Haida introduced two brand-new UV filters: the Bluestone UV filter and the Premium Brass UV filter. These filters boast high light transmission, a multi-layered coating, and substantial protection thanks to the shock-proof Schott B270 glass. I was asked to review both filters.
UV filters are primarily used to protect the front glass lens element. They also prevent excess UV light from entering the lens, which is known to cause a bluish haze over images. Today, most coatings on front lens elements already filter out most UV light, raising the question of whether a UV filter offers more benefits beyond protection.
The Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV Filters
The Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters share many similarities, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Both are made of Schott B270 glass and have a 3.1 mm ultra-thin frame.
The frame features a uniform surface gloss and regular threads. The design includes colored knurling for easy grip when adding or removing the filter from the lens. The Bluestone is made of high-quality aviation aluminum with blue-colored knurling, while the Premium Brass is made of durable brass, with brass-colored knurling. Available sizes range from 52 mm to 95 mm in diameter.
The difference between the Bluestone and Premium Brass lies in the number of coatings and light transmission. The Bluestone UV filter has 24 layers of coating, divided over both sides of the glass. The Premium Brass UV filter offers 18 layers of coating on each side, providing additional protection and quality. The light transmission is 99.4% for the Bluestone and 99.8% for the Premium Brass.
Protection
UV filters are mostly used as extra protection for a lens. And for good reason: a damaged filter is a less costly replacement compared to a lens that needs repair. Both the Haida Bluestone UV filter and the Premium Brass UV filter protect against dust, rain, fingerprints, scratches, and oily substances. The multi-layered coating on both sides of the filter allows for easy cleaning.
The filters are both shock-proof, capable of enduring impacts up to a certain level without shattering. Although I haven’t tested this myself, Haida assures that a 14 mm steel ball falling from 1.5 meters will not break the filter.
It is wise not to rely completely on such protection. Sharp rocks or other objects with rough edges could still damage or even break the filter. However, the amount of protection the Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters offer cannot be ignored.
Vignetting
One problem with using ultra-wide angle lenses is the risk of vignetting when a filter is placed in front of the lens. Slim filters are advised. The Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters both have a 3.1 mm ultra-thin frame, fitting this criterion.
I tested the filters on the Canon EOS R5 full frame camera with an RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens at 15mm focal length. I did not notice any additional vignetting, indicating that it’s no problem using these filters, at least up to a field of view resembling 15mm 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 prevent the typical bluish color cast.
Things change at higher altitudes. UV levels increase by up to 12% with every 1,000 meters of altitude. In mountainous regions, increased UV levels may affect image quality. In such cases, an additional UV filter offers significant benefits.
Under these circumstances, the Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters will improve image quality and clarity. Unfortunately, the Netherlands does not have mountains, so I could not 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 whatsoever. It’s feasible to use the Bluestone or Premium Brass filters primarily for protection. The high light transmission of 99.4% and 99.8% does not affect exposure, making it possible to leave the filter permanently on the lens.
Flares
One problem with an additional filter in front of the lens is the increased risk of flares. If the lens has good flare resistance, a filter can diminish this to some degree. If flares are prone to occur with the lens, a filter can intensify this issue.
Although both the Haida Bluestone and Premium Brass UV filters add another layer of glass in front of the lens, there is little increase in flare. I did not notice many flares under various conditions.
My Conclusion
Personally, I never use UV filters for my lenses. This has resulted in a few instances where the front lens was scratched, unfortunately. This shows that a UV filter indeed adds another layer of protection that cannot be ignored.
Since I often use a filter system for my photography, I would have to remove the UV filter repeatedly. That’s why I prefer not to use such a filter. Another reason is night photography, where bright streetlights increase the risk of flares. For extended shooting sessions like time-lapses or star trails, a UV filter also increases the risk of condensation forming.
However, if you’re not like me and want additional protection for your pricey lens, both the Haida Bluestone UV filter and the Haida Premium Brass UV filter are good choices.
The Haida Premium Brass UV filter sells for $90 for the 82 mm size, while the Bluestone sells for a little less than $57. It’s not quite clear which one is the better choice since there is no practical aspect that makes the more expensive Premium Brass significantly better.
If maximum light transparency and coatings give you the best peace of mind, you should definitely go for the Premium Brass.
What I Like
- Offers extra protection
- Water-repellent coating
- Easy to clean
- Thin frame prevents vignetting for ultra-wide angle lenses
- Flare resistance
- Light transmission
What I Don’t Like
- Not a lot of difference between Bluestone and Premium Brass
I want to thank Haida for providing the filters. Although I haven’t paid for the filters myself, the opinion is my own and not influenced by the company.
While lenses can accomplish some UV reduction it is really the digital camera that does the heavy lifting. Digital cameras (unless converted for UV and/or IR use) have a UV blocking filter in front of their sensors. For a filter to exceed the blocking of the in-camera sensor the filter must have a high UV cut. 390nm is typically the lowest amount necessary for a filter to do something beyond what the camera's built-in filter already does. A 400 to 410nm is ideal for a UV filter to really be effective. What is the UV cut for these Haida filters, expressed in nm?
I have asked Haida for additional information. I've been told that the Bluestone and Premium Brass UV block the UV CUT 390nm, just as you already mentioned
Interesting review. I found it to be informative with the observations comparing photos with and without the UV filters.
Brass filter rings are much less likely to "bind" to the lens or to other filters than are aluminum filter rings. If you need to remove filters easily, especially if changing between different ones, or if experiencing temperature extremes, brass rings are much easier to work with. I prefer them and am willing to pay more for them - an extra $33 over the lifetime I expect to use a filter makes them an easy choice for me.
A good point. Didn't realize that.
Thanks for pointing that out
UV filters are kind of pointless on digital cams. Why not just use a clear protector, if it's needed?
Good point