Lens filter for Spotting Scope

[Wabird]

Anyone here tried a camera lens filter for their spotter?
I have a Pentax 80mm and put a B + W linear polarized filter (82mm) on it. I'm not sure if I got a dud, filters aren't for high magnification or what, but I could not focus nearly as sharp as without it. It was apparent the moment I looked through it; it added distortion to the image. I'm trying a neutral density filter next.
Was just wondering if anyone else has tried the same. And your thoughts?

 

[gtriever]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

Tried it with my Zeiss 85, immediately took it off and went back to using the sunshade only.

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

Why would you put a neutral density filter on it? Both it and the polarizing filter will cut the amount of light allowed into the optic by half or more, but at least the polarizing filter has the benefit of reducing reflections from the water (if you need that.)

How old is that polarizing filter? Not very many linear polarizers out there these days. If you're going to use a polarizer, why not a circular?

 

[Aries64]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wabird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone here tried a camera lens filter for their spotter?</div></div>
Yes. I used a 67mm Hoya Pro1 Digital SLIM UV MC Filter on my Zeiss 65T FL and it worked great. My only reason for using the filter was to protect the Zeiss Objective lens. Not only did it do that, but it was <span style="font-style: italic">extremely</span> difficult to tell when the filter was on and when it was off. The better Hoya Filters use Schott glass (as do the B + Ws'), and Hoya actually has better coatings than some of the B + Ws'. The Super SLIM version of the Hoya I used also has VERY thin glass which may have contributed to the preservation of the 65T FL's image quality.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Warbird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Pentax 80mm and put a B + W linear polarized filter (82mm) on it. I'm not sure if I got a dud, filters aren't for high magnification or what, but I could not focus nearly as sharp as without it. It was apparent the moment I looked through it; it added distortion to the image. I'm trying a neutral density filter next.</div></div>
While you used a B + W (which are some of the best), you used a Polarizing Filter. Next time, use a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">B+W 82mm UV Haze 010 MRC Glass Filter (Slim)</span></span> or a <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Hoya 82mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Super Multi-Coated (S-HMC) Glass Haze Filter</span></span> instead.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">NOTES:</span></span> The <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">B+W 82mm UV Haze 010 MRC Glass Filter (Slim)</span></span> IS NOT threaded on the Front, and WILL NOT accept the factory (Zeiss) Len cap. This is a problem, as the Lens Cap that B + W supplies is a slip-on and falls-off easily (read the reviews and you'll see this).

The <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Hoya 82mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Super Multi-Coated (S-HMC) Glass Haze Filter</span></span> isn't designated as a "SLIM" filter nor does the stock photo show Front threads. However, one of the reviewers stated <span style="font-style: italic">"I just got one of these, UPC ending in 014191 and it does take front filters and lens caps, also, I have noticed no vingetting when I put it on a film body".</span> This suggests that the factory (Zeiss) Len Cap will fit and engage the threads of the Hoya filter (this was the case with the Zeiss Lens Cap from my Diascope 65T FL and Hoya UV Super SLIM MC UV filter).

Out of curiosity, did you use the <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">B+W 82mm Kaeseman Linear Polarizer Glass Filter</span></span>, or the standard <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">B+W 82mm Linear Polarizer Filter</span></span>?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Warbird</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Was just wondering if anyone else has tried the same. And your thoughts?</div></div>
Answered in my first paragraph above.


Keith

 

[Ratbert]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The Super SLIM version of the Hoya I used also has VERY thin glass which may have contributed to the preservation of the 65T FL's image quality.
</div></div>

The "Slim" versions refer to the thickness of the mount, not the thickness of the glass. They're designed for ultra-wide angle lenses that would vignette if using a normal filter mount with the female threads on the outside.

 

[Aries64]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ratbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The Super SLIM version of the Hoya I used also has VERY thin glass which may have contributed to the preservation of the 65T FL's image quality.
</div></div>

The "Slim" versions refer to the thickness of the mount, not the thickness of the glass. They're designed for ultra-wide angle lenses that would vignette if using a normal filter mount with the female threads on the outside. </div></div>
Yeah, I know that the "SLIM" filters are designed to prevent vignetting with wide-angle lenses. While a "SLIM" designation typically refers to the thickness of the mount, the Hoya Pro1 Digital UV MC [SLIM] Filter actually has Ultra-thin glass. This allows the Ring to be to Dual-Threaded while still be a SLIM filter. The Filter I used was a Super Slim version of the Super Multi-Coated <span style="font-style: italic">"SMC"</span>.


Keith

 

[JW_TX]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

Does anyone know if there is a UV filter which will fit the Leupold Mark 4 Spotting scope? Just looking to protect the front lens.

 

[Aries64]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JW_TX</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know if there is a UV filter which will fit the Leupold Mark 4 Spotting scope? Just looking to protect the front lens. </div></div>
I'm sure there is, you just have to know what the thread size is. <span style="font-style: italic">Filters are generally 2mm larger than the Objective lens diameter.</span> If you aren't 100% sure, call Leupold and ask them what the thread size is.


Keith

 

[Wabird]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ratbert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why would you put a neutral density filter on it? Both it and the polarizing filter will cut the amount of light allowed into the optic by half or more, but at least the polarizing filter has the benefit of reducing reflections from the water (if you need that.)

How old is that polarizing filter? Not very many linear polarizers out there these days. If you're going to use a polarizer, why not a circular? </div></div>

While looking through my polarized sunglass, I really enjoyed the view in terms of eye strain/fatigue. So, I thought I'd try using a lens filter, as wearing sunglass while hunting isn't quite practical.
The B + W Linear Polarizer Filter is new. I chose linear mostly because of the price difference. But, instantly I knew there was image distortion when I first put it on; I focused down to about 100yds and removed the filter, readjusted to a very sharp focus and re-mounted the filter. The image is muddy. My question concerning high magnifaction is based on that I have an XW10 eyepiece that is 52x magnification on the angled body, but I haven't tried the filter with a lesser power ocular.
Thanks for you suggestions Aries64, I'll look at the S-HMC a little closer. Thanks for your inputs to eveyone.

 

[tipper]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

Polarizing filter has the benefit of reducing reflections from the water,glass, or any reflective surface, not good with coatings used on scopes glass.
Polarized sunglasses have the same effect.
Clear safety glasses or complain !

 

[Wabird]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

tipper, you might have to spell out for me "Clear safety glasses or complain!" means, I'm not getting it.
You say that filters are not good with coatings, why do my Maui Jim sunglasses make long term viewing (through the scope) much easier on my eyes? They don't distort the image's sharpness at all. I'm just trying to duplicate the same effect but with a filter to eliminate the sunglasses.

 

[tipper]

Re: Lens filter for Spotting Scope

Wabird
I don't know how the world looks through your eyes or your maui jim's.

I know how the world looks through my eyes an any glasses I wear changes that even clear ones.
Glass lens are ground flat to eliminate distortion, flat lens shooting glsses work best for me amber then clear.

(you might have to spell out for me "Clear safety glasses or complain!)If your looking through sunglasses it's not the real world as you or anybody see's it.