B + W 49mm UV Protection Filter (010) for Camera Lens – Standard Mount (F-PRO), MRC, 16 Layers Multi-Resistant Coating, Photography Filter, 49 mm, Clear Protector

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.

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

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!!