Tamron 28-75 - filter worthwhile?

[commando]

I'm just about to order the Tamron 28-75 lens from B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=284399&is=REG &si=acc#goto_itemInfo), and I was wondering if I should pick up a filter, just to stop the lens getting scratched? B&H have a "General Brand 67mm UV Filter - Glass" for $14.95 - is this a worthwhile filter to get, purely for protection?

I'll probably get a filter for the 50mm 1.8 Canon too, for the same reason.

[HJMinard]

Well, I'm not in the filter for protection camp - but if I were I would buy a higher quality (Hoya HMC or B+W) one than the one you mentioned. I wouldn't put cheap glass in front of quality glass (and yes, I believe the Tamron 28-75 definitely qualifies as quality glass).

[commando]

Thanks Jay, and good point. Those other filters you mentioned are pretty damned expensive, so I probably would just try and be reeeeaaaaly careful, rather than buy any filter at all.

I might get the macro filters for the 50mm 1.8 lens though.

[shiningstardv]

I just ordered a $45 B+W filter for my Tamron 28-75mm. I always view the filter as part of the cost of the lens, because they are (in my view) 100% necessary and often times fairly expensive. But there is no point in having a poor quality filter that will degrade your picture quality. So I just buy one of the medium priced B+W filters ($45 for a 67mm or about $27 for a 52mm, the Tamron 28-75mm and Canon 50mm f/1.8 respectively).

[commando]

Thanks shiningstardv - if I were to get one of those, would you be kind enough to find the sort i'd get at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=S earchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=b%2Bw+67mm&image.x=4&ima ge.y=11), or give me a little more detail on what type I should get? There's 12 pages of results on my search!

I'd like more opinions if anyone else would like to contribute - so far I have one yes and one no! :(

Damn this hobby's getting expensive quickly. I wonder if I should hold off on the 50mm 1.8 lens for now... then again it's only $70 + $27 for the filter...

[shiningstardv]

Hi commando,
Sure no problem.

Here is the filter I bought for my Tamron 28-75mm. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=11992&is=REG)

And here is the filter I bought for my Canon 50mm f/1.8. (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=11988&is=REG)

Hope this helps in your decision!

EDIT: Oh and one more thing. I would say that in this category (lens filters), it's pretty safe to say that "you get what you pay for".

[Adam Hicks]

I have the B+W multi-coated (MRC) filter on my lens, which is typically a very expensive filter. I bought it on eBay for around $40 perfect.

I wish I had one for my 100-400L, but they're still $$$! I have the Canon UV/Haze which seems fine.

Definitely protect the thing though (even though you saved enough by not going with the Canon L to buy two more!) :)

Adam

[commando]

There was no way I was going to buy a big, heavy, expensive L lens, the Tamron's up from what I initially wanted to spend, but it looks reallllly nice.

I think i'll get the 1/2/4X macro lenses for the 50mm one... no more expensive... probably not the best quality though?

[Cadwell]

I use one of these http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=168214&is=REG on my 28-75mm. It works well, in fact I use the same series on all my lenses and have been very happy with them. I would echo those who have said that if you are going to get a filter, get a decent quality one.

[Primevci]

so the tiffen is no good eh damnit wted 14 bucks lol ill geuss ill save upf r the 50 dollor one

[commando]

Hmmm, now we're at $70, up from $40, up from $20. How about I just put the lens cap back on when i'm not taking photos? Best image quality, easy enough because the lens cap fits in my back pocket. or would people with more experience than me recommend I get at least the cheaper one?

[shiningstardv]

Hmmm, now we're at $70, up from $40, up from $20. How about I just put the lens cap back on when i'm not taking photos? Best image quality, easy enough because the lens cap fits in my back pocket. or would people with more experience than me recommend I get at least the cheaper one?

I would say that unless you can afford it, the $70 filter is not worth your money. Yes, it is better than any filter less than $70, but like everything else, the law of diminishing returns begins to take effect -- the more and more you pay, the less the quality improves. My personal advice to you would be to buy the $40 filter. That is the cheapest filter which has the MRC (Multi-Resistant Coating), which will prevent glare/flare and ghosting. I think you might be disappointed in the $20 filter, and it seems too risky to me not to keep a filter on the lens.

Then again, if you really don't want to spend the $45, and your not doing this (photography) professionally, then just buy the $20 filter. At least there is something there to protect the lens, and you may notice some issues occasionally, but for the most part I think you will be OK.

[commando]

I would say that unless you can afford it, the $70 filter is not worth your money. Yes, it is better than any filter less than $70, but like everything else, the law of diminishing returns begins to take effect -- the more and more you pay, the less the quality improves. My personal advice to you would be to buy the $40 filter. That is the cheapest filter which has the MRC (Multi-Resistant Coating), which will prevent glare/flare and ghosting. I think you might be disappointed in the $20 filter, and it seems too risky to me not to keep a filter on the lens.

Then again, if you really don't want to spend the $45, and your not doing this (photography) professionally, then just buy the $20 filter. At least there is something there to protect the lens, and you may notice some issues occasionally, but for the most part I think you will be OK.

I'm taking photos purely as a hobby, not in any way professionally. My photos suck! Originally I took a course to help me take better photos with my little Canon A70, then I bought an SLR, now I want lenses, filters, batteries, everything! It also just occured to me that the compact camera bag I bought probably won't be big enough for the 300D with the new lens :(

Money isn't a big issue, i'm more interested in value. This lens looks like great value, and if spending 10% of the cost of the lens will help protect it, that sounds like a pretty good investment to me. If the $70 lens will be significantly better than the $40, then to me, it's a good investment. Has anyone tried both, or can someone experienced offer advice on the cheaper vs the more expensive one?

You guys round here are really helpful :)

[commando]

I've just ordered the lens, with the more expensive filter, I figured i'm a bit clumsy so a filter is good, and I might as well have a decent one. I decided not to get the 50mm 1.8 yet, i'll see how this one is first.

Thanks for your help everyone :)

[Olegis]

Congradulations, commando !
You have made a very good choice ordering this lens. This lens is optically better than the 28-135 IS that was mentioned in the other thread. I have the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 - and absolutely love it.

[L Pagan]

there is a camera shop down the street from where i work, but they only carry Crystal Optics / Bower filters are any of this two any good or should i get canon brand

[commando]

Congradulations, commando !
You have made a very good choice ordering this lens. This lens is optically better than the 28-135 IS that was mentioned in the other thread. I have the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 - and absolutely love it.

:)