105mm CPL Qns

I've lenses with varying filter threads (58, 67, 72, 77, 82 mm) and was wondering whether there would be any issues with using a 105mm CPL filter (+105mm lens hood?) with various step-down/up adaptors?

The main reason for considering a 105mm CPL would be that I think that I'd eventually look to purchasing a Lee system etc for ND filters (so for backwards compatibility).

As a point of reference, the widest lenses I'd be using would be 24-25mm (24L, 24-70 II, 25/2 ZE)

4thchicken wrote in post #15035279
was wondering whether there would be any issues with using a 105mm CPL filter

Major issue for me would be the cost.

hollis_f wrote in post #15039250
Major issue for me would be the cost.

Me too.

hollis_f wrote in post #15039250
Major issue for me would be the cost.

heh - should have stated outside of obvious cost (and probably looking ridiculous to have a 105mm CPL mounted directly to a 58mm thread lens (35/2 ZE) etc

I have made some assumptions though
1. a 105mm threaded CPL offers more flexibility than a retangular CPL with filter systems like LEE (if is using with gradient NDs)
2. the cost of a 105mm CPL is less than the cost of buying an 82mm CPL (for 24-70II) or 77mm (for 24L) + subsequent retangular CPL for filter systems

I think you would be much more likely to damage such an oversized filter, with the risk far outweighing the "convenience" of owning just one filter. I can not imagine such an overhang and being comfortable in working with it.

BTW, I just ordered a Hoya 67mm for my 70-300 L Lens, but will not likely buy a 77mm for my Tokina 12-24. Mostly, my application is different enough to put off the expense.

I shelled out on Hoya 67mm and 77mm CPLs whilst using Cokin P filters. The CPLs were awkward to use in conjunction with the 85mm Cokins. Likewise I had a B+W 77mm ND110 which, although a great piece of kit, was a nightmare to use in terms of focusing and composition. Mixing and matching screw-ins and filter holders was just irritating. As I progressed and upgraded to the Lee system (using Hitech filters) I bought a Heliopan 105mm CPL. The whole system is far easier to use, and I'd recommend it if you can afford it. The quality is lovely too.

I find that the square CPL works just fine with the Lee system; I have both grad sets (hard/soft), the square CPL and a Big Stopper. Haven't had any issues using them together yet.

Plus, with that, you can just buy the different sized adapter rings for the Lee holder, rather than step rings that can be difficult to remove from a CPL.

Snydremark wrote in post #15044947
I find that the square CPL works just fine with the Lee system; I have both grad sets (hard/soft), the square CPL and a Big Stopper. Haven't had any issues using them together yet.

Plus, with that, you can just buy the different sized adapter rings for the Lee holder, rather than step rings that can be difficult to remove from a CPL.

Great - you just saved me a lot of £££. I do have one question - what is the max number of filters you have used at once? Do I need to get extra blades? I've ordered ND grads but they are on backorder, and I have the big stopper and getting the square CPL.

I got some extra blades so I can stack up to 3 filters at once. Usually that's a Big Stopper, the square CPL and one of the grads; but sometimes it's the BS or CPL and 2 grads...and VERY occasionally, simply 3 grads.

Snydremark wrote in post #15176088
I got some extra blades so I can stack up to 3 filters at once. Usually that's a Big Stopper, the square CPL and one of the grads; but sometimes it's the BS or CPL and 2 grads...and VERY occasionally, simply 3 grads.

Thanks. That's exactly the way I was thinking

My foundation kit came with 2 blades fitted and a third in the box. Once screwed on I can use 3 filters at once. I've yet to run out of slots but regularly use 3 at a time - normally cpl + gnd or cpl + gnd + big stopper

xpfloyd wrote in post #15176155
My foundation kit came with 2 blades fitted and a third in the box. Once screwed on I can use 3 filters at once. I've yet to run out of slots but regularly use 3 at a time - normally cpl + gnd or cpl + gnd + big stopper

Yes, I have 2 + 1 sets of blades. You guys are the masters of the big stopper - Lee should be paying you!