Which Filter to choose: UV, Skylight (1A) or Skylight (1B) ?

Many people are confused about the difference between UV and Skylight filters. So what are the differences?

UV Filters

All the UV, Skylight (1A) & Skylight (1B) filters reduce ultraviolet haze. UV Filters are clear, and untinted, so do not effect colour balance. The UV are applicable to all types of photography, and are the preferred choice of the general photographer.

Skylight Filters

The Skylights tend to come in 2 flavours, Sklyight 1A and Skylight 1B. If a filter is simply labeled as a 'Skylight' it will generally be Skylight 1A.

Both Skylight 1A and 1B filters filter out UV haze, like the UV filters, but have the added effect of a slight warming effect further reducing the blue cast which can be experienced in shadow areas on bright days, particularly when the sun is high and the sky clear.

The Skylight 1B filters is very slightly deeper in colour than the standard skylight (skylight 1A) filter, and therefore has a slightly greater effect.

The Skylights tend to be the preferred choice of Landscape photographers, and Skylight 1As are the preferable choice for normal landscape use.

Which Filter for protection?

All filters will act as a lens protector, protecting the lens from damage, dust and scratches. The general principle for this is if the filter becomes scratched or damaged, the filter is a much cheaper replacement than a much more expensive whole new lens!

There are many real life stories of SLRs being dropped on the lens, causing the filter to crack or smash. Although no filter can protect the lens or camera against all eventuialities, its has been often proved that it is certainly better than not having any protection, and saved many expenses lenses.

As the UV is an untinted filter, the UVs tend to be the filter of choice for protection alone.