Haida has introduced two brand new UV filters: the Bluestone UV filter and the Premium Brass UV filter. These filters feature high light transmission, multi-layer coatings, and significant protection thanks to the shock-resistant Schott B270 glass. I was asked to review both filters.
UV filters are primarily used to protect the front glass lens element. They also block excess UV light from entering the lens, which is known to cause a bluish cast in images. Today, most coatings on front lens elements filter out most UV light, raising the question of whether UV filters provide more than just protection.
Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV Filters
The Haida Blue Stone And High quality brass UV filter have many similarities, making it difficult to tell the two apart. Both are made of Schott B270 glass and have an ultra-thin 3.1mm frame.
The frame has a uniform surface finish and regular threads. The design includes colored knurling for easy grip when attaching or removing filters from the lens. Bluestone is made of high-quality aerospace aluminum with blue knurling, while Premium Brass is made of durable brass, with brass-colored knurling. Sizes are available from 52mm to 95mm in diameter.
The difference between Bluestone and Premium Brass lies in the number of coatings and light transmission. The Bluestone UV filter has 24 coatings, evenly distributed across both sides of the glass. The Premium Brass UV filter has 18 coatings on each side, providing additional protection and quality. Light transmission is 99.4% for Bluestone and 99.8% for Premium Brass.
Protection
UV filters are primarily used as an extra layer of protection for lenses. And for good reason: a damaged filter is a less expensive replacement than a lens that needs repairing. Both Haida Bluestone UV Filter and High quality brass UV filter Protects against dust, rain, fingerprints, scratches and grease. Multi-layer coating on both sides of the filter makes it easy to clean.
Both filters are shockproof, capable of withstanding a certain amount of impact without breaking. Although I haven’t tested it myself, Haida guarantees that a 14mm steel ball dropped from a height of 1.5 meters will not break the filter.
It is wise not to rely entirely on such protection. Sharp stones or other objects with rough edges can still damage or even break the filter. However, the level of protection provided by the Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters cannot be overlooked.
Vignetting
One issue with ultra-wide angle lenses is the risk of vignetting when placing a filter in front of the lens. A thin filter is recommended. The Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters both have ultra-thin 3.1mm frames, which fit this criteria.
I tested the filters on Canon EOS R5 Camera full frame camera with RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens at 15mm focal length. I didn’t notice any additional vignetting, suggesting there’s no problem using these filters, at least up to the equivalent 15mm field of view on a full frame camera.
Image quality
Most UV light is absorbed by the atmosphere and at sea level the amount of UV light is relatively low. Most lens coatings are sufficient to block out the common blue tint.
Things change at higher altitudes. UV levels increase by up to 12% for every 1,000 metres of elevation. In mountainous areas, increased UV levels can affect image quality. In such cases, an additional UV filter can be of considerable benefit.
In these cases, the Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters will improve image quality and clarity. Unfortunately, the Netherlands has no mountains, so I was unable to test the results of both the Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters in such conditions.
However, these filters do not negatively affect image quality. There is no noticeable color cast. Bluestone or Premium Brass filters can be used mainly for protection. The high light transmittance of 99.4% and 99.8% does not affect exposure, allowing you to leave the filter permanently on the lens.
flare
One problem with adding a filter to the front of the lens is the increased risk of flare. If the lens has good anti-flare properties, the filter can reduce this risk to some extent. If the lens is prone to flare, the filter can exacerbate the problem.
Even though both the Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters add an extra layer of glass to the front of the lens, there isn’t much increase in flare. I didn’t notice much flare in a variety of conditions.
My Conclusion
Personally, I never use UV filters on my lenses. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a few cases of the front lens getting scratched. This shows that UV filters do add an extra layer of protection that cannot be overlooked.
Since I often use a filter system for my photography, I have to remove the UV filter from time to time. That is why I do not like to use such filters. Another reason is night photography, when bright street lights increase the risk of flare. For long shooting sessions such as time-lapse or star trails, the UV filter also increases the risk of condensation.
However, if you’re not like me and want extra protection for your expensive lenses, then both Haida Bluestone UV Filter and Haida Premium Brass UV Filter are good choices.
The Haida Premium Brass UV filter retails for $90 for the 82mm size, while the Bluestone retails for a slightly lower $57. It’s unclear which is better, as there’s no real way the more expensive Premium Brass is significantly better.
If maximum transparency and coating give you the most peace of mind, you should definitely choose Premium Brass.
What I like
- Provides extra protection
- Waterproof coating
- Easy to clean
- Slim frame prevents vignetting for ultra wide angle lenses
- Fire protection
- Light transmission
What I don’t like
- There is not much difference between Bluestone and Premium Brass
I would like to thank Haida for providing the filter. Although I did not pay for the filter myself, this opinion is my own and is not influenced by the company.
