Tough Tips – Filters

Tips for the Olympus Tough TG-5 rugged camera.

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Tough Tips pages: Filters | Hidden Features | Screen Protection | Menu Settings

Written 27 June 2018 by Ian Mander.
Prices correct at time of writing.

UV filters are not typically needed by digital cameras because there is one built in, but they can still be useful to protect the front of the camera lens. Also available these days are dedicated protection filters that make no claims of blocking UV light – they are simply intended for protection.

Before fitting any filter the TG-5 will need a filter adapter – something which replaces the bayonet ring around the lens with one with a filter thread on the front. It comes with a lens cap. US$20 (NZ$29.50) + shipping.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859972-REG/Olympus_V323060BW000_CLA_T01_Conversion_Lens_Adapter.html

For the Olympus TG-5 there are two options that have a water repellent and scratch resistant coating, and which aren't horribly expensive. Both are very strong (relatively speaking).

1. Hoya HD Protector 40.5mm, US$30 (NZ$44.25) + shipping. The lens is multi-coated chemically hardened glass. Hoya is one of the best regarded filter makers in the world for good reason. The HD filter range has been superseded by the HD2 then HD3, but is still excellent quality and at a great price.
   https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1330953-REG/hoya_ho_phd40_5_40_5mm_hd_series_protector.html

2. Aurora Aperture PowerUV Protector 40.5mm, US$21 (NZ$31) + shipping, not normally in stock but it doesn't take long to arrive. The lens is multi-coated Gorilla Glass 3 and beads water more strongly than the Hoya lens. Aurora Aperture is a California startup which funds new products through social media.
   https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1347920-REG/aurora_aperture_puv_40_40_5mm_gorilla_glass_uv.html

Olympus also has a PRF-D40.5 PRO Protection Filter for the TG-5 but there is little or no information available about it (or about the non-pro version which may no longer be available). It's multi-coated but Olympus doesn't say if it has water repellent or scratch resistant coatings. I see absolutely no point in even considering it when there's the excellent Hoya protection filter for the same price.

Who can produce the best photo showing water repellency? That depends on what you call "best". Is a photo of an independent test better than a company marketing photo? Is a comparison shot better than a single product with overlaid informaition?

Water on Hoya HD Protector filter vs generic UV filter from eBay (independent test):

Aurora Aperture PowerUV Protector filter (Aurora Aperture marketing):

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