Many photographers use UV filters to protect their lenses from scratches or any other damage. Well, this filter will sure protect them. Kolari Vision has announced the new Pro UV Cut Protective Filter that’s so durable that it can survive a 100 ft (30 m) drop nearly without a scratch.
The filter is made from thin, but super-strong Corning Gorilla Glass. According to the makers, this makes the filter “more than two times stronger than Schott B270 glass to direct impacts.” It also makes it “more resistant to scratches for better lens protection, all while also boasting a high internal transmission and lower refractive index than Schott B270 for sharper images.”
The Pro UV Cut Protective Filter provides over 99% transmission and low reflection while cutting UV at 415nm. Other than the super-durable glass, it also contains 36 layers of premium coatings. They keep the glass very transparent, keep low reflection yet make the already durable glass water-, oil-, and scratch-resistant. As for the frame, it’s made of brass. “High friction knurling provides an easier grip with gloves or dry hands in any weather,” Kolari Vision writes. To demonstrate the strength of the Pro UV Cut Protective Filter, the guys from Kolari Vision tested it compared to the regular glass filter. They first dropped both filters from 5 ft (1.5 m) and the glass filter shattered. And then, they put the super-strong UV filter to a real test. They dropped it from over 100 ft using a drone straight onto the concrete. As I mentioned, the filter survived the drop. In fact, it was almost without a scratch, which is pretty impressive. It seems to me that there’s a teeny-tiny scratch on the coating and on the brass frame, but the glass remained intact. The Pro UV Cut Protective Filter comes in sizes from 49mm to 82mm, and the prices vary based on the size. The smallest filter costs $64.99, whereas the largest one will set you back $104.99. Don’t drop your lens with this filter from 100ft though, I don’t think it would survive despite all the protection. [via PetaPixel]
