Camera Labs

With the recent bad weather I've started using a protection filter, as I'm getting a little concerned over the number of times I've had to wipe the lens front when things get wet or steamy!

Currently I've got a Sigma EX multi-coated filter in 72mm recycled from elsewhere, and Hoya uncoated 77mm I got given free. The Sigma is ok, but I do want to replace the uncoated Hoya for sure. I have more lenses than filters too, so need more regardless as I don't want to swap them around. Once fitted, they can stay fitted.

Using this report as a reference, the best are any of the Hoya coated versions. The cheaper HMC proving great value.

In a search, I came across Hoya HMC filters in UV(N) and UV(C) versions. Really cheap, seems authentic, but hard to find information on. The only suggestion I found for UV(N) is it uses normal glass instead of optical grade, and may introduce a slight colour cast. So far I've drawn a blank on UV(C), but the language on the packaging is dual English/French so I'm wondering if it's a regional variation.

Now I'm wondering if I should gamble on them before I start looking at the HD series again...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Found one reference to UV(C) now, there is a claim it is simply the successor to UV(O) types. The (C) types are slightly more expensive than (N) but still far less than the pro series. Also the (C) are more widely available. Worth a try...

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

I have both UV(0) and UV(C) Hoya's. Both seem to work very well, no coloring, etc.

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Canon EOS T1i | Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM | Canon 70-200mm f/4L
Lowepro Slingshot 200

http://www.jessegamble.com

I just got my 1st UV(N) HMC filter, and it is definitely different from UV(C) HMC.

From memory, the reflection of the (C) version varies by colour depending on the angle of reflection. The (N) is largely original colour reflection. Looking straight through it, there is a faint yellow-grey colour tint.

I'll have to double check this side by side when I get home as I don't have a (C) on me. But if this holds out then I'd recommend against use of the (N) version, as the (C) version is only minimally more expensive.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Wow... this is very interesting... writing this now and I will have to add pictures later.

In looking at a light in near perpendicular reflections, I get the following ordered best to worst:
1, UV HD: faint green image reflected
2, UV(0) HMC: mild green image reflected
3, UV(C) HMC: moderate yellow-green reflection
=4, UV(N) HMC: bright reflection, cooler tint
=4, UV uncoated: bright reflection, warmer tint

Alas I don't have anything from the DMC, Super-HMC or Pro1d series. HMC does me on the budget end, and I'd go for HD if I want a really good one.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

Top left: UV(0) HMC
Top middle: UV HD
Top right: UV(C) HMC
Bottom middle: UV(N) HMC
Bottom right: UV uncoated

_________________
Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.