Are all Filters Created Equal?

Ok, while I’d rather be out shooting, it’s raining and grey, so instead, I did a test that may bore a lot of you, but if you’re a photographer, you may want to pay attention. 

I was always taught that a filter is a filter, particularly with regards to a UV filter, so commonly used to protect a lens from damage. So when I picked up a new Nikkor Z 180-600mm a couple of weeks back, it seemed an ideal time to test NiSi’s most cost effective range of UV filters, the UHC UV, against another, much more expensive, well known brand. 

Never being one for lab test's, I decided on a simple test to see if there was an obvious difference. My Z7 with said lens, on a tripod, remote controlled, in my lounge room, with the subject lit by a light box. Full manual mode and of course a 600mm focal length. 

I need a bigger lounge room. 

The concept is quite a simple one. Shoot a shot with each lens, zoom to 100% size and crop the same (close enough) area. Is it completely scientific? Absolutely not! But I was hoping to see if there was any obvious difference, or was this going to be simple? Like comparing expensive guitars, in that it comes down to personal preference.

The first first two things I learnt? 

1- Nikkor’s new Z 180-600mm is amazing. Zooming in on my computer, I was honestly astounded than a $3,000, non “S” lens, could perform so well. Let alone a tele lens shooting at 600mm. 

2- Perhaps more importantly, there is a very noticeable difference between filters. I have no desire to name the other VERY popular brand, that’s not the point here. The point is that even with their “budget friendly” offering, the NiSi lens was noticeably clearer. That's right. As in, “I can see the difference clearly on my phone” clearer.

Now, you can put this down to coatings, the glass, the fact that 95mm IS a big filter. But the photos are that different, that if I didn’t shoot remotely, I’d say something bumped the camera.

And the crazy bit? I got this filter to genuinely see if NiSi’s, well let’s just say "more cost effective", offerings, were close enough to justify the difference? Turns out that they actually perform noticeably better.

First pic is the shot with the NiSi UHC UV filter, available here.

https://nisifilters.com.au/ref/Rob09/

As for the competition, just visit your local camera store…

*For the sake of transparency, I am an affiliate for NiSi Australia, and do make a small commission on sales through my links. In saying that however, this had no influence in what was a genuine, “I’m bored, let’s try something”, test. It should also be noted, I paid full price for both filters.