a critical equipment for my psychologic comfort and the one of my precious optics. 

It is preferable that the neutral and protective filters are manufactured with very good quality optic glasses ***. Their construction should also be strong and refined so, you can screw and unscrew then with ease and confidence. These modern filters are now available with sophistic coating that prevent undesirable light reflections and, in some cases, act as a water repellent which is very useful in adverse condition photographic contexts. 

The use of a neutral (protective) filter that act as a permanent fixed protective front lens cap can be combined with the mounting of a dedicated lens hood which is further prevent unwanted light flair phenomena. All these lens accessories (filter, lens hood) are not an obligatory requirement to get better picture results but for the photographer, they are a very fine reassurance about the sustainability of their precious photo gear without speaking about the enhanced ability to be able to photograph instantly.
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*** Yes, high quality filters can be expensive...

Photo Daniel M: Fujifilm X-S10 / XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS

[crowecg]

When my kids were small, for some reason they would reach out and try to touch the lens as I photographed them, so protective filters were a requirement then.  
 

I don’t use them now, particularly since moving to Fuji and my one criticism of Fuji is that their filter sizes are all over the place - every lens is different and some are a bit obscure.

Edited 30 April, 2022 by crowecg

[Dallas]

Not a fan of screw in filters myself and it’s been a long time since I used one too. I am a big fan of lens hoods though and I always have those on my lenses. A recent purchase of a 30mm 3.5 Olympus Macro has shown me the first lens I have owned from the MFT stable that doesn’t have the ability to use a lens hood. The lens is still in a sealed box and I am trying to sell it (not because of the hood business, but a different long story).

 

On the filters side though, I can see how they would be useful to avoid damage to the front element, but quality filters are very expensive here and having seen firsthand the degradation that cheap ones have on the image quality I just prefer to avoid situations where frontal damage is likely and take my chances.

 

But yes, lens caps are a PITA. 

[danielm]

13 hours ago, crowecg said:

I don’t use them now, particularly since moving to Fuji and my one criticism of Fuji is that their filter sizes are all over the place - every lens is different and some are a bit obscure.

Yes, Fujifilm have this very particular habit to design good lenses but with odd filter accessory sizes (37, 43, 46mm and so on!). 

[danielm]

8 hours ago, Dallas said:

On the filters side though, I can see how they would be useful to avoid damage to the front element, but quality filters are very expensive here and having seen firsthand the degradation that cheap ones have on the image quality I just prefer to avoid situations where frontal damage is likely and take my chances.

 

But yes, lens caps are a PITA. 

Usually, I suggest to use the camera manufacturer own filters since they often offer the same optical glass quality and caracteristic  (for example the Olympus or the Fujifilm ones. Nikon also use to have very good ones (ND series) during my "analog" period. From the third party suppliers, Schneider-Kreuznach's B+W filters are certainly a good reference and they have a full line of different sizes available. The other advantage to have a permanent neutral filter is the fact you only clean the filter and you can replace it, if it get too much dirty or scratchy over time. 
Lens caps are best in staying the product box (for eventual resale ;-))