Yes unfortunately PBPM is right any brand of filter reduces sharpness I have found as well. It just protects the element although I have sworn by B&W over the years for my Leica and Nikon glass. Hoya makes some nice filters for work in really dirty or dusty climates though. The price differences between Hoya and B&W are not too bad anyways. You know B&W is good when you see used B&W copies floating around for sale at the various camera stores in the photography district where I live! Not the case with Hoya thats for sure. I have even gotten Hoya UV filters (77mm for a 70-200mm VR lens) thrown in for free to seal a deal ^_~

TaoTeJared said:
Personally I really like the Hoya HD filters. Very easy to clean.

+1, I have a Hoya HD on all my lenses. Not too expensive either if you buy them from HK via eBay. Camera shops charge about three times the price for them.

PB PM said:
Kenko is just rebranded Hoya stuff, not bad at all.

Which is cobranded Tokina stuff... I didn't know they made filters under the Kenko name though. But like what the others said; if it's just a UV filter, I'd just leave it off.

nofai said:
I am using kenko on my 24-70 and 70-200. I want to buy a b&w to see if the image will be sharper .

If you want it sharper, and you think your filter is the problem, then just leave it off...

Most of the time unsharpness is due to not optimal focussing, or shooting low speed without a tripod, or other causes of camera vibration. Bad filters mostly cause internal reflections but seldomly unsharpness ( unless very they are dirty...) .

There are loads of discussions : Filter protection yes <==> filter portection no ...

I only use a protective filter when getting in harsh environments like near the seaside to avois salt water sprais on my front lens etc. otherwise i use no filters for protection, ....

Kenko just like any filter brands have various levels of quality. High end-good, low end-not as good. Generally my view is spending $100 on a 77mm multi-coated filter is about right. I look at it as if you spend $1,500+ on a lens why would you cover the optics with something cheap. The difference is if it really is for protection and you scratch them often - likely if you are in those situations the images are not expected to be tack sharp either.

I'm not sold on B&W filters as to get the high end ones are really expensive. Personally I really like the Hoya HD filters. Very easy to clean.

Kenko is just rebranded Hoya stuff, not bad at all. Using a filter will reduce sharpens, no matter what brand it is.

Hi Folks
I want to know if anyone can tell me how is Kenko filter ? I am using kenko on my 24-70 and 70-200. I want to buy a b&w to see if the image will be sharper . Will I waste my money ? or a B&W is worth the money compare to Kenko.

Thanks buddies.