Filter questions

Raptor Mike

Raptor Mike

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Mike
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At the moment I only have Hoya uv filters on my lenses. I am after some polorisors but also I have always wanted a 10 stop but I am really interested in the square type for nd grads. However I am on a bit of a budget (got to keep Mrs Raptor Mike happy) so I have some questions.

I have looked at Hoya, Hitech, Cokin, Lee, SRB and Kood.

Regarding square filters
What size should I go for? My largest lens filter size is 67mm on my Tamron 17-50mm... at the moment.
Some of the cheaper makes have had good reviews but don't do a 10 stop. Can you put filter glass from one manufacture into the filter holder of another eg if the are both 100mm?
What have you got and do you rate it?

With regard to polarising filters
I have to buy 2 and have been looking at the Hoyas. Are the Pro-1Ds worth the extra money or will I not notice the difference (remembering budget)?
Can you/do you use them with hoods on?D
Do you use them with NDs and ND grads?

Thanks for your help.
 
If you're gonna buy a circular polarisor, just buy ONE (probably 77mm) You can get cheap step up/down rings to fit onto other smaller lenses.
 
I use a 72mm circular polariser, which is fine with the lens hood on that lens but it wouldn't be any good on a 77mm lens with a step up ring, you could use the largest size of your lenses and a step down ring but then would have hood fitting problems....Mrs Mike needs to increase your budget ;)
 
Martyn D said:
I use a 72mm circular polariser, which is fine with the lens hood on that lens but it wouldn't be any good ona 77mm lens with a step up ring, you could use the largest size of your lenses and a step down ring but then would have hood fitting problems....Mrs Mike needs to increase your budget ;)
Click to expand...

lol. TO be fair she's quite good, bought a lot of bits lately, but I do need to be sensible. I found this post vias google which seems helpful about polarisors.
 
The polariser rotates so set it up first then put the lens hood on, I've found that with mine it's in the same position 90% of the time so have just put a little dot on it that I know should be at 12 o'clock
 
am i missing something here, surely with a polariser filter attached you don't need a hood its designed to cut out light/flare so you don't need a hood fitted, or am i wrong? when i have my polariser on i never use a hood!!
 
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Raptor Mike said:
At the moment I only have Hoya uv filters on my lenses. I am after some polorisors but also I have always wanted a 10 stop but I am really interested in the square type for nd grads. However I am on a bit of a budget (got to keep Mrs Raptor Mike happy) so I have some questions.

I have looked at Hoya, Hitech, Cokin, Lee, SRB and Kood.

Regarding square filters
What size should I go for? My largest lens filter size is 67mm on my Tamron 17-50mm... at the moment.
Some of the cheaper makes have had good reviews but don't do a 10 stop. Can you put filter glass from one manufacture into the filter holder of another eg if the are both 100mm?
What have you got and do you rate it?
With regard to polarising filters
I have to buy 2 and have been looking at the Hoyas. Are the Pro-1Ds worth the extra money or will I not notice the difference (remembering budget)?
Can you/do you use them with hoods on?D
Do you use them with NDs and ND grads?
.
Click to expand...

If you're on a budget I'd suggest screw in 10 stop and polarisers- rather than drop in ones. As previously suggested just get 1 polariser- the biggest you think you'll ever need. Super zooms might need 95mm or bigger.
I've got a 10 stop from SRB. Quality is fine and colour cast seems fairly neutral.

I understand the newer top end Hoya filters are supposed to be easier to clean. My basic Hoya polariser isn't the easiest to clean- but unless you're working in grubby conditions it's not a big deal.
The Marumi DHG and Super DHG polarisers are well thought of and relatively reasonably priced. I've got a Super DHG and have no issue with it.
Unless the filters exactly match the filter size of the lens (ie not a bigger size with an adapter) you probably won't be able to use the lens hood.

If you're using a 17mm lens you'll need the kind of filter holder that takes 100mm+ filters- otherwise it'll be in your shots the wide end. Sadly there's a cynical mark up on this size holder- and they run to about £35-40 rather than the £5-10 of the size down.
You can generally mix and match brands- I've got a Cokin Z holder and Kood filters. I haven't used them enough yet to offer an informed opinion- but the quality seems fine, and the price is a fraction of the Lee filters.
 
dinorock said:
am i missing something here, surely with a polariser filter attached you don't need a hood its designed to cut out light/flare so you don't need a hood fitted, or am i wrong? when i have my polariser on i never use a hood!!
Click to expand...

A polariser will cut out reflections of sunlight on objects, but it cannot reduce flare caused by internal reflections in the camera/lens system. Indeed, like any filter, all it can do is increase these internal reflections and the resulting flare. So a hood, that cuts down the light entering the lens at a narrow angle (which tends to be the sort that is reflected internally with detrimental effects), is still a good idea.
 
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