What's the diff between 52mm and 58mm?

[skevbo82]

Hey Everyone,

I was just wondering if anybody can tell me what the difference is between a lens that is 52mm vs. one that is 58mm. My Digital Rebel has an 18-55mm lens which allows for 58mm filters and such to be attached. I was looking at a new 80-200mm lens which only allows for 52mm filters to be attached. Why are there different sizes and which should go for?

Thanks!

[WestFalcon]

The diameter of the lenses are physically different in size. Like shoes, some people wear a size 9 and some wear a size 12.

[DocFrankenstein]

If you find a 70-200 zoom with 52mm filters, run away from it.

[booggerg]

Why is that?

[ppuga]

when I first purchase my Rebel XS, it comes with a 52mm 35-80 lens. Then the other two lenses i get from Canon, the 28-105 and the 75-300 both were 58mm, so the 52mm almost I never use it, and my filters are for the 58mm ones.

But as booggerg ask, whys that? wich one is better, I think the 58mm ones. But why?

[Penguin_101_1]

when I first purchase my Rebel XS, it comes with a 52mm 35-80 lens. Then the other two lenses i get from Canon, the 28-105 and the 75-300 both were 58mm, so the 52mm almost I never use it, and my filters are for the 58mm ones.

But as booggerg ask, whys that? wich one is better, I think the 58mm ones. But why?
The size does not matter, but large f stops require bigger lenes. Small ones require less glass, making them slow.

[Mark_Cohran]

The size of the filters are based on the physical dimensions of the lens. Lenses with large fixed apertures will, due to the physics of optics, have a larger diameter than equivalent lenses with non-fixed apertures. Filter quality is not dependent on the size of the filter, but rather on the grade of glass and the coatings used on the filter.

[Scottes]

Note that you can buy a $5.95 step-up ring which will allow you to use 58mm filters on your 52mm lens. So don't let that be a concern. If that's the lens you want, get it, and get a step-up ring too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=6264&is=REG

Funny, the B&W version of this is $25. Go figure.

[Ajay213]

Note that you can buy a $5.95 step-up ring which will allow you to use 58mm filters on your 52mm lens. So don't let that be a concern. If that's the lens you want, get it, and get a step-up ring too.

To take that even a step further, take a look at lenses you may want to buy in the future, and buy filters a size or two larger than that, buy one size filters and step up's for all your lenses. The cost of the filters go up a bit, but it's still far cheaper than buying seperate filters for all your lenses (nevermind trying to organize having 2-3 or more filters for each lens).

Andrew

[Deckyon]

Why is that?My 16-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200 mm lenses have a filter size of 77mm... large. It is an L lens. Larger the front element (generally) the faster the lens will be, when dealing with quality lenses. This is NOT always true.

[ppuga]

Very intresting thread! Thanks

[Citizensmith]

Filter dimensions do not affect filter quality in any way. A 38mm filter for a digicam is just as good as an equivalent 77mm filter for a Canon L lens. FIlters do come with varying grades of coating on them, from none to multi. The more coatings the less flare you get from the filter, but they get expensive fast. The coatings are independant of the size however.

Lens dimensions do affect lens quality, and a larger lens would require larger filters, hence the range of sizes available. I started with kit zooms (35-80, 80-200) which had a 52mm thread and built up a decent range of filters. Then slowly moved to better lenses (like the 28-105, 24 and 85 primes) which need 58mm filters. So I slowly started replacing all my 52mm filters. Now I sit here with lenses needing 67 and 72mm threads, and a digital and wonder if I'll just rely on the hood instead. As someone else said, think ahead so you don't end up replacing everything to often.

[Steven M. Anthony]

If you are just looking for screw-on filters for your lens, the best size is the one that fits your lens!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oddly enough.. the difference seems to work out to be about 6mm ;)

[Cadwell]

Oddly enough.. the difference seems to work out to be about 6mm ;)

:shock: He can count! :shock:

:p

[DocFrankenstein]

Oddly enough.. the difference seems to work out to be about 6mm ;) MUHAHHAHAHAHAHA :D :lol::lol::lol:

[mickle]

Oddly enough.. the difference seems to work out to be about 6mm ;)

You've restored my faith in human nature. I told the wife that someone would eventually point that out.

:)

Mike

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

Careful with those step up rings and filter sizes, if you use a lens hood (good protection and required for some lighting situations) you will have difficulties with fit and being able to change filters quickly.

Look at the whole system you are using, and buy accordingly.

If you are going to buy filters, don't buy cheap. This piece of glass is in the same view line as your lens glass.

[Penguin_101_1]

Oddly enough.. the difference seems to work out to be about 6mm ;)


But you didn't show your work. :)

[Steven M. Anthony]

And the answer isn't "about 6mm." The answer is "6mm." :)

[daveh]

You've restored my faith in human nature. I told the wife that someone would eventually point that out.

I couldn't believe how many posts I had to scroll through to finally get to the correct answer.

[FlyingPete]

You've restored my faith in human nature. I told the wife that someone would eventually point that out.

That was the first thing mine said too!

[Bodog]

I just can't believe a two page thread to explain the difference?? :rolleyes: