My next purchases

[BtBam]

Hey

after a couple weeks of using the 350d and a sigma 24-70 i am over 100% happy with what i have purchased so far without any regret.

I am now deciding what i should purchase.

I am looking at Hoya polarising filters (82mm) and hoya UV filter.

I am also looking at purchasing a monopod to go along with a sigma 70-200 2.8


So, what im asking pretty much, is are these the right filters i should get? i love the look of shots with polarising filters.

Do i need to get a UV filter aswell? or just leave the polarising on?

For the future when i get the new sigma 70-200 these filters wont fit that lens

ive seen these step down things, is there a way i can work this so i can use the same filters for both lenses?

after researching a bit i think this is the next lens i wish to purchase, does anyone have anything to suggest? another lens perhaps that outdoes this one for around the same price?

What should i look for in purchasing a mono pod?

Thanks guys i appreciate all your help.

[SkipD]

More than likely, you will not want to leave the polarizing filter (CP) on your lens(es) all the time. Often there is no advantage to having the CP filter on the lens, and it will definitely be a disadvantage in lower light situations.

Whether or not you want to use a UV filter as "protection" is up to you. I have never done so and have never had a lens damaged because I didn't. I always, however, use good quality lens hoods on all my lenses for protection against impact as well as against flare caused by strong light sources outside my subject area.

A monopod should be sturdy, lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to use. Meeting all the requirements also runs up the cost. I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B with a small ballhead attached to the top.

[Mohawk]

What Skip said. Your call on the UVs, and get one big CP and the needed step down rings. This would be the least expensive route. And I think I have the same monopod, a one touch retractable, with a small ball head on the top. I think I paid around $80 at my local high priced camera shop for the monopod, and around $40 for the head.

Check ebay for the filters, I get mine from bhaermall (sp?), or something like that. He ships immediately via US Priority Mail. I don't think I have ever waited more the 2-3 days for delivery. And he has the best prices available that I have found with his inexpensive shipping charges, compared to other places. I like the Hoya Pro 1 Super Thins.

Just my .02

Mike

[wilflee]

What filter size is the Sigma 70-200 lens?

I find 72mm filters work fine on the Sigma 24-70 due to the camera's 1.6x crop factor. So, you can probably get away with 1 filter for both lenses with a step up/down ring.

Also, the UV filter offers nothing except some protection when you bang the lens around. And it increases the chance of flare. I suggest you keep the hood on and forget the filter. If you really need UV filtering, try a Haze 2 for visible effect.

[BtBam]

wow thanks a very lot for your fast responses.

The sigma 24-70 takes 82mm filters and the 70-200 takes 77.
So ill get the 82 and a step down to 77 for the new lens when i get it :)

Thanks for the tips on the CP, im guessing the CP stands for Circular Polarizing (filter)

I know the shop i goto sells Hoya, but what should i ask about when i go in tomorrow? Model numbers ect? And what is the differance between each type? is it worth the extra cash?

Thanks once again Skipd, Moawk and wilflee, your help is extremely appreciated.

[Mohawk]

BtBam,

I have heard and read, our digital cameras like a "thin" filter due to less chances of CA. So, I get the more expensive thin filters. A 77mm Hoya thin UV filter runs me about $75 shipped from the guy off of ebay. Like I said, he has the best prices I have found when you figure shipping.

And yes, I have UVs on all of my lenses. I hate finger prints on my lenses, not mine, but curious little, and some big people, who should know better. And I do occaisionally shoot with them on, that is why I got the supposed good ones. And they are great protection around my "nosey" dogs. The little one (sheltie) can really jump, and has a good eye for hitting a target with her little nose!

Mike