Filters - not sure what on what ....

[clonmult]

I'm looking through which filters to get, and I'm now a little unsure on what to get, for each lens.

Got a Sony A200, with the 18-70 kit lens, and a Sigma 70-300 DG.

Already got a UV filter on the 18-70, so thats a must on the sigma.

A circular polariser for each will probably be on the shopping list.

But I'm unsure on ND filters - ND2/ND4, and which lens I would be more likely to use them on? Similarly I'm looking at a star effect filter - any ideas which of the two lenses I'd be more likely to us such on?

The final one that I'm not sure I need at all - a closeup filter (+2 or +4) - the Sigman lens has a reasonable macro, and its possible that one of these filters would enhance the macro facility?

[GetCarter]

If you are going for ND filters I'd but the cokin (or Lee) adaptor and buy a graduated grey ND, much more useful than a pure ND (keeps the sky blue, clouds from whiting out, without darkening the land).

[clonmult]

GetCarter said:

If you are going for ND filters I'd but the cokin (or Lee) adaptor and buy a graduated grey ND, much more useful than a pure ND (keeps the sky blue, clouds from whiting out, without darkening the land).

I was looking into the adaptor types .... they tend to cost a fair bit more though.

[GetCarter]

You can get the adapter ring and filter holder pi55 cheap from China (get the right size if you follow this route!)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/For-Cokin-P-Series-Filters-H...

Filters will cost £5 upwards

But if you go Lee - it is blimmin expensive - my 'starter set cost about £140 IIRC

[jon-]

What's the filter size difference? You can buy step up rings so you fan fit larger dia. filters on smaller thread sizes. It saves buying everything twice anyway!

Also look into the Cokin P system - as above it's square graduated / ND filters that are adjustable in the frame so you're not fixed on your composition. The general consensus is circular graduated filters are next to useless. The kit with the frame and 3 graduated filters is only around £50 iirc.

[clonmult]

Blimey, didn't realise that you could get Cokin compatible kit for such a good price.

Also didn't realise that circular polarisers were viewed as being useless, in which case I'll probably just stick with the UV filter for the moment.

The lenses are 55 and 58mm, a stepup would be handy on the end of the 55mm .... ta for the headsup!

[Simpo Two]

clonmult said:

Also didn't realise that circular polarisers were viewed as being useless, in which case I'll probably just stick with the UV filter

Shouldn't that be the other way round?

[jon-]

Simpo Two said:

clonmult said:

Also didn't realise that circular polarisers were viewed as being useless, in which case I'll probably just stick with the UV filter

Shouldn't that be the other way round?

I've been mis-read. I said circular graduated filters not CPLs which certainly have their place Circular graduated filters largely fix your composition which is why people prefer the Cokin style graduation.

Personally I'm not a fan of UV filters, aren't current sensors immune from UV anyway? They have a place in protecting the lens but like anything in-between the lens and your shot, they have a slight detrimental impact on IQ.

Edited by jon- on Friday 4th September 10:17

[clonmult]

jon- said:

Simpo Two said:

clonmult said:

Also didn't realise that circular polarisers were viewed as being useless, in which case I'll probably just stick with the UV filter

Shouldn't that be the other way round?

I've been mis-read. I said circular graduated filters not CPLs which certainly have their place Circular graduated filters largely fix your composition which is why people prefer the Cokin style graduation.

Personally I'm not a fan of UV filters, aren't current sensors immune from UV anyway? They have a place in protecting the lens but like anything in-between the lens and your shot, they have a slight detrimental impact on IQ.

Edited by jon- on Friday 4th September 10:17

I was primarily after a UV filter for lens protection.

[GetCarter]

clonmult said:

I was primarily after a UV filter for lens protection.

I find lens hoods do that as well as UV, plus help stop flare, whereas UV increse the possibility. Having said that it took me 20 years to reach that conclusion.

[Simpo Two]

I see the confusion now - 'circular polariser' does not mean that the shape is circular as opposed to square; the opposite of a CP is a linear polariser, which I understand can cause problems with autofocus.

Hence you can have a square circular polariser. Simples!

[rhubarb]

GetCarter said:

If you are going for ND filters I'd but the cokin (or Lee) adaptor and buy a graduated grey ND, much more useful than a pure ND (keeps the sky blue, clouds from whiting out, without darkening the land).

Depends what you're using it for, yes if you're using it for landscapes and you don't want to bother blending multiple exposures then as getcarter says graduated grey ND are very useful, but there is a place for circular ND filters too. If you want to slow down the whole scene then these are great, in fact if you want silky smooth water or moving clouds in the daytime you really have to use circular NDs and probably the darker 8 and 110 (and 120 too apparently) eg here (shameful plug)

[Snapper7]

Get the biggest polarisers you can and use the special get close step up ring. that way you only have to carry one polarisers around in your bag. My Canon 17-35mm takes an XXmm filer size, but I use a 107mm polarisers and can only use the wide angle at about 24mm with out getting cut off.