Filters for the 400D?

[Skip1967]

I'm a relative n00b to photography (bought my 400D in October 2007) and brand new to this forum, so forgive me if this is in the wrong place or a question that a gazillion people have asked recently......:oops:

Anyway, I'd like some filters to suit my camera but don't really know where to start. I understand that there are differing types etc with regard to how they fit and what they do. Without posting a complete thesis can anyone steer me in the right direction? :grin:

Also, any experience you've had with different types would be good to hear.

I don't really take any specific kinds of shots more than others, but I am away to Sicily in September and would like to kit myself out for the trip. :p

[SkipD]

The only thing I would suggest at this point would be a polarizing filter. A polarizing filter can reduce reflections on non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, paint, etc. They can also darken the blue of the sky relative to other elements in the scene and can make foilage color deeper and richer (by reducing reflections on the surfaces of leaves).

You would need to choose a "circular" polarizing filter (as opposed to a "linear" polarizing filter) so that your autofocus and auto exposure systems will still work properly.

Make sure that you get the highest possible quality multicoated filter that you can afford so that it won't degrade your images.

[Skip1967]

Cheers.......Skip! :lol:

Any brands better than others mate?

[SkipD]

The better grade Hoya filters are fine. Many folks here on the forum go for the B&W or a couple of other very expensive brands. Stay away from Canon and Tiffen, though.

[Skip1967]

Will do. Thanks for your help squire. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/kakathustra/emot-tip-wink.gif

[Skip1967]

Would this set be a good place to start?

http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails~ProductID~5216.html (http://www.morrisphoto.co.uk/ProductDetails%7EProductID%7E5216.html)

I'm just not sure what size I'd need for a 400D. I guess the manual will tell me that? :oops:

[Jon]

No it wouldn't. You need at least the S-HMC Multi-coated Hoyas, or B+W MRC, or Heliopan SH-PMC multicoated. And filters are sized for the particular lens, not for a camera. Assuming you want this for the 18-55 kit lens you need a 58 mm diameter filter.

[Skip1967]

You know when you've just asked a question and then you realise you sound like a complete doofus?? :oops: haha

Thanks Jon and please excuse my ignorance. That's a big help. I'll see what I can find.

[Skip1967]

There are so many! :-?

I found this one but it says it's a UV filter, not a polarizing one.

http://www.digital-cameras.com/xpp-hoya_55mm_shmc_pro1_digital_uv_filter.html

What are the differences between polarizing and UV? :o

[Jon]

UVs are clear and serve essentially to protect the lens. Opinions are divided. I use them. More here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=368177).

Polarizers cut down reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces (including dust in the air). This helps increase saturation. It's a highly directional effect, at its strongest at right angles to the sun.

[Skip1967]

Thanks Jon.

Browsing that link quickly I think a polarizing filter will serve me fine for the time being, however I think I'll save that link for future reference as it looks very imformative.

Bearing that in mind, is this the baby I should be looking at if I'm looking for an S-HMC Multi-coated Hoya to suit my 18-55 kit lens?

http://www.digital-cameras.com/xpp-hoya_55mm_shmc_pro1_digital_circular_polarising_fi lter.html#opt_description


P.S. I need a 58mm and not a 55m one though right?

[Jon]

Yes, that's the critter, and yes, you need 58 mm not 55.

[Skip1967]

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/kakathustra/emot-tip-wink.gif

[Skip1967]

One final question...... I swear http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/kakathustra/gaywink.gif

What are the actual differences in results between the cheaper range Hoya Polarizing filters and the one I linked above, and would a beginner level amateur like me notice them?

[Jertsal]

Mainly, the types of coatings which the filters have. I use nothing but Pro1 and B&W.

[Jon]

You'd see more flare when stray light hits the filter on uncoated or single-coated filters; the multicoating controls reflections off the glass better.

[Skip1967]

I'm generally for buying the best quality stuff, but as I'm (obviously) a beginner at this, do you think it's worth the extra investment at this stage for me?

[Jon]

Yes, that way you'll only buy once, not buy cheap ones now and replace them later when you get too bugged by the problems.

[Skip1967]

You'd see more flare when stray light hits the filter on uncoated or single-coated filters; the multicoating controls reflections off the glass better.
Cool. So the one in the green packet I linked earlier doesn't have the same quality of coatings/multi coatings then?

[Jon]

Right. It may not even have the same quality glass.

[Skip1967]

Excellent.

Thank you very much for your advice Jon. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a102/kakathustra/emot-tip-wink.gif