UV filter price vs quality

[hee]

How important is quality in terms of UV filters?
I'm looking to purchase an appropriate one for new Canon 15-85mm lens and the UV filters seem to vary enormously in price.
For now I've ordered an ebay cheapie just to protect the lens.
Does the price range really reflect an equivalent range in quality or picture outcome or is a cheap one essentially "almost as good" as an expensive Canon one?

[Mary Anne]

I don't use UV filters at all.
Before you spend your hard earned money do read whats on this link My-take-on-the-use-of-UV-filters started by one of the Professional Photographers here

[William]

Dont use a UV Filter, Save your money, Degrades images quality, Can be a big problem if you drop or damage your lens , etc , etc we have talked about this before

PS : Mary Anne beat me to it

[Kym]

Digital cameras do not need a UV filter, a lens hood does a MUCH better protective job.

The ONLY case for a protective filter is very very very windy conditions with sand.
Maybe in the Sahara at the Dakar rally?

[hee]

Thanks guys, especially for that link. Apologies for covering old ground.

[Mark L]

Thanks guys, especially for that link. Apologies for covering old ground.

The nature of forums is things come and go. As you've found, you learn if you ask. Enjoy Ap hee.

[Mathy]

Thanks guys, especially for that link. Apologies for covering old ground.

It's great when people bring these topics to the surface again, good learning for newbies like me, thanks , cheers Deb

[kanesmadness]

There is a really good video on youtube which actually shows the difference between no UV filter, cheap UV filter and really expensive UV filter and while the difference between the 2 filters is clear the photos without look way better.

If only i watched it before lashing out on the expensive ones *sigh*