Do digital cameras need UV filters?

wadewade

I always had a UV filter on my old 35mm SLR but do I need one on my newer digital camera, a Canon 400D with a Canon 18-55 lens?

I'm going to Arizona and New Mexico soon, would a filter be beneficial there?

7dayshop does two own-label UV filters, would the better one of the two suffice for everyday photography?
7dayshop.com Lens Filter - UV Multi Coated Professional Quality - 58mm

Marty_J

I have never thought they make any difference. Some people leave one on all the time in order to protect the lens; if you wanted to do that, I'd recommend investing in a decent one from the likes of Hoya or Tiffin.

There's no point having a nice lens and putting a crap filter in front of it.

However, what I would recommend is a polariser, especially if you're going to be going out into the desert. They aren't cheap, but they really make your photos pop in a way that's not really possible to do by any other means.

This was taken on a sunny day in the US:



Just look at how deep the colour of the sky is.

eyeinthesky

I second the suggestion of a polariser, be sure to look for a circular polarising filter.

totalsolutions

Yep, lens protectors, and also make the clouds stand out a little more, good for the UK then.