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QTip
16th of August 2009 (Sun), 10:42
So, I purchased a lens at abesofmaine at a good price. Then I was looking at filters. A Polarized filter made by crystal optics is $59.95

http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=FLMCCPL62#tabs

However, when I searched it in google, this came up at overstock.com for $19.95 with 3 filters also saying they are made by crystal optics:

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Crystal-Optics-62mm-3-Piece-Glass-Filter-Kit/2601757/product.html

I don't want trash filters; however, I'm not sure how to know if these are different. Is it common for reputable site like abes to have really high prices on filters? Are these filters at overstock likely to be garbage?

Thanks for any help.
20droger
16th of August 2009 (Sun), 12:51
Cant speak for Abe's, but it is very common for manufacturers to produce similar products in different price and quality ranges.

Just look at Canon lenses: EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III, $160; EF-70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM, $549; and EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM, $1100. There is a reason.

Crystal Optics, like all filter manufacturers, produces more than one price/quality range of filters.
Wilt
16th of August 2009 (Sun), 14:12
Save your money. Get Hoya SHMC or HD, or at the minimum HMC or Pro Digital, or B+W MRC
QTip
16th of August 2009 (Sun), 15:32
Save your money. Get Hoya SHMC or HD, or at the minimum HMC or Pro Digital, or B+W MRC

A bit late :) Thx tho.

Ended up finding a new set (UV,CPL, FLD) of nikura (62mm) for $75. Looked like a good deal and quality filters.
Wilt
17th of August 2009 (Mon), 07:56
Please put your camera on a tripod and shoot a comparison, with filter vs without filter, and examine at 100% to compare sharpness...some filters do HURT IQ!
mikekelley
17th of August 2009 (Mon), 10:12
Why do people insist on giving advice when people do not ask for it?
Wilt
17th of August 2009 (Mon), 11:04
Why do people insist on giving advice when people do not ask for it?


OP said, "I don't want trash filters; however, I'm not sure how to know if these are different."

It matters not that they are purchased already, if he does not want trash. You can test for trash filters and then decide what to do!
QTip
17th of August 2009 (Mon), 14:24
Why do people insist on giving advice when people do not ask for it?

I appreciate any extra info, and I'm happy people take the time to help me out.