The Nikon L37C is an optically and mechanically superb UV filter.
Written: Jun 20 '04 (Updated Jun 29 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Minimal loss of resolution, virtually undetectable color shift, durable.
Cons: None found so far. Slightly expensive, but you get what you pay for.
The Bottom Line: Easy to recommend for its outstanding optical quality and build quality. Minimal effect on image quality.
|
|
|
| jvandegr's Full Review: Nikon UV L37c 77 |
For reference, this filter is mounted to a Nikon 80-200mm 2.8D ED zoom lens. The L37C comes in a clear plastic case with a thick foam insert that protects the entire filter. This case is not durable enough for professional abuse, but otherwise shouldn't be a problem. A short instruction sheet is also included.
Features
This filter is designed to absorb UV radiation, which can cause a blue cast on film in certain shooting situations. However, since most modern photographic films are not sensitive to ultraviolet light, UV protection is really no longer needed. Some consumer (non-professional) films still have a slight sensitivity to UV radiation, and photographs captured on these films may benefit slightly from the use of a UV filter, especially at high elevations. The only other reason to use a UV filter is to protect the front lens element from damage that can be caused by debris (and cleaning). Any neutral color-balance filter can serve this purpose.
- Nikon Integrated Coating (NIC)
- brass mount
- minimal thickness: 75mm including threads, 45mm when mounted.
Performance
This filter screws very smoothly on to my Nikkor 80-200 2.8D ED lens. It unscrews as it should; it has never binded, nor come loose or slipped off. My Tiffen filters have never mounted as smoothly to either Nikon or Canon lenses. In this respect, perhaps Nikon filters really are made for Nikon lenses. The front Nikon lens cap included with the above mentioned lens fits easily onto the front of this filter. I've had no problems whatsoever getting it on or having it fall off.
At this focal range (80-200mm), there is no vignetting with this filter attached. Two outdoor test shots, one in bright light and one in shadow, showed virtually no color difference between the lens and the lens with the filter attached. All test shots were taken on the same role of Kodak E100G film. Loss of resolution (detail) is difficult to determine, which is a good thing. I inspected all of the test shots under a 10X loupe and arrived at the conclusion that there is less than 5% loss of resolution. For reducing internal scattering, the Nikon Integrated Coating seems to really work. I have yet to notice any ghosting, flare, or other unwanted scattering of any kind with this filter, except when I forgot to put the lens hood on in direct sunlight (dumb). Because the filter is often significantly more exposed on the front of the lens barrel than the front lens element, care must be taken to avoid flare. Usually, a lens hood works well to alleviate this problem.
Compared to the B+W multicoated UV filters that I use on my other Nikon lenses, optical performance is very similar in all respects; both are superb. Compared to Promaster UV filters and Tiffen UV filters, the L37C is superior in every optical characteristic. I will never buy these particular filters again, although I've found some of Tiffen's other filters to be decent performers.
Durability has so far been very good. Nearly always, I clean the filter with the appropriate microfiber cloth, but it has survived a couple of light t-shirt cleanings without damage. I've noticed no change in the ease to which the filter screws on and off over time. The large size (77mm) of this particular filter definitely has noticeable weight when held in my hand. However, this weight is not noticeable when mounted on the Nikon 80-200 2.8D ED lens.
So, does it do what it is supposed to do - filter UV radiation? As I mentioned, most modern photographic films (including all films from Agfa, Kodak professional films, and Fuji professional films) have very little or no sensitivity to UV radiation. At high elevations where UV radiation is more abundant and with a film that is still slightly sensitive to UV, some reduction in blue haze may be seen. My assessment can only be qualitative at this point because I lack the instruments required to analyze UV transmission. At high elevations on the Colorado Front Range (above 10,000 feet), there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of haze that appears in my slides when using this filter with certain consumer films. The amount of reduction is similar to my B+W multicoated UV filters but again, I can't be more specific without taking many more test shots, which I may just do in the near future. I can say without question that the Nikon L37C does a much better job of reducing UV radiation than the Tiffen UV "protector" filters (although the Tiffen Haze-1 supposedly has very good UV absorption properties).
Conclusions
Mechanically and optically, this is a great performer. Certainly not cheap, but not the most expensive either. Considering its performance, I consider it a really good value. I've noticed that you tend to get what you pay for with filters. Cheaper filters can be had, but then why did you invest all that money in that nice lens? A chain is only as strong as its weakest link - don't skimp on your filters, unless you take them off for every shot.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.