topic Re: What filters to buy? in EF & RF Lenses

What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 10:52:42 GMT

I want to but some good filters for my lenses. What filters can I buy for 85mm 1.8. 50mm 1.4?

Re: What filters to buy?

Skirball — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:40:33 GMT

*sets up soapbox for Vetteran*

Re: What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:42:11 GMT

huh?

Re: What filters to buy?

Skirball — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:50:32 GMT

@Kolourl3lind wrote:
I want to but some good filters for my lenses. What filters can I buy for 85mm 1.8. 50mm 1.4?

What kind of filter are you looking for? The most common are polarizers, neutral density, and protective ("UV filters"). I can't tell if you're looking for a brand recommendation or a filter type.

I've used a fair amount of different brands, from cheap tiffen to B+W's multicoated filters. I use mostly B+W now, but I had good luck with the Sigma DG multicoated as a protective filter. They're reasonably priced and the coating does a fair job on bright light sources - though you're still better off with no filter in that situation. I wouldn't buy a cheap UV filter, but I think any decent one is fine. It's just a clear piece of glass.

For polarizers and ND filters I spend the money and get B+W. It's worth it. The nano CPL has great performance and is slim enough for ultrawides. A

Re: What filters to buy?

ebiggs1 — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 22:00:08 GMT

My prefference, right or wrong, is to stick with the lens manufactuer's filters. IE, I put Canon filters on my Canon lenses and Sigma filters on my Siggys.

Re: What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 13:20:46 GMT

I am looking for something protective but it won't cut down on the quality of the lens pictures. Also, I need something that will help me photograph through fog machines at parties!!!!!!

I mean fog/smoke machines? really? really?

Re: What filters to buy?

ebiggs1 — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 13:50:04 GMT

I know of no filter that will cut fog. Also, filters can be removed. They do not become permantly attched to the lens as some here might have you believe. If you think it may interact with your shot, remove it!

Re: What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 20:08:24 GMT

I keep reading that you have to buy a expensive good quality filter for your lenses. I wanted to know if someone can show me an example of one.

Re: What filters to buy?

MikeSowsun — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:11:01 GMT

If you feel you need to use a filter, then it is very good advice to buy an expensive Multi Coated filter that will have less of a chance to degrade your images with flare or ghosting.

B+W 58mm UV Haze MRC 010M or B+W 58mm Clear MRC 007M Filter are two that are often recommended for a clear "Protection" filter.

Re: What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:15:34 GMT

does it matter that it's 58 mm?

Re: What filters to buy?

MikeSowsun — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 21:24:47 GMT

Only if your lens requires 58mm filters.

Re: What filters to buy?

Skirball — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:25:29 GMT

@Kolourl3lind wrote:
I am looking for something protective but it won't cut down on the quality of the lens pictures. Also, I need something that will help me photograph through fog machines at parties!!!!!!

I mean fog/smoke machines? really? really?

It's a much argued debate, that we needent drag out again. But in many people's opinions, mine included, any decent UV filter will not make a noticable impact on the image quality. The one exception being in a dark setting with bright points of light in (or around) the picture. It will create ghosting. In that situation you simply take the filter off.

The B+W filter that Mike linked is top quality. I have several, they're great. But I do think that the Sigma DG filters that I mentioned earlier perform arguably as well and cost half as much. That said, I have B+W on all my L lenses...

Re: What filters to buy?

Skirball — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 16:26:32 GMT

@Kolourl3lind wrote:
I am looking for something protective but it won't cut down on the quality of the lens pictures. Also, I need something that will help me photograph through fog machines at parties!!!!!!

I mean fog/smoke machines? really? really?

There's nothing that will cut through fog. A polarizer will help reduce glare of light reflecting off fog - like if you were using flash photography in fog. But obviously you wouldn't use flash photography in fog.

Re: What filters to buy?

Kolourl3lind — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:04:05 GMT

I notice however that the BW filters don't match exactly with the lens focal lenths. I would need 85mm and 50mm but all I see is 86mm and 52mm, at least on Amazon. It;s not that pricey. I would like to protect my lenses when I am shooting parties..Some people get too close.

Re: What filters to buy?

MikeSowsun — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 00:14:57 GMT

Both of your lenses have a 58mm filter thread.

Re: What filters to buy?

Skirball — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:08:32 GMT

@Kolourl3lind wrote:
I notice however that the BW filters don't match exactly with the lens focal lenths. I would need 85mm and 50mm but all I see is 86mm and 52mm, at least on Amazon. It;s not that pricey. I would like to protect my lenses when I am shooting parties..Some people get too close.

Those are the focal length of your lens. You're only concerned with the diameter filter thread. Lens manufacturers make the diameters of lenses of a couple of common sizes so that filters are somewhat universal. In your case both your lenses are the same size so they can use the same filters.

The lens filter size is usuall printed on the outer ring byt the front lens element, either on the outer face, or the side. It uses the diameter symbol: Ø