Yet another filter Q ...

[sk8erguy1978]

I have a sigma 24-70 macro 2.4 lens, love it, however no IS and heavy lens is a bit of a curve, but I will get it.. And maybe a monopod along the way :)

Anyway the point and question... I have a hoya 82mm UV filter on it, I have found from my last vacation that a few of my daylight photos could have came out a lot better if I had a way to keep the camera a little more steady without lugging around a tripod (that is where the monopod comment from above came from) but also find harsh areas in the photo that could have been avoided with a simple CPL or ND filter... Depending on the shot.

So that being said, looking at just CPL for right now and find that hoyas 82 mm are over 200 -- not that the price is out of the budget, I just cannot justify spending it. So, the actual question finally (sorry I find it easier to answer a question after knowing a bit of the history :))... If I bought a different brand say Tiffen, and applied it over the hoya, could the two different glass manufactures degrade each other in anyway... Would it come out worse then if I was to put a Hoya CPL over the Hoya UV... Or would it be even best to remove any UV while using a CPL or ND??

Sorry if this has been asked, and sorry for such a newbie type questions, but hey... I am still a newbie at this whole photography thing :)!!

Thanks again.

[neilwood32]

You really dont need a UV and a CPL. Either one or other will do.

Your UV filter is actually doing nothing as far as the lens is concerned other than keeping dust/smears of the front element.

Stacking filters certainly will degrade the images as it tends to bring out the worst of each.

[Jon]

Don't stack filters. Unless you need the additive effect of several ND or close-up filters all you'll do is degrade the image. If you're using the polarizer, take the UV off. But the high price for the Hoya or B+W filters is because they're better quality (flatter glass, multicoated to reduce flare and light loss, sturdier construction) than the Tiffens. You might consider looking at a few other dealers though. There are a couple of vendors that are less expensive than most, but still considered reliable. One, IIRC, is Filters2go and the other's HVStar.

[sk8erguy1978]

I just spit out tiffen as an example, not looking at them. I am one of the people who like a UV on at all times. Thanks for your tips however, I will remove whenever using a CPL!

I guess I do not even really need the UV either, I just get paranoid over every smudge/scratch that could get on the lens..

I know that a good lens filter is expensive, I just find 250 bucks a bit high for basically a pair of sunglasses for your lens...

But, it might be worth it if I will not end up with white sky's, shadows, and every other crappy thing to ruin your sunny day photos! Remember I am a newbie, so I need assistance from things like filters :p

[TaDa]

Buy your filter from maxsaver.net and save upwards of 50%

[sk8erguy1978]

Buy your filter from maxsaver.net and save upwards of 50%

great site, bookmarked it... Thanks!