RF85mm f/1.4 VCM effect filter incompatibility ? Alternate suggestions please.

[leifdixon]

Just got my new RF85 f/1.4.

So far, very happy with the lens itself. One disappointment, however, is that the lens optics seem to be incompatible with effect filters.

I have assembled an arsenal of ghost-style and split diopter filters that work beautifully on my RF24-105 f/4 (mostly Neewer & K+F concept, but some Chinese/unbranded, too) and I try to accomplish as much as possible in-camera instead of with apps. So I was excited to get some new filters to accompany the new 85mm lens.

Unfortunately the 67mm Neewer split diopter filter, paired with the 85mm f/1.4 VCM lens, just produces cloudy images. It doesn't create that "tack sharp down the middle with streaks to the sides" effect I want... It's more like just a dirty lens that needs to be wiped clean. 

Seems as though the lens optics might be incompatible with effect filters based on the distance of the filter from the glass elements. Just a guess. But I'd like to hear if anyone else has had similar or different experiences, and if other brands of filters might work better...or if other brands are going to have the same problem based on the lens optics.

[Waddizzle]

Welcome to the Community!

” I have assembled an arsenal of ghost-style and split diopter filters that work beautifully on my RF24-105 f/4 (mostly Neewer & K+F concept, but some Chinese/unbranded, too)

Seems as though the lens optics might be incompatible with effect filters based on the distance of the filter from the glass elements. Just a guess. “

I think your guess is spot on.

[JeffXB]

Welcome to the forum @leifdixon 

“Seems as though the lens optics might be incompatible with effect filters based on the distance of the filter from the glass elements.”

Although it’s a possibility, I think it’s a remote one. I don’t own that specific lens, but I do own many others. Looking at photos of your lens online I don’t see where the front element sits back further from the filter threads than most of Canon’s other lenses. 

I have nothing against Neewer or K+F filters, they both sell decent filters, but they’re both that, decent. Their line of filters are not considered tier one filters.

I too have a fair amount of filters, including a few for special effects like the ghost filter you mentioned as well as diopters, star effect’s and a few others. However mine are all tier ones, specifically Maven brand. I’ve not experienced any issues like you’ve described when using them on any of my lenses. 

I suggest you try a better quality filter, be it from Maven or another tier one filter manufacturer; see if that works and solves your problem. Be sure they have a money back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.  Or if you live near a camera shop that carries tier one filters, maybe they’ll let you try one out in their shop. 

[leifdixon]

Definitely a good idea to find a shop that might allow me to try before buying. I will pursue that course of action. But I am skeptical that the brand of filters is the problem; it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd work beautifully on my RF24-105L f/4 and then turn into garbage on the 85...