Please educate me on filters!

Bazza

Bazza

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Brian
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I've tried searching through the forums for this with not much joy so I'm assuming these questions are going to be as basic as you're going to get!

Admittedly, the only filter I've ever used on a camera is a UV filter. I'm going to be getting new kit shortly and I'm really just looking for guidance on filters.

I have got the jist of what the different filters can do to the image but what I'm wondering is if the 'slot-in' type are better than the screw in's? If it's the slot in's, do you need a bracket for each lens? (24-70 2.8 II, 70-200 2.8 II, 300 4.0 and 12-24 Sigma - but don't believe this has a thread for a screw in filter?)

I'm looking at CPL's, ND's and a big stopper.

Thanks in advance :wave:
 
Definitely going for slot in filters, you'll have far more control over them, and it allows the system to be expanded as time goes on.

Look into something like the Lee system, the Foundation Kit would be a good starting point. You would need to get a filter ring that goes on the front of the lens, the foundation filter kit then clips onto the filter kit. I presume those lens you've listed have 77mm front threads, you'd probably need to get a wide angle one for the 24-70, but you could use this for all the lenses then.

I don't think you can use filters with the Sigma 12-24 due to the petal hood being integrated to the lens?

Anyway after this point you can get filters from the Lee 100mm range - be it grads, NDs or a Little/Big Stopper.
 
Brilliant guys thank you for the help. In work at the moment but hopefully be able to research more later.

Just a quick one but is there a filter ring for each lens front element size I assume?

Just re-read your post Stu, if I get the 82mm (you're right with the 24-70) adapter ring, will this work for all lenses? (82mm and smaller?)
 
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Bazza said:
Brilliant guys thank you for the help. In work at the moment but hopefully be able to research more later.

Just a quick one but is there a filter ring for each lens front element size I assume?
Click to expand...

I think all the popular ones are covered. I need to get round to getting some more as I use a 67-77 jumper so I can use my 77mm ring on my 28-75 2.8.
 
For Polarisers I would get the circular screw in type, as I think they are easier to use. I'm lucky in that both my lenses are the same diameter, so I only need one filter. I did have to buy a low profile Polariser for my wide angle lens to stop the chance of vignetting at the widest angle of view.

If I had lenses with multiple diameters I would maybe buy a Polariser for the largest diameter, and get step down rings for the smaller diameter lenses. Or maybe buy one for each lens.

For the slot in filters you buy one bracket, and adapter rings for each diameter of lens you want to use them on. Much cheaper. ;)

If you have a lens that doesn't have a screw thread, you may struggle to attach any type of filter. But I'm sure that there is a way around it. :)
 
I used to have an adaptor ring for each lens and swapped the holder between them as and when I needed to until I could afford another couple of holders (Cokin rather than Lee or HiTech). These days, the only filters I use are CPLs and I have several, one for each size I need. I still have a few Cokin (A size) filters and holders somewhere but haven't used them in years (I was a B&W film shooter when I did use filters more.)

You're right about the Sigma 12-24 not accepting any of the currently available square filter systems, although it is possible to use grads on it using BluTack (or similar) as a bodge. Solid colours such as NDs can be used in the holder behind the rear element of the lens - they come with a template to cut the gel filter material.
 
I got a filter kit from Amazon.com U.S. site it contained all the popular adapter ring sizes and a P and A holder plus a couple of nd filters. Cost about 50$ great value well worth a look to get you started
 
You can if you get a cpl with a front filter ring, but its a faff trying to get everything to line up as you want, and I found it only works from about 22-24mm on fx cameras.
 
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