UV filters – protection for your lenses, without compromise
A UV filter (ultraviolet filter) was originally intended to block UV radiation to prevent blue casts and blur—especially with analog film. However, its purpose has changed in digital photography: Modern sensors and lenses already filter UV light internally. Today, the UV filter is primarily used as a protective filter —and for good reason.
The UV filter as an invisible protective shield
A high-quality UV filter reliably protects the front lens of your lens from:
- ✅ Scratches from dirt, sand or branches
- ✅ Splashing water in the rain or at the sea
- ✅ Dust, fingerprints & accidental contact
- ✅ Shocks or minor accidents in everyday photography
A damaged filter is quickly replaced, but a scratched front glass is expensive. The UV filter is therefore a simple and sensible insurance policy for your lens.
When is a UV filter useful?
A UV filter isn't absolutely necessary in the studio or for night shots. However, for outdoor shoots, travel, action photography, or uncontrolled situations (e.g., children, animals, events), it offers crucial protection – without affecting image quality , if you pay attention to quality.
Important: Cheap filters can impair image sharpness, create unwanted reflections, or even cause color casts. High-quality UV filters, on the other hand, are optically neutral, multi-coated, and precisely ground flat—they provide invisible protection.
Cheap UV filter vs. high-quality UV filter – a clear difference
| feature | Cheap filter | High-quality FILTERFOTOGRAF® filter |
|---|---|---|
| Glass quality | Simple industrial glass | Precision optical glass |
| Remuneration | Often without or simple coating | Multi-coated (MC), anti-reflection |
| Image quality | May cause loss of sharpness, reflections and color casts | No impairment of sharpness or color |
| longevity | Prone to scratches, difficult to clean | Scratch-resistant, water- and dirt-repellent |
| Price | Low – but at the expense of quality | Fairly calculated for premium protection |
Our recommendation:
➡ To the FILTERFOTOGRAF® UV protection filter in the shop
💡 Expert tip from Riko Best:
"I recommend using a well-coated UV filter to anyone working with high-quality lenses. Especially when you're on the go or during spontaneous shoots, it protects your front lens from anything that happens quickly—without compromising image quality. I personally use it on all lenses that I regularly travel with."
✅ Conclusion
A UV filter isn't mandatory—but it's a smart choice. It provides invisible protection—and can save your lens in an emergency. If you do a lot of outdoor photography or want to play it safe, don't skimp on protection—invest in quality.