Watch more of my free tutorials that are not on KZfaq: www.steeletraining.com/

wow. that escalated quickly.

Blending photography, psych, and biological natural selection in a 10 minute video? I might have a new KZfaq hero.

Learn about photography and about life in the same video. I love it.

The best answer of this question I have ever seen.

I never comment on videos but I was thoroughly impressed with the quality and depth of this explanation. Bravo!

I've started attending KZfaq University for photography when Quarantine started last year lol. Today the algorithm put this video in my recommendations. Best one it's ever sent my way...

After reading articles and forums and watching other videos, by far this is the best explanation on the topic

This guy has the most logical response to the debate. I side with him!

I would listen to this guy for hours. Great comunication skills 👍👍👍

That was a great video. I agree that having a good quality filter is key. It's funny that no one ever says to me "Did you use a filter for this photo? I think it could be 5% better."

As a beginning photographer and someone trying to improve upon this skillset, I truly appreciate the way you explain the processes. I have watched a few of your videos as I am beginning to take this "hobby" seriously and find your clear, concise way of explaining techniques refreshing and helpful. I can't wait to check out your site. Thank you for being thorough. I am always excited when I can see a person's passion reflected in what they do.

I am a professional photographer. I used UV lens filters early on in my career, and have taken many, many photographs bot with and without. I too have not seen or had any noticeable loss of quality in my photographs using UV filters. I agree that it comes down a personal choice.

6:48 Omg! One of those videos where the content creator doesn’t say to like or subscribe, that’s the confidence in the quality of his content, keep it up Steele!

Thanks you for your straight forward no nonsense tutorials. You keep a steady stream of knowledge going without having to give it a second thought. And you don't talk about your personal life (unless it has to do with photography) like many other people on tutorials do. Thanks again, learned a lot.

Thanks, Phil. Your clear, common sense explanations are always top notch. When I was a DSLR newbie years ago, your videos took me to the next level and I've been a fan of your tutorials since.

Tip (from a easy going prosumer): When you get something like liquid on your lens, maybe first try to soak it up with a piece of cloth without putting much pressure. But then use a LensPen to wipe it clean. Those things are really good at grabbing onto anything and make the glass really clean and shiny. - Don't use it for removing solid materials of course, you can use a soft brush, which is also built into the other end of a LensPen. - This looks like an ad, but trust me, I had some old lenses previously owned by someone else, and they were kind of haze-y when inspecting them. I decided to try out LensPens which made them look all clear like new and it's totally worth the small investment.

Unbiased and comprehensive. A rare gem on YT. Thanks a million!

Wow! that is the most insightful message I've heard, not only about filters, but about who I am as a photographer, and what really matters to me. thank you.

I just got a camera and learning photography. By accident I ran across this channel and I can’t get enough of it! I was so overwhelmed when I first got my camera and I have learned so much watching these videos. I love the explanation on the filters and the discussion of negativity bias… talk about an amazing video! Thank you!

Mr. Phil, this is my first time seeing your video's. You've got it going on. Your simple, efficient, thorough, exact, with a calm soothing voice. Plan and simple is always best. Thank you so much.

Re negativity bias: to many new photographers spending an extra $50 to protect their lens is unnecessarly painful... until they actually break one. I'm new to this channel and I love every bit of it so thank you!

I chanced upon one of your videos , it really got me hooked onto watching all of them, straight in a row..never was once bored or confused, and it made so many concepts so crystal clear!!! You are an amazing teacher Phil !!

You are not only a master of photography but also a person with highly logical sense!

I've seen a couple of videos and I like this guy so far ...no nonsense, straight talking, unbiased advise with a full range of examples as well as no monotonous intros...its topic then a quick intro and most importantly it's accurate information. Definitely subscribing. Looking forward to other videos. 👍👏👏👏

Wow. The clarity of this training is better than any filter would or would not provide in my next shoot! Thanks, a great, logical, straight ahead explanation of an otherwise noisy debate. Much appreciated sir, well done as always.

you can really tell he is a good photographer even without looking at one of his pictures. I am just starting into this world of photography and this video was really helpful for me thank you!!! Not only a good photographer, a really good person!

No-nonsense clear answer. Information-packed and worth every minute of watching (I took notes.) Now I get it because he explains much more vital info than the other videos I've watched. For me, it was a bonus (near the end) about his info about negativity bias since I love behavior/psychology. Thanks for a great video!

Thanks a lot Steele. You are amazing. Clear, practical, and answering almost everything that comes to mind. You are now my go to teacher for all my questions. Thanks again.

I had to watch through 3 other youtubers videos on this topic to find yours and be happy with the concise answers you've provided on UV filters. Thank you!

The last part of this video, the psychological analysis, is the crème de la crème. Love it!

Well explained , I have been through many UV Filters video but this is the best explained I can find. Keep up the nice work man.

I just found your site and have watched a couple of episodes with great enjoyment. I love how you get to the point sand don't ramble on and on like many people do in tutorial. I've sent the link on to a novice photographer friend. I know she'll learn a lot and enjoy the way you present your topics

I have learnt the hard way wrecking a front element of an unfiltered 70 -200 Canon "L" glass lens when the trpod fell over . I always used them in my film days, but was persuaded that they weren't necessary on modern digital cameras. Thanks to your clear explanation I will be returning to using them with a better understanding ..... Thank you

And the part about negative bias, it's just mind blowing. We know it's there somehow, but the fact that you spoke it out explicitly helped me so much!

Very well-presented video. I saw Tony Northrup's video on this question a while back and it was really interesting to see just how difficult (nearly impossible) it is to scratch the front of a good quality lens. Moreover, he showed that even lenses which have nasty cracks in them don't really affect the image much, if at all. I think your example of getting a drop of something on your filter that wouldn't clean off, however, is real food for thought. I am going to have to reconsider my current aversion to using filters for lens protection.

this has to be one of the best clearest explanations of any topic I've heard on youtube

Clear voice and articulate with a simple, straight forward and unambiguous rationale.

I’ve been a photographer for a decade, and using a filter seemed common sense to me from day one, but I really enjoy how you go into detail about both sides of the argument and at the end of the day, it’s personal choice. Liked and subscribed!

Not only did you answer my question well, your tutorial is an excellent example of how a great video tutorial can be done. Thank you!

This is indeed probably the most down-to-earth, common sense, no-BS approach to the topic that I've seen on KZfaq or anywhere else frankly, and the one that I've been using myself for quite some time. I'm usually keeping the protective filter on by default, especially when outside or traveling, but take it off when I'm going in for the potential money shot. I also usually remove it indoor studio settings and rather keep the hood to protect it from a casual fingerprint etc.

You are just wonderful. Precise, to the point, quick & very optimized to the subject. Thanks for all your videos.

Man I wish you were my neighbor! I love learning from someone that actually can teach. Thank you for explaining so well! I love your videos. So helpful no matter what subject you pick. Even if I already think I know it all, you come along and prove to me I don't!

Phil, Outstanding explanation! Your presentations keep getting better (and they started of pretty darn good). Keep up the great work.

Absolutely spot on Sir! Protect that front element but take the filter off when you think best! 👏👏👏

An excellent presentation of the thoughts from both sides of the fence. Thanks

I was searching on the internet after buying my new DSLR about this matter. After reading many forums and articles I found this video. Neatly and well explained. Many thanks.

The most clever and clear video about filters I've ever seen. Congrats.

Such a great video to not only present information in a clear and concise manner, but poising questions for ourselves as photographers and artists about what is valuable to our own workflow according to common use cases. This is information that photographers should keep stored for these decisive moments.

Clear and concise. This is really helpful. Thank you!

Such a nuanced answer to the question but a worthy video in all regards! Well done sir and hats off!

Phil, your teaching of photography is simply amazing. In the short time you summarize all the necessities and I feel very grateful because you share your acknowledgments so generously.

Sir this is the best filters review i have ever watched and guidelines that no one had ever given on this topic.. wow

Just put a Hoya HD UV filter on my Nikkor 70-200 F/2.8 E FL lens and was looking for confirmation basis for my decision. Thanks for the thoughtful and simple analysis. Works for me :)

What a pleasure to listen to calm logic. Thanks Phil for a great explanation.

I'm just starting out on my photography side hustle, and am glad I have content like this to help me out so early in the journey.

I am amazed by how good these Steele's videos are. Thank you very much for doing them.

I am as yet an aspiring DSLR owner and even I gained incredible value from this video. Thank you sir for making it so clear and balanced. I was already going to comment in appreciation and then.... Negativity bias....blew my mind

last few minutes of your speech bought me! Thanks for sharing the philosophy.

Thank you! I was debating on whether to use filters on my new SL2. I bought one of those beginner kits since I'm getting back into shooting with a DSLR. I know most things can be fixed in PS and other programs, but I still love just the "regular" photo sans the adjustments. Anyway, after watching this, I decided to at least put the UV filter on. I actually was thinking about putting a polarizing one on to shoot an outdoor event and thought against it. UV is enough for me. Thank you for your excellent explanation!

Thanks, the most clear, smart and objective analysis about filters I've seen.

That was super nice to hear an objective answer to those question. I really enjoy your approach and the way your compose your videos. Thanks for sharing Fred

I love this! I'm a psychologist and a self thought photographer and it got excited of how you integrate in the end with real life basically! thank you!

Just discovered your channel today. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thanks!

Negativity Bias ... you rocked that like a ... like a ... hundred dollar bill!! What a beautiful explanation of NB and the choices of UV lens. Great work.

Excellent informative video. Personally I have had protective filters on the front of my lenses since I first started photography back in 1974. I am glad you mentioned quality as well because the filters I use start with German Schott glass and although some might find paying $125 for a 77mm filter is a bit high, the protection of the front elements of Canon L lenses is important to me. This video just validates my personal choice over the decades.

Only just found these videos but love how he covers everything and doesn't push his own thoughts and ideas as being absolute fact.

Thanks for thoughtful explanation! Subscribed to your channel for a few years, and every one of your videos is a gift to viewers :-)

Glad I found this awesome video! I'm definitely gonna use a protective filter once my new Ricoh GR3 arrives -- its easier to replace a broken filter than a broken fixed prime lens! Thanks!

I love your risk/ reward summary at the end along with all the technical details along the way. When searching for photography questions, when I see a video by Phil Steele, it's the first one clicked! Hope your making serious $$ on your seriously useful training videos.

Im so glad I watched this as I had never gave much thought to salt air at the beach and the camera lens. I should have thought about, I have seen what it does to cars. I will definitely cover the lens while I’m at the beach! Thanks!

Thanks for your explanation. I totally agree with you. About 15 years ago, or so, I was visiting Egypt as a tourist, enjoying all of their old history and monuments. My brand new Nikon D100 went to the floor from my dining table, but I was lucky: the only part that was broken was the protective filter in my 24-120mm lens. Otherwise, the more than 1.000 dollars lens had been broken or damaging the front part or the lens. Since then, I always use a protective filter (from 20 through 100 dollars, depending on the lens), except for the cases you have mentioned, (I love astronomy pictures) and except for the fish eye lenses, of course. Thanks again.

Phil you do great work for all of us out there. Thank you.

Okay, this was by far the best video of this type. You covered all aspects from a neutral standpoint. More than the filter topic, there were other learnings too. Thanks a ton.

I bought the filters long back without knowing , what for , and found proper answer today. Awesome video

Thanks for this information! I'm an amateur photographer in San Diego, so your SD shoutout made my ears perk up.

This is one of the best videos I've seen in a long time.

Perfect explanation and great video as always Phil, keep up the good work...

thank you so much your tutorials are clear and have all the information i'm looking for that other channels don't! 10/10 channel!!!

Helpful? Bro that was one of the most amazing videos I have watched in a while. Perfectly answered my question on this and what my intentions will be in the future.

Agreed, I open a new lens and filter at the same time and they are married for life. So many times I'm shooting macro where the dof is so thin that while focusing on a subject I don't see the stray branch that's headed for my lens as I manual focus. Saved me many times. On top of that my lens is an open barrel because the focus mechanism is internal and dust can get down into the lens itself. I strive for super crisp photos and scratches and dust don't mix with high magnification. Great video!

a very concise, clear presentation! Just the information I was looking for. Thanks!

What a great, objective review of lens filters... Who else is talking about negativity bias in their reviews to recommend what's right for each individual?? Well done...

Great public speaker!! Very knowledgeable and professional!

Thank you! This helped me a lot and you explain things very nicely.

Genuilly the best video I have seen on KZfaq. I do not comment often but wow! thank you!

I hike a lot and I consider myself to be a mediocre amateur photographer. My friends like my pics but I know they aren't professional. I've been watching a ton of KZfaq videos trying to improve over time and I have to say your videos have by far been the best ones for me personally. Filters recently came up on my radar and this video really helped me make the decision on whether or not to use them. I'm gonna start using them!

man, you're THE best! you're my number one favourite photographer on youtube with benjamin jaworsky on the second

Your explanations are so nice n concise, very easy to understand. Also your pronunciation is very good to listen n easy to understand. Thank you.

Excellent, clear and concise, always super helpful

I agree with this video-analysis on the debate. I use B+W Digital MRC Nano Clear Filter XS-Pro to protect my new Canon EF-100-400mm II and an EF 85mm f/1.8 lenses. Other lenses I use are protected with good quality UV filters like B+W and HOYA. These filters are a good rather inexpensive investment to protect your expensive glass. I rather loose a couple of pixels of resolution, visually insignificant for a good image, than fail to protect the lens against dust, salt mist near the sea, smears, scratches, impact and other damages. Anecdote: I once dropped a Canon L lens on my tiles floor from my knee. The lens fell against the front edge of the lens. The filter broke (either B+W or HOYA - don't remember exactly) just like the initial image in the video above, but the glass and the lens survived without a scratch and without damage to the focusing system. I thanked goodness and inmediately replaced the broken filter with a new coated clear glass high quality filter with brass frame. Please do not buy cheap filters. Those may really visually degrade your images and not protect your investment on lenses.

Going to get my first DSLR soon. Thankfully I found your channel. Spared me from a lot of headache.

You sir, are the real Dr. Phil. I salute you!

This is a never ending debate, and you handled and presented it supremely, and I happen to concur with you. Let’s break this down: For one, Canon happens to require the use of a filter on the front of their ‘L’ Series lenses, to complete the weather proofing process, and warranty! Two, there was this man on the Internet, forget the link, that did some crazy stuff to the front of a Minolta lens I believe, showing how scratches and haze had to be really significant, to affect the final image. He even went so far as to smash/ crack the front element, which did show up of course, but not as bad as one would think. Three, imagine shooting an event, say a child’s birthday, and a young boy or girl walks up to you with chocolate cake all over their little fingers, and proceed to touch and smear that stuff on the front element of your unprotected lens! Would you rather be cleaning a removable filter, or that beautiful front element? I think you know the reasonable answer to that! Just some food for thought, No Pun! Four, I have shot from inside vehicles, or through a window of my house, capturing the many Deer that go through my back yard, and the images come out nice. I have printed them out to 11X14 no problem. Might they have been better not shot through a ‘glass barrier?’ Of course! My point is, it’s not gonna matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Of course, YMMV. To each their own. Peace! 👍✌🏻🇺🇸📷☺️

What a damn good explanation. Very honest, direct and simple. Thanks a lot for sharing it !!!

Impressed. Plain english! No one could have made it easier to understand. Thumbs up.

Good, clear information, and without asking me "What's up?" or "What's happening?" Subscribed.

Even if I were earning $1000 an hour I would be seriously upset if my lenses got damaged, so it's filters for me all day long! Thanks, good job!

Thanks for your explanation, Phil. Much appreciated.

Great presentation-easy to understand-Thanks!