FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FILTERS

STC’s filters are coated with our UltraLayer technology on both sides of the lens. To protect the coatings, FIRST, use a lens blower to remove dust or other particles to prevent scratching. Hold the lens up to a light so you can see if all the particles have been removed.

Once all particles are removed, then use a soft lens cloth or lens paper to remove any fingerprints or oils. 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND lens cleaning pens. They accumulate dust particles (or worse sand!) over time and you are more likely to scratch the lens coating.

If you have used our lens filters in extreme environments, we recommend that you use water to directly rinse any sand, dirt, dust, salt with distilled water. The nano-coating on the surface of the lens is waterproof. 

To dry, use professional lens paper or soft lens cloth to wipe it dry. DO NOT USE TOILET PAPER.

NOTE: For any filters composed of two lens elements that CANNOT be disassembled, DO NOT USE WATER. 

Food photographers often use our lens filters during shoots. 

First use lens paper or a clean soft cloth to remove the excess grease from the surface of the lens.

Next, spray any non-ketone containing lens fluid to degrease the lens. Most optical coatings are sensitive to ketones. So don’t use it on any STC lens or any other brand!

Recently, a number of photographers have used our filters to protect their cameras while filming at blacksmith workshops and even foundries.  

Our optical glass and coatings withstand temperatures up to 60°C comfortably.  However, if the temperatures exceed 100°C, it may cause damage to our lens coatings and probably your camera.  So use a zoom lens instead!

When using wide-angle lenses, it is normal to see uneven polarization under certain circumstances, for example against a bright blue sky. This is easily solved, but let’s review first principles on polarizers.

Polarizers work by filtering out sunlight. The angle of light filtered is controlled by rotating the polarizer itself.  You can control the strength by adjusting the line of sight to the subject relative to the sun. 

To eliminate this effect, you can rotate the filter 10-20 degrees or shift the angle of your shot by turning your camera toward the direction of the sun.  Easy peasy.

Unlike other companies, we don’t force our customers to purchase two expensive variable ND filters.  The reason why they sell their variable NDs divided between 2-5 stops and then 6-9 is so that they can charge you more and eliminate that faint X that results from the diffraction grating. But having to swap out ND filters is annoying during an outdoor shoot.  Lighting conditions constantly change.  Having to clean and swap filters in between takes up precious time. 

STC’s approach is to make the photographer’s life as simple as possible. Our approach is to give you a 1-10 stop filter in one VND, saving you time and money!  Experienced photographers know that changing the focal length, angle to the subject and the sun is an effective and faster solution.