Filters

[subnet_rx]

I've read a pretty good bit about filters. From they distort the image to they are great. I also have read that the better the filter, the fewer problems that you will have that. Knowing that, my money is not unlimited. In fact, it's quite limited right now since I just bought a camera and a 7 day cruise to the Caribbean.

Should I buy some cheap Tiffen or Hoya filters to improve my photos or just not get anything at all before the trip? This is the 3 that I'm considering right now.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=23731&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=57837&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=56633&is=REG

[timeasterday]

For a cruise, I think the circular polarizing filter would be most useful, but get a nice one. The one in your link may be OK to start with if that's your budget. Forget the graduated ND right now. The round ones will be a royal pain to work with. If you get the CPL filter, you probably don't need an additional UV filter, but it might not hurt to have both. I usually have UV and CPL filters with me all the time. Sometimes I don't want the reduction in stops that a CPL will cause, but still want something that can help with the haze (and protect the lens).

[argyle]

Between the two brands, forget the Tiffen and get the Hoya (I didn't check your links, so a lot depends on the Hoya model). Like someone else already mentioned...a CPL and UV should be all that you'd need. The UV for protection when needed, and the CPL for compositional effects, light reduction, reflection control, etc. Round, graduated filters are a waste of money.

[subnet_rx]

Well, that just saved me about $50. My UV is a Hoya mult-coated. The CPL is a Tiffen and fairly cheap. Maybe I could step up the CPL quality since I'm not getting a GND. I forgot to mention that also because of money restraints, the lenses won't have internal focusing.

[LarryD]

There is nothing wrong with Tiffen filters.. They have been around longer than Hoya and at one time were the preferred filter for many professionals..

Nowadays particular brand names have more appeal than the reality of the product..


However, don't get filters in the belief that you need one to improve your photography. For decades Skylights and UV Haze filters have been used because they can provide some benefit and they can protect the somewhat fragile coatings and exposed surface of the front lens element..

A CPL can provide a benefit is used properly..

ND's and GND's have their place for special effects..

I recommend that every lens have a UV or Skylight for protection, but I live in the harsh desert where it's easy to scratch a lens.

Get another CPL if the one you have doesn't work satisfactorly, not to have a different brand name..

[DANATTHEROCK]

I would get the best polarizing filter you can afford. I love B&H, but found much, much, better prices on filters at the 2filter website. I got the Hoya DMC and just love it. Very high quality filter. Don't take this trip without a polarizing filter. Went to Jamaica last year and left the filter on half the time. Amazing difference it makes.