B + W 55mm UV Protection Filter (010) for Camera Lens – Standard Mount (F-PRO), MRC, 16 Layers Multi-Resistant Coating, Photography Filter, 55 mm, Clear Protector

I wish I had just ordered this filter in the beginning. These are really expensive and cause you to pause when you need to outfit seven really expensive L series Canon lenses. This is not the place to try and save some money, especially if you do any professional shooting. I originally went with HOYA top of the line MRC filters which are a bit less expensive. Unfortunately, if they get dirty, it is almost impossible to get them clean again - especially if the dirt on the filter is oily like finger prints or skin oil. No matter which optical cleaning solution you use they will leave a very slight haze on the filter and this is after almost 20 minutes of cleaning. Not a good thing to happen during a shoot when the talent and crew are standing around waiting for you. I then tested the B+W non MRC filters, these are good as long as no light source is in the frame - you will have ghosting especially at night. For about 30 additional dollars you get the MRC version and this is at the top of the filter hierarchy. I had previously worked in Motion Pictures and the B+W coatings are far superior to all the different brands I have previously worked with doing film. Finally, I bit the bullet and ordered a bunch of the B+W MRC filters. They are perfect and clean very easily. I am slowly but surely replacing all my other filters with these exceptional filters. I also use one of their circular polarizers (had to sell a kid to afford it) but it is amazing and produces great results at the right angles. Summary: This is the top of the line absolute best filter for UV haze protection that is easy to clean, durable and very high quality construction. The only downside is they are very expensive.

Background and Context: I've never given haze filters much thought in the past and have used many Hoya and Tiffen filters (obviously I'm not a professional) on my lenses for the sole purpose of protection (mostly because I have a toddler). I needed a filter for my Canon 24-105 F4/L, and Amazon recommended this filter in the "frequently bought together" section of the product description. I wasn't too sure about spending the extra money on a "magic coating" for a utilitarian haze filter, but all I can say is that I am amazed with this thing and that it is definitely worth the money (see math below for justification)! Problem Statement: I waste a lot of time cleaning my lenses/haze filters (you would too if you had a toddler)- and I still can't get them crystal clear. I also need a filter that won't distort my lens, and most of all, i need something to protect my lens from damage. Math and "Business Case": Assume you have to clean your lens once a week and it takes you 10 minutes each session (you are very thorough) on your uncoated filter. That's roughly 40 minutes a month which equates to 8 hours a year. If you paid someone at minimum wage ($8.25 if you lived in Illinois)to clean your lens, that would be ~$66.00 a year. Then let's assume you will spend 1 minute every two weeks wiping off your B+W filter- using the same calculations, your cost to clean that would be $3.30 a year. So your hypothetical potential labor savings would be about ~$62/year (assuming a non-unionized workforce)- or roughly the cost of the filter at today's amazon price. If you are looking to purchase this filter, most likely you make more than minimum wage; therefore if your time is money- this filter is definitely worth the time it gives you to do other things (such as take pictures or watching prime time network television). Evidence: The "aha moment" occurred when I took my camera to a water park for my son's birthday party; and as kids will do, they started splashing and shooting water guns at me. When I went to wipe off the lens, I was amazed that the water had actually beaded off and the filter remained relatively crystal clear- i didn't have to do anything. This never happens with my other filters as similar events would result in a long session with lens wipes/solutions, microfiber cloths, and a blower (and the filter still wouldn't be crystal clear). More Evidence: In addition, I am lazy with my cameras and the lens caps are rarely on. I just took a look at my camera and the filter is still crystal clear with no dust or smudges. I hate to sound like an infomercial but this is really amazing! OK, I've spent way too much time discussing a circular piece of glass. Bottom Line: If you hate spending a lot of time cleaning your lenses and you perceive your time as valuable, buy this filter! Cliff Notes: Pros: Crystal clear, solid quality (made in Germany like Sham Wows), and the coating really works. Will save you time. Cons: Pricier than other Haze Filters

I use the B&W UV MRC (010M) on practically all of my lenses. I had used other brands in the past (most notably Singh-Ray and Tiffen), but I switched over to B&W permanently a couple years ago because it seems to be the most well-balanced product relative to price and quality. Singh-Ray is the Rolex of filters...the feel of their filters is top notch, but I was not able to discern any difference in image quality between Singh-Ray and B&W filters. Both filters feel strong and secure when fastened to the lens. Singh-Ray UV filters cost practically twice a B&W UV filter...so choosing Singh-Ray over B&W would require a very noticeable difference in quality, and from my point of view, there isn't one. There is no noticeable difference in image quality when using either a Tiffen or B&W UV filters. B&W's knurling feels a tad bit smoother, and I personally prefer the brass lettering of a B&W filter over the aluminum lettering of the Tiffen. Over time, Tiffen filters seem more prone to knicks and scratches on the surface of the filter ring...whereas B&W's filter ring seems to withstand the elements slightly better. From my experience, both filters are equally easy to screw on and off the front of the lens. Generally speaking, I strongly recommend that you use some sort of UV or clear filter on the front of your lens, if for no other reason than to protect the front element of your lens. At some point, you will bump into something, be exposed to poor weather, or will simply drop the lens onto unforgiving ground. Higher quality lenses are an investment in that they hold their value relatively well if they are kept in excellent condition. I would MUCH prefer to introduce a filter to rain or an accidental bump rather than the exposed lens element. Additionally, keeping a filter on the lens will help protect the glass from dust particles over time. It's much easier (and less stressful) to clean a filter than lens glass. B&W UV filters are an excellent balance of quality and price. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to protect the front of their lens.

A filter is a filter is a filter.....NOT!!!!!!! I have been a photography enthusiast for some 45+ years. During that time I have used mostly Hoya and Tiffen filters with a couple of other brands occasionally.......I have tried to stay away from what I thought were the el cheapo filters thinking I was buying good ones. But all that changed TODAY!!!!! I had just recently bought a new Nikon zoom and decided that with a nice zoom like this one (instead of the generic brand lens) that I would actually splurge on what I thought was an overkill filter. I had seen reviews on the B+W but figured it was simply hype. The lens arrived Saturday and the B+W filter showed up today. The first thing I noticed about the B+W was the weight........this filter easily weighs twice what the others do. There is no mistaking that the entire mount is high quality metal. Impressive at first sight. Then I held it up to catch the mirrored reflection of a lamp next to my recliner, expecting to see the reflection of the lamp. It was not to be so...........instead of the single reflection on the front surface of the filter, I saw the multi colored texture of the filter with NO solid reflection of the lamp...............WOW..............I then proceeded to mount the filter on my lens and it is absolutely unbelievable. There is no reflection from the front of the lens with the filter mounted. Without a doubt, this is the best filter I have ever bought. It made a believer out of me and I will never again erroneously think that a filter is just a piece of glass and as long as it is coated it will be okay.............I learned my lesson. So much in fact, that I just ordered another one just like it for another lens that I just put one of the other brands on a month ago............... In summary..........there are filters, and there are filters............And then there are B+W filters..............and there is no comparison. This is the real McCoy and I will NEVER settle for a cheapo filter on a nice lens again. If you have the mindset I did originally, just try one of these and you will be amazed as well...............Easily, the best filter I have ever seen. Pricey compared to the others.......but worth it.

I hastily decided to purchase this UV Haze filter to protect the relatively expensive Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 and 70-200 f4 lenses I had just ordered, and before properly researching whether I needed a UV Haze filter or a plain Neutral Clear filter for protection. While I've gotten pleasing results with both lenses -- both indoors and out -- I realized after reading numerous reviews and blogs post-purchase that the UV Haze filters -- while good for protecting lenses -- are really designed for hazy outdoor weather conditions or high altitudes. The consensus opinion seems to be Neutral Clear filters are generally more recommended as lens protectors if the photographer wants absolutely no impact on color balance. Moreover, other blogs point out that modern DLSRs with high-quality sensors are not affected by UV radiation in the first place... so there's really no need for a UV Haze filter on today's DSLRs. The B+W UV Haze filter is a solid, high-quality precision product that feels solid when tightened down on a lens. But make sure you really want and need the "UV Haze" capabilities and not just a clear filter before you order it. I will continue using my B+W 67mm UV Haze filter for protection, but I'm swapping-out the several 77mm UV Haze filters I also purchased for my favorite Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 and 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 lenses with new B+W XS-Pro Clear filters with MRC. I've noticed very little difference, if any, to the naked eye when I compare the Clear filter side by side with the UV Haze filter, or when placing them next to each other on a white sheet of paper. But next time I'll take more time to adequately research the photo accessories before I order a photo product, and in the meantime I'm waiting for a hazy day to see what the UV Haze filters in my camera bag can do compared to the Clear filters.

Been waiting and have not been disappointed. The F-Pro is built (!) and is as clear as a bell. Ads nothing but a little contrast that I can see, in either color or B&W (with which I am experimenting currently) using with my Sony DSC-HX400V. The B+W It replaces another very fine filter - Hoya Digital Pro1. I like the Hoya better for at least one or two other features - knurled ring, lightness and coating that seems slicker and with less tendency to bind in the treads. It did seem to add hue, almost like a Skylight filter, when compared to the B+W. The B+W seemed to add nothing but contrast and clarity. B+W F-Pro is brass, I think I read, heavier, seems easily cleaned and not very susceptible to smearing (i.e., lens coating appears harder and slicker when cleaning). However, this item cannot be torqued onto a lens or another filter tightened onto it, even slightly. THEY WILL BIND TIGHT, almost to the point of inseparability! The (O)range Hoya I positioned over the B+W for shooting b&w bound tight and the the B+W bound to the camera lens, all with only a smidge of finger tightening of either after treading stopped. I attribute this to the patina coating on the B+W filter ring, threads too, which seems aggressive and grabs anything hard. It is almost like Parkerizing on a firearm but harder. Once having finally removed the two lens from my camera, it took forcefully tapping the edge of the stacked filters on a desk blotter some number of times to get them loose. I applied an ever so little amount of petroleum jelly to treads of both, wiped off much and re-cleaned both filters with RoR cleaner (many lens tissues) to get them back in shape. I experimented with tightening again and again locked them up. Had to do the whole process over. Finally, I threaded the B+W back on the camera until the treads stopped. Period!!!! Did same with the Hoya to the B+W. I think this coating on the B+W treads is a bit of a flaw. But, if not stacked, the B+W should do well on its own. Just don't tighten it AT ALL past where the threads stop threading. Both B+W and the Hoya seem to do the job. If one doesn't see the hue value change like I did, the Hoya should be a great addition and easy to work with, except it is a little harder to get clean than the B+W. But not by much. Quirks aside, the B+W is still my choice for its exceptional clarity and quality.

Well...I buy a lot of stuff from Amazon, in about every category you can think of, so I thought I should start writing reviews. It seems I would rather shop here and buy online since it is so convenient and I appreciate the quality of items on Amazon. So Ive gotten back into photography and Im starting to rebuild by photo gear. Im buying lenses and I need filters and thats what led me to this. First of all, B and W is not black and white..its the company name. Its Schneider Optics, a German company, who makes quality optics gear. First impression...nice packaging and make me feel good about spending the extra cash for a better filter. I bought this for my 50mm lens that Ill be using primarily for indoor shots...and thats why I upgraded from a lower cost filter. Gone will be my excuse of "darn filter" when Im taking family pics..:) Looking at the filter, it is easy to see that this is a quality product. It feels solid in my hands and mounted easily to the lens...and interestingly, there was no slight dragging sound as it was threaded onto the filter...if you have used filters you know what I mean. Through the lens, and in production, this lens is invisible and does what it was designed to do. As you know, filters are also the sacrafical lamb when it comes to your lenses...and I will not be happy if I ever drop the lens and break this filter...better than hurting the lens, but it will not be fun to replace this. This is the first B and W I have purchased, and I have several larger lenses that I have lower quality filters on, so when I get some extra cash saved I may just upgrade them as well... Good luck with your photography!!

I haven't used all the different brands out there, but I did previously bought a Zeikos set. Originally, I thought the Zeikos UV filter did an okay job protecting the lens, but the UV didn't do much; in fact, I couldn't see any difference in the pictures I took with and without the filter. The lens kit (the kit included 3 filters) cost under $10.00 After more research, I came across this B & W filter. the $48.00 for one UV was a bit of a sticker shock, but still decided to fork out $48 for the B+W filter. For $48.00 and all the positive review (at that time, there were 245 5-star review out of 284 reviews) , I had very high expectation of this product. When I received and opened the package, I was ... WOW . . . First, this UV filter is truly remarkable. I held this up next to the Zeikos and up to the light and there is no comparison. The uniformity, UV filter, clarity, quality and durability of the B+W filter was amazing. the UV filter is far superior than the Zeikos. I didn't even need to take any pictures to tell me these are better. I even put a drop of water on the B & W lens and it was so easy to clean, just a few wipes and it didn't leave any smudges. I took some pictures without the UV Filter, then a set with the Zeikos, and another set with the B+W. The Zeikos and no filter the pictures were indistinguishable. But there were noticeably positive difference with the pictures I took with the B+W filter. I showed the pictures to my friends and family members as a blind test, and all picked the ones taken with the B+W filter Like some of the other reviewers, my initial impression was someone must be posting bogus reviews. It can't be all that and no way this is worth $48.00. I am so wrong, it is worth all that and much more! From here on, all my future filters will be B+W.. Excellent!!!! Truly Remarkable!