Lens Filters - What should I get

[Dangerous_Bryan]

I have a 350D with the standard 18-55 lens and also a Sigma 70-300 APO lens and I need to get filters.

Firstly I just need the clear ones to protect the lens
Secondly I have been advised to get a Polorising one also.

Are these any good?

I am just getting into this digital photography lark....going to enjoy it.

[flameop]

Just bought a77mm hoya pro 1 digital for £12 and a Kenko (same as hoya) pro1 digital CP for £28, the CP over here is £120 :-0 lol..

Bought on ebay from hkdirect or use the shop www.MaxSaver.Net

really quick replys to emails.. etc.. filters came in a week with a free filter pouch.

Digital needs to be multi coated.. for the price you may as well get these, best quality so you'll just keep them rather than upgrading later.

hope that helps..

Si

[Bee_Jay]

Try and get a lens hood to protect your lenses, not a filter. Filters can degrade quality, especially if cheap. The hood will protect it just as well and provide a good anti-flare device.

If you must have a filter to protect the lens, make sure it is UV(0) and not Skylight.

For Polarising, make sure it is a circular polariser other wise your 350D autofocus will not work too well...

[tonyvid]

polarisers are one of the most useful things to have in your bag, not just to make skys more blue but to generally increase colour saturation. Lots of colour and detail is lost due to reflective surfaces and this can really give a picture punch - makes a nice neutral density filter as well if you need to slow the shutter down a bit.

[Dangerous_Bryan]

just purchased a Clear and a UV filter from hkdirect.

[monkeyhanger]

Buy them for effect, not protection

[poah]

I don't use a filter unless it is a CP when taking photos. I have a filter on the lens in storage but take it off when using it. all my lenses have lens hoods.

[ehasler]

monkeyhanger said:

Buy them for effect, not protection

That's what lens hoods and insurance are for

The only time I'd use a UV filter as protection would be if I was shooting something like this, which would involve the possibility of stuff being thrown at my lens.

[mph999]

Numpty question, but why use a "clear" filter and not a skylight if you are going to use one for protection ???

Thanks,

Martin

[cannedheat]

Skylight aren't completely clear iirc but UV are I think.

[Dangerous_Bryan]

Well I now have my filters, should I use my UV filter at a wedding tomorrow in Wales?

[sam_r]

Bryan - What ones did you get? I have a 350D and need some filters also.

Sorry wouldnt know what to use for the wedding - have a try with / without?!?

[tonyvid]

Dangerous_Bryan said:

Well I now have my filters, should I use my UV filter at a wedding tomorrow in Wales?

In terms of protection, I would say yes - your mind will be on other things like looking at the yummy bridesmaids etc so the chance of wolloping your front element will be higher than a nice day out only taking piccies. Keeps the cake/champers/sticky finger-prints off too!

[Bee_Jay]

cannedheat said:

Skylight aren't completely clear iirc but UV are I think.

Skylight are actually slightly pink - put one on a piece of white paper to see.