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"mianileng" <> wrote:
>Bruce wrote:
>> "mianileng" <> wrote:
>>
>>> I want to get a 52mm UV filter to protect the lens on my new
>>> FZ150, and since the local camera shop doesn't have any, I'll
>>> have to order one online. I have a choice of Kenko, Hoya,
>>> Marumi
>>> and Osaka. Based on their reputation or on your own
>>> experience,
>>> which of these is likely to cause the least degradation to
>>> image
>>> quality? TIA.
>>
>>
>> Of those listed, Hoya. But if you want a top quality UV
>> filter, look
>> at B+W or Heliopan which are optically only a little better
>> than Hoya
>> but are many times easier to keep clean.
>>
>> In all cases look for the latest multi-coated filters that are
>> sold
>> specifically for use with digital cameras. Hoya has "Pro1
>> Digital"
>> and B+W has "F-Pro", "F-Pro Gold" and "XS-Pro".
>>
>> As the cost of these filters is high compared to the price of
>> your
>> camera, you may wish to consider whether you need one at all.
>
>My main reason for wanting to fit a UV filter is to protect the
>lens. I live in a region where most of the soil is fine clay and
>dust quickly settles on any exposed surface, especially in the
>dry season.
>
> If you
>> still want one, but the expensive ranges are outside your
>> budget, the
>> Nikon NC range is a cheaper alternative but still offers
>> excellent
>> optical quality.
>
>I haven't found a source for any of the others you mentioned. I
>live in a remote part of India and my choices are limited to
>what's available online, and _that_ range is very limited because
>online shopping still has a long way to go here.


In that case, the Hoya would probably be the best choice.

The Kenko would also be worth considering but only if it is the
top-of-the-range Pro1D version. The Kenko Pro1D did well in the
Lenstip tests that someone else linked to. However, the cheaper Kenko
filters don't have such a good reputation.