A UV lens, also known as an ultraviolet filter, is a transparent lens that can be mounted on the front of a camera lens to block the incidence of ultraviolet light. The main function of the UV lens is to protect the lens from dust, water droplets, fingerprints, etc. from contaminating the lens surface, and can also avoid accidental scratches or collisions on the lens. UV mirrors can also reduce the impact of ultraviolet rays on the ultraviolet rays, improving the clarity and color reproduction.
So, is it necessary to install a UV mirror?There is no one definitive answer to this question, as different photographers may have different perceptions and needs. Below, I will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of UV mirrors from several aspects to help you make your own choice.
Protect the lensThis is the most basic function of the UV lens, and it is also the main reason why many photographers choose to install UV lenses. The lens is one of the most important parts of a camera, and it is also one of the most vulnerable to damage. The surface of the lens has a thin coating to improve optical performance and prevent reflections. This coating is very fragile and can affect the image quality of the lens if it is scratched or worn. Installing a UV lens can effectively protect the surface of the lens and prolong the service life of the lens. If the UV lens is contaminated or damaged, it can also be easily replaced without worrying about the loss of the lens.
Reduces the effects of UV rays: Ultraviolet light is an invisible electromagnetic wave that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Ultraviolet rays have a certain harm to the human body, and will also have a certain impact on **. Ultraviolet rays will make the color of **blue, reduce the contrast and clarity, and cause **whitish and blurry. Installing UV lenses can effectively filter out ultraviolet rays and improve the color reproduction and sharpness of **. Especially in places with strong ultraviolet rays such as seashores, plateaus, and snow, the role of UV mirrors is more obvious.
Increase the weight and thickness of the lens: Although the UV lens is very thin and light, it will increase the weight and thickness of the lens when it is mounted on the front end of the lens, which will affect the balance and portability of the lens. Especially for some large-aperture, long-focal length lenses, the influence of UV lenses is more obvious. If you often need to carry multiple lenses, or are sensitive to the weight and volume of the lenses, then UV lenses may cause you some inconvenience.
Reduces the optical performance of the lens: Although UV lenses can filter out ultraviolet rays, they also block some visible light, reducing the luminous flux and transmittance of the lens. This means that you'll need to use a higher ISO or a longer shutter speed to get the same results. UV lenses will also increase the reflection and scattering of the lens, causing glares and vignetting. Especially in the case of backlight or strong light, the effect of UV lenses is more obvious. If you're after the best optical performance of your lens, or often shoot scenes with high dynamic range, then UV lenses may degrade your **quality.
If you decide to install a UV mirror, then you need to pay attention to the following points to choose the right UV mirror:
The brand and quality of the UV mirrorThe brand and quality of the UV mirror determine the light transmittance and anti-reflection ability of the UV mirror, and also affect the ** of the UV mirror. In general, well-known brands, such as Zeiss, Styrofoam, Kengao, etc., will have better quality and performance, but will also be more expensive. Some low-cost UV mirrors may use inferior glass or plastic, resulting in chromatic aberration and distortion. Therefore, you need to choose the right UV mirror according to your budget and needs.
The size and model of the UV mirror: The size and model of the UV lens need to match the caliber and model of your lens, otherwise the UV lens will not be installed well or the angle of view of the lens will be blocked. You can find the aperture of your lens on the front end of your lens or on the lens cap, expressed in millimeters, such as 49mm, 58mm, 77mm, etc. You can also look up the model number of your lens, such as the EF 50mm F 1., online or in the manual8 stm、af-s dx nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR, etc. Then, you can choose the appropriate UV lens according to the caliber and model of your lens.
Installation and uninstallation of UV mirrors: The installation and unloading of the UV lens should be done carefully and gently to avoid damage to the UV lens or lens. You can use a special lens cloth or paper towel to wipe the surface of the UV lens or lens to remove dust and stains. You can also use a special lens clip or coin to rotate the threads of the UV lens or lens to make the UV lens tightly connected or separated. You need to be careful not to tighten or loosen the UV lens too much, otherwise it will cause the UV lens or lens to jam or loosen.
UV lens is a common photographic accessory, which has the effect of protecting the lens and reducing the impact of ultraviolet rays, but also has the disadvantage of increasing the weight and thickness of the lens and reducing the optical performance of the lens. Whether you need to install a UV mirror or not depends on your personal preferences and shooting needs. If you want to protect your lens, or shoot in places with strong UV rays, then UV lenses are a good choice. If you want to keep your lens light and high-performance, or shoot in scenes with complex lighting, then UV lenses may cause you some trouble.