A1 filter???

[TexasTony]

Howdy,

After several weeks of reading hundreds of reviews I have finally decided on getting an A1. I want to get a UV filter to protect the lens but I have no idea what to get. I haven't been able to find much on the subject. Can someone please advise me as to what to get or where to look. The last thing I want to to get a filter that will adversely affect the picture quality.

Thanks in advance,
TexasTony

[shene]

Originally Posted by TexasTony

I want to get a UV filter to protect the lens but I have no idea what to get. I haven't been able to find much on the subject. Can someone please advise me as to what to get or where to look. The last thing I want to to get a filter that will adversely affect the picture quality.

Since the A1 has a 49mm thread, you will need filters of at least 49mm. However, not all 49mm filters are created equal, some being much thicker than the others. Those thick 49mm filter will cause vignetting (i.e., dark corners). So, you'd better go to a local store and try them on your cam before you buy. It is almost certain that you will need a polarizer. Unfortunately, virtually all thick and some slim 49mm polarizers will cause vignetting. So, try before you buy. A possible solution is to use a step-up ring to extend the thread diameter. IMO, a step-up ring of 49-58mm can use virtually any filter, thick polarizers included, without vignetting. A 49-52mm step-up ring and a 52mm slim polarizers can still have a slight vignetting, although it may be due to the thickness of the 49-52mm step-up ring. Therefore, when you buy step-up rings, also make sure you will buy a thin one. On the other hand, the use of a step-up does have a significant disadvantage, operationally. You have to remove the petal type lens hood, which is a tedious task to do.

To keep the image quality high, I never use a filter unless it is absolutely necessary. I don't subscribe the idea of protecting the lens with a UV. I have been shooting for nearly 30 years professionally with digital, 35mm and medium format in harsh environments, and I have never had a single scratch on my lens nor dropped my lens. But, it is totally your choice. If you do need protection and at the same time aim for the highest optical quality, then your camera deserves the highest quality filters whether they are UV, polarizers, or other filters. Buy the best you can afford. Here are a few links you might want to browse before going to your local store for testing:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ldren&Q=&ci=75
http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?o...y&cat1=Filters
http://www.2filter.com/

CK
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam
Nikon Coolpix 950/990/995/2500/4500/5700 User Guide

[TexasTony]

Shene,

Thanks for the info. Those are great links. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Hopefully I can return the favor to you or someone else someday.

Thanks again,
TexasTony