UV filter and EF 70-300 DO IS USM

Galerie Photographique Fovéa - Technique Photo

The EF 70-300 DO IS USM diffractive optics flare rapidly with strong front lighting, using a UV filter significantly increases the problem.
I made a test in the following conditions :

With and without my Hoya HMC (multi-coated) UV filter
I have been using this very filter for 3 years on standard lenses (non DO) with no significant problem
With a tripod and mirror lockup
There was some wind and the branches moved between the 2 shots
In manual mode ISO 100 - 300mm - f/5.6 - 1/30 s
Manual focus on the tree trunk
Rising sun at 30 degrees on the right
With the hood on
37 seconds between the two shots

When you will roll your mouse over the following image, you will see the picture taken without any filter:

As the lighting could have noticeably changed in 37 seconds with the sun rising, I did another test:

With and without my Hoya HMC (multi-coated) UV filter
With a tripod and mirror lockup
In manual mode ISO 400 - 300mm - f/5.6 - 0.6 s
Manual focus on the carpet
Desk light towards the camera at 30 degrees on the right
With the hood on

When you will roll your mouse over the following image, you will see the picture taken without any filter:

Fortunately the result is not always that dramatic. This photo was taken with the filter (and handheld at 1/13 s with Image Stabilization).

Some reported testing with a high grade B&W MRC filter with similar (slightly better) results. Therefore, I decided to completely remove the filter as the front element of this lens is well protected by the large hood.

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