FAQ
What Is a UV Filter?
A UV filter, short for ultraviolet filter, is a thin piece of optical glass that screws onto the front of your camera lens. Its original purpose was to block ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause haziness or bluish casts in film photography, especially in outdoor settings with strong sunlight.
Today, with modern digital cameras, UV light rarely affects image quality, so the main reason photographers use a UV filter is lens protection.
What Does a UV Filter Do?
UV filters not only protect against dust, moisture, and accidental scratches in harsh environments, but also make cleaning and maintenance easier while maintaining stable and clear image quality.
UV Filter vs ND Filter: Which Should You Choose?
Choose a UV filter if your priority is lens protection. It’s a low-cost way to safeguard your expensive lens from scratches, dust, fingerprints, or minor bumps. You can leave it on all the time without affecting your photos, making it ideal for everyday shooting.
Choose an ND filter if your priority is creative control over light. ND filters reduce light entering the lens, allowing for long exposures, motion blur effects, or a shallow depth of field even in bright sunlight. They are not for protection, so you typically attach them only when you need the effect.
Do You Need a UV Filter for Your Lens?
While modern digital cameras handle UV light well, a UV filter is still highly recommended for most photographers—but not because it improves image quality. Its main benefit today is lens protection. Expensive lenses are delicate and can be scratched, smudged, or damaged by dust, fingerprints, or accidental bumps. A UV filter acts as a first line of defense, and replacing a filter is far cheaper and easier than repairing or replacing a lens element.
For everyday shooting—whether in urban environments, outdoor adventures, or travel—keeping a UV filter on your lens provides peace of mind without affecting your photos. However, if you shoot in controlled studio environments or frequently swap filters for creative purposes, it may not be strictly necessary.
Is a UV Filter Worth It?
Yes — a UV filter is usually a smart investment, especially for photographers looking to protect their valuable lenses. It safeguards your lens from scratches, dust, fingerprints, rain, and minor bumps, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. In addition, high-quality UV filters are virtually invisible in your images, ensuring that sharpness, color, and contrast remain uncompromised, so you don’t have to worry about image quality.
