lens - Are there any downsides to using a good-quality UV filter?

Are there any real downsides to using a UV filter?

I know that a poor quality UV filter can effect image quality ... but, assuming I use a good quality UV filter, will that actually be an issue? Is there any other reason not to use one?

Answer

Yes.

• It degrades image quality - adding more elements to a lens always reduces image quality; better filters will just do so less. One specific thing that happens is light reflecting between the front element of the lens and the filter, which can be reduced (but not eliminated) with coatings on the filter.


• It makes it more difficult to use other filters. Either you have to remove it before adding the other filter, or you have to stack, which can introduce vignetting.

Whether the IQ reduction is noticeable and/or whether this is a good tradeoff is another question. :)