UV filters and polarizers, are the all about the same?

[masp]

Who makes the best UV and polarizing filters? Are they all about the same? I'm looking at the cheap UV and polarizing filters at B&H for about $50. Adorama also has a kit where a Tiffen filter is only about an extra $8. Just looking for a quick and good way to get started if you have any suggestions.

This Hoya filter set looks like a fairly good deal, a 3 stop ND filter, a +1.3 stop polarizer which were mentioned on the podcast, as well as a multi-coated UV filter. Multi-coated is good right? I'm not sure if the ND filter and polarizer are worth it though. Maybe they're too low end to really be useful?

Also some kits include a warming filter, but I guess this is pointless if you can just adjust white balance in camera right?

[Mad Aussie]

Marko did a good podcast on filters I think.

A search should turn up previous convos we've had about them also.

In good conditions all the filters will perform well and you won't see a difference. It's in the more adverse conditions where better filters shows their true 'colours'

Yes, multi-coated is better.

Hoya are a good all round choice although they do offer different qualities as well and do have a cheap end and an expensive end.

Yeh, I'd never bother with a warming filter either for that reason.

[masp]

Does a UV filter affect your image much at all? The guest on Marko's podcast claimed that UV light barely affects modern DSLRs, so perhaps the UV filter is essentially a piece of clear glass to cover your lens. Maybe the cheap ones reduce the amount of light you have to work with though?

Just getting a UV filter and worrying about polarizers later does seem to be the easier and cheaper route though.

[Mad Aussie]

All DSLR sensors actually have a UV coating on them as far as I know. So apparently a UV filter is more effective as a bodyguard than it is as a UV filter.

The only time I notice a UV filter affecting a photo, good or bad, is when I get eccessive lens flare ... usually at night from very bright lights. By taking the filter off I can often eliminate or drastically reduce the flare.

[masp]

Hmm, would switching to another type of filter or a polarizer help in such a situation, or is your best option just to uncover the lens?

[Mad Aussie]

It's possible a very expensive filter might be better in that more extreme situation. Personally I'd just remove the filter and get the shot(s)

A polariser won't help much at night if it's a fast shutter speed you need. It may help a little on a long exposure ... not sure.

[masp]

Ah, I see, thanks for clearing this up with some excellent posts.

[Marko]

IMO, for all intents and purposes the UV filter protects the lens. That's it.

In terms of polarizers I think it would be very difficult to say which shot was taken with the 60 dollar versus 200 dollar polarizer under most normal conditions. What makes the difference is how it works while shooting.. and the more expensive ones are often smoother feeling. The multicoating can help reduce flare and increases the price.

[masp]

Do any polarizers work better if you're using a lens that has a rotating front element or are they all the same in this regard (requiring adjustment after focusing)?

[Mad Aussie]

I think they all the same in that regard. Most have some sort of graduated effect requiring adjustment.