I got my 800 mm PF last month and have been enjoying using it. I have added a Zemlin lens cap which I like a lot more than the soft hood that came with the lens for everyday use and travel. I also got a two piece Zemlin lens hood that will be a bit more compact for travel and is a bit easier to mount.
One question — the original lens hood and the Zemlin lens hood give a lot of protection to the front element. I have felt comfortable with that in regular shooting. But I am more concerned when shooting near saltwater and where these is blowing dust or sand. Normally, I might add a good quality clear filter there for protection. Note — I’m not trying to start a general debate over using clear filters.
Do 800 mm PF owners think additional protection is needed for salt spray? Or can you just carefully clean it off (and maybe that does not mean cleaning the lens periodically in the field with a microfiber cloth)? And what would be the best way to do that?
Sand seems possibly more problematic.
I noticed a thread on DPReview that mentioned a clear Kase filter designed to be used at the front of the 800 mm PF lens for protection. I did not see the filter on Kase’s US website, which made me wonder if it was for real. Saw a couple for sale on EBay for high prices.
Has anyone here seen such a Kase filter? Anyone with experience trying it out — wondering about impact on optical quality. Finally, curious if anyone has seen a dealer or Kase selling it (i.e., something other than EBay).
One question — the original lens hood and the Zemlin lens hood give a lot of protection to the front element. I have felt comfortable with that in regular shooting. But I am more concerned when shooting near saltwater and where these is blowing dust or sand. Normally, I might add a good quality clear filter there for protection. Note — I’m not trying to start a general debate over using clear filters.
Do 800 mm PF owners think additional protection is needed for salt spray? Or can you just carefully clean it off (and maybe that does not mean cleaning the lens periodically in the field with a microfiber cloth)? And what would be the best way to do that?
Sand seems possibly more problematic.
I noticed a thread on DPReview that mentioned a clear Kase filter designed to be used at the front of the 800 mm PF lens for protection. I did not see the filter on Kase’s US website, which made me wonder if it was for real. Saw a couple for sale on EBay for high prices.
Has anyone here seen such a Kase filter? Anyone with experience trying it out — wondering about impact on optical quality. Finally, curious if anyone has seen a dealer or Kase selling it (i.e., something other than EBay).