What filters to buy?

[Kolourl3lind]

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

[MikeSowsun]

Only if your lens requires 58mm filters.

[Skirball]

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@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?

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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...

[Skirball]

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@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?

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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.

[Kolourl3lind]

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.

[MikeSowsun]

Both of your lenses have a 58mm filter thread.

[Skirball]

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@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.

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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