UV filter for camera lens: is it necessary or not?

UV filters are one of the first filters every beginner photographer gets in their toolkit and they remain one of the most sold ones. Still, there are countless conversations among amateur and professional photographers about whether UV filters are necessary for real or it’s just a marketing trick. In this blog, we will shed some light on the mysterious world of UV filters and help you decide for yourself if you need a UV filter or not.

Jump to:
Purpose of UV filters
UV filter as protection for the lens
Do UV filters affect image quality?
Checklist to determine if you need a UV filter

What is a UV filter for?

UV filters, short for ultraviolet filters, are transparent filters designed to block ultraviolet light from reaching the camera's sensor or film.

Originally, the purpose of a UV filter was to counteract the bluish haze caused by UV light, thus improving image clarity and colours. In the past, lenses were often made from materials that were susceptible to UV light. When UV light hits the lens, it creates a bluish haze, particularly noticeable in images captured on sunny days.

However, modern lenses are less sensitive to UV light as they are coated to reduce the impact of it. So why do you need to use a UV filter on a modern lens then? They are mainly used for the lens protection. They are also still good to use for older lenses that don’t have a normal coating and in analogue photography where protection against UV rays is essential.

Protecting camera lens with UV filters

UV filters act as a protective barrier between your lens and the outside world. They protect against dust, moisture, fingerprints, and scratches.

Imagine if you are shooting in the desert or at a sports event where the sand is coming to the lens all the time. Cleaning the lens in these conditions is not convenient, and also can lead to scratches. In these dusty or sandy conditions, UV filters prevent particles from settling on the lens surface, reducing the need for frequent lens cleaning and minimising the risk of scratches.

Likewise, in humid or rainy weather, UV filters protect lenses from moisture, preventing water droplets from reaching the lens. As some front lens elements are not weather-sealed, this might save your lenses from possible damage.

Other common cases when using a UV filter is beneficial are at the seaside as protection from the sand or at parties as protection from fingerprints.

The main reason why photographers use UV filters as protection is that they are relatively cheap. It’s much cheaper and faster to replace the UV filter than to fix the damaged lens element.

When are UV filters not effective for protection?

It’s worth admitting that while UV filters are necessary for protection in various shooting conditions, they may not provide complete immunity against all forms of damage. If you drop the camera or lens from a significant height, the filter itself may shatter or become damaged. Usually, the front lens element has more shock-resistant glass than the filter itself, so it’s unlikely that the UV filter will save your lens in such a situation.

Does a UV filter affect image quality?

It’s true that UV filters may affect image quality but don’t hurry to say no to them. Let’s see more in particular how exactly they may influence the final result:

• Image contrast

  Some photographers say about the reduction in overall image contrast when using UV filters, particularly when shooting scenes with high dynamic range or small details. However, these changes are not very visible to the human eye even if you put two images to compare next to each other.

• Lens flare and ghosting

  One of the most common issues associated with UV filters is lens flare, which occurs when stray light enters the lens and creates unwanted reflections in the image. Additionally, UV filters may cause ghosting, where faint, transparent copies of bright objects appear in the image. Ghosting can occur when light reflects internally between the filter and the lens elements. To avoid this, you can take off the UV filter when shooting against direct light, especially in low-light conditions.

Important note: The level of image degradation caused by UV filters can vary depending on filter quality, lens design, and shooting conditions. High-quality filters with multi-coating or anti-reflective coatings help to mitigate some of these issues, but they may still be present to some degree in challenging lighting scenarios.

At Kase, we offer UV filters made of high-quality glass with nano-coating, which reduces possible risks of image quality degradation.

Explore our magnetic UV filters
Explore our screw-in UV filters

Do professional photographers use UV filters?

Professional photographers often have different opinions on the use of UV filters. While some enjoy their protective benefits, others prefer to rely on lens hoods and careful handling to safeguard their equipment. Some photographers use them selectively: the filter is attached when shooting the landscape in challenging conditions and removed when the quality is utmost and conditions don’t require any extra protection (e.g., in a studio).

Ultimately, the decision to use UV filters is due to personal preference and shooting conditions.

Do I really need a UV filter for my lens?

It depends on what you are looking for in your photography practice and in which conditions you shoot.

You need a UV filter if:

• You shoot in harsh conditions: sand, salty water, rain, dirt. If you predict your lens might be in the dirt, better get a UV filter for this shooting, as it will be easier to clean it and you won´t scratch the lens;
• You have small kids who like your photo equipment: it’s easier to clean the lens filter from fingerprints and adds a piece of mind to you that the lens won’t be scratched by accident;
• You practice analogue photography: in this case, you need to protect your camera sensor from UV light;
• You prefer added protection: if you are a person who worries about damaging your lens, a UV filter will help you to fully focus on the shooting and avoid these worries;
• You shoot in bright sun: when shooting in mountains, you might still benefit from UV filters to avoid haze.

A UV filter is not necessary if:

• You shoot mainly in studios or indoors: if you are careful enough with your equipment, there is no need for a UV filter;
• You shoot at night: in some cases, you may need to remove it when shooting in low light to avoid ghosting;
• You are using another filter at the moment: combining the UV filter with other filters like CPL or ND on a wide lens may cause vignetting;
• You want to get the best quality: if you prioritise optical quality over protection, you can unscrew the filter to get that perfect shot 😊

After you evaluate all the pros and cons, think about scenarios you mostly shoot in, and you will answer the question of whether UV filters are necessary for your photography experience or not. If you are still in doubt and need expert advice or help with a choice, our specialists are ready to help you with this!