A word to the wise...IMPORTANT!

[Blue_In_AK]

Pay attention! This could be you!

Yesterday, when HullBoss and I were down at Bird Creek taking pictures, I was carrying my new camera around my neck, and he was carrying the old one with the 70-200 lens on it. He accidentally stepped into a hole under the snow, tumbling backwards. Once we determined that he was okay, the first thought was, of course, 'EEEEK, what about the camera?" We removed the lens cover, and the glass was SHATTERED. My heart fell to the ground, I felt faint, Jim looked like he was going to die -- but then I remembered that I keep a UV filter on all my lens for protection. I carefully screwed it off, and the lens glass was fine. Big WHEW!! All the closeup pictures of the sheep were taken after the accident, so I know everything still works.

So here's the lesson -- it you don't have filters protecting your lenses, PUT SOME ON RIGHT NOW!! In our case, it made the difference between spending $35 or so for a new filter as opposed to $1700 for a new lens. Big difference.

[soup]

1. Scary - Glad HullBoss is okay.

I hope he fared as well in the afterwards as he did in the initial fall. Sometimes the aches and pain don't show up until later - or the next morning.

What a huge sigh of relief, too, that your equipment came through unscathed.

The first thing I did last week after opening the package my lens came in was attach a UV filter. (No, amend that, the first thing was marvel at its beauty and weight...) Didn't really consider the 'falling factor', did it to help protect from dog noses, fingerprints, dust, muck, sand and salt water.

Although I wouldn't count on it to the point of testing, it's good to know that a filter is an added defense in case of ~shudder~ an unexpected and sudden contact with the ground.

It'd be nice if you could get one for your husband, too. :hi:

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

2. I can relate....

has happened to me a couple of times, good thing there was no free-flowing h2o involved.

[DS1]

3. I think that digital sensors are incapable of picking up UV in the first place

so the filter, other than a poor piece of glass in front of all that very very good glass is just there as another layer of glass.

I've always been into filters for protection, but I'm moving away from that and will be using lens hoods instead. Plus, I'm getting everything insured anyway.

[F.Gordon]

4. HullBoss carries your camera equipment?

Does he work weekends? Does he travel out-of-state? Is he expensive... what does he charge? :D

Glad to hear that HullBoss and camera are doing well. That must have been one hard fall to shatter the filter.

"Technical Purists" will tell ya' that all filters are bad cause' they degrade the image quality. I've never seen any test or examples that would prove this.

I always wear protection and always have a lens hood on. Only exceptions would be if the lens does not use a front mounted filter and if I'm takin' snaps at night.... you are more apt to get flaring at night with a filter. I'm not a "technical purist" but I've screwed up enough night snaps with filter to finally learn.
:dunce:

In Colorado wind and dust can be wicked. It's easier to sit down and clean (or change) the filter than messing with the lens itself. If it's raining or snowing having a filter on is a no-brainer.

I've accidently done two high impact "tests" :eyes: on "L"'s. I can honestly say that they are tough mofo lenses.

[Eurobabe]

5. Filters are your best friend!

I never go out without one. :) Glad your monster lens is OK, and HullBoss too.

[intheflow]

6. I can also attest to the wisdom of this.

I had my camera and long lens in a fanny pack camera bag during a roadtrip. As I was unpacking the car at whatever hotel we stayed at, I put the bag on the truck of my car and it rolled off. The lens too the brunt of the impact on asphalt. I totally freaked out, but the lens was fine, only the filter was dented. It was so dented I had to bring it to a camera shop to have them remove it, but the lens itself was absolutely fine. So I know you're right on the money advocating this. :thumbsup:

[NV Whino]

7. yuppers

Been there done that myself... albeit with a slightly less expensive lens.

[Maestro]

8. Scary

I'm glad HullBoss and the lens are both alright. :thumbsup: