Filters touching front element on the 17-40mm...

[Hatem Eldoronki]

I went to the local Camera Shop (Bryn Mawr, PA) and got a Promaster Skylight 1A for my new lens. So it touched the front element, returned it, (while I tried asking "Owen" for maybe a spacer, he was quite ignorant, and just said, we'll refund your money), and could not find a solution up to now.
Another camera place told me that a spacer might cause vignetting on my shots.
So in brief, what do users of the 17-40mm suggest for:
1-A Skylight or even a UV filter brand.
2-A circular polarizer for the same lens.

Thanks for the much needed help..

[Burninfilm2]

I have a Hoya UV on mine which doesn't touch and works well. I don't see how the filter would touch. Prehaps you should try another brand and if there is still a problem, have your lens checked..Hope this helps..Bob <><

[Hatem Eldoronki]

There's nothing wrong with my lens...the filter sits too close to the front lens, so as I zoom in or out, the lens touches..
I put a piece of paper on top of the front element to test this, and it turned as i screwed the filter on (of course, I played it safe..)

Thanks for your input.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I had this probem too.. can't remember the brand of the filter.. but it does not have this trouble with either a Canon UV or a Hoya Polarizer.. I'd just get another brand filter.. maybe the "promaster" was a slim line?

p.s. the front element doesn't turn.. it just moves in and out. :)

[GrayLock]

As always, this forum is incredibly timely. I just today received my new 17-40L along with a Tiffen UV filter, and this thread had already alerted me to the potential problem. The fit with the Tiffen is VERY tight--I can't tell whether it actually touches when the front element is all the way forward, but even if it doesn't, it is so close that a small piece of paper will not fall through the gap! The Tiffen is going back, to be replaced with the Canon UV (I figure if Canon's own filter damages the front element, at least I have a better chance of succeeding with a claim. :wink: ).

It is surprising that Canon does not provide any warnings about this.

[Hatem Eldoronki]

As always, this forum is incredibly timely. I just today received my new 17-40L along with a Tiffen UV filter, and this thread had already alerted me to the potential problem. The fit with the Tiffen is VERY tight--I can't tell whether it actually touches when the front element is all the way forward, but even if it doesn't, it is so close that a small piece of paper will not fall through the gap! The Tiffen is going back, to be replaced with the Canon UV (I figure if Canon's own filter damages the front element, at least I have a better chance of succeeding with a claim. :wink: ).

It is surprising that Canon does not provide any warnings about this.

The quite informative salesperson at the Bryn Mawr Camera Shop said that he had never heard of such a problem. I can't stand people like that.

[GrayLock]

Yeah, I live near Philly too, and I know the shop you're talking about. I found them to be a bit obnoxious.

As an aside, mcouper, can you recommend any decent shops in our area? I deal with B&H a lot online, but you know sometimes its nice to just go into a shop and fondle the gear before you actually buy it! :D

[Hatem Eldoronki]

I don't know any other shop in the area..at least with such a selection of products. The "Camera Shop" (by Ritz) people didn't even see a 77mm filter size before!!
There is a smaller shop in Suburban Square (Ardmore), across from Strawbridges..the name escapes me..and the best they have is a Drebel. They are informative though...

[GrayLock]

OK, thanks. Just FYI, New York Camera (Southhampton and Quakertown locations) is about the best I'VE been able to find in the area, though obviously getting there is a bit of a haul. Good selection of prosumer and pro gear, and helpful low-key store personnel, too.

[ifurlong]

I have this lens and no filter I use comes close the the front element, I use B&W filters.

[RichardtheSane]

I have a Hoya filter and it doesn't touch, it is not a slimline filter.

I'll bear this in mind because I need a better quality filter and i wastn't aware of the problem :)

[CoolToolGuy]

Another camera place told me that a spacer might cause vignetting on my shots.
So in brief, what do users of the 17-40mm suggest for:
1-A Skylight or even a UV filter brand.
2-A circular polarizer for the same lens.

Thanks for the much needed help..

It looks like there are several suggestions for filters that won't touch the front element, so that should help you decide. 8)

I wouldn't worry about vignetting if you are only using it on a DSLR, since the crop factor blocks out the outer edges of the angle of view of the lens. Even with a stacked UV and a circular polarizer vignetting should not be a problem. :wink:

Have Fun,

[RichardtheSane]

One more option, if you have a great filter that touches the front element.... Buy the cheapest crappiest filter you can get, pull the glass out and just use it as a spacer :)