Filters and which to get???

Hi guys,

I am trying to invest into some decent filters and because I have never bought any before I am quite confused which to get. I will be shooting lots of landscapes, portraits outdoors in bright daylight and waterfalls. I looked at tiffens 0.9 and 0.6 but there are so many others that are quite more expensive such as lee foundation kit and Singh rays as wells as b+w filters. Are these filters that much better and worth the price tag?

Also, how do I determine what size to get? I have a 50mm 1.8, 17-40l and 70-200 MK II. I will mainly be using my 17-40 and 70-200 and on the rim of the front element it says 77mm so I am thinking that is the filter size?

Thank you,
Karim.

The difference between the tiffen/b+w/hoya etc... and lee/singh ray is that the first set are screw in filters whereas the latter are square filters. Screw in filters are fine if you only intend to use a single ND or polarizer on the lens, but if you start getting into landscapes you'll want graduated NDs, which are far more useful as square filters which let you position the transition as you want it. Plus a square filter kit lets you stack filters without as much or any vignetting.

I am looking to get something that I can put on lens quickly and change and remove. I will also be going to Mexico in summer twice and want to use filters where I can use low shutter speed or even shoot at wider aperture. I am doing some reading regarding different filters and trying to make the best decision for my needs as I hate to buy something and then regret it once I use it. I also realize I will need to buy more than one filter which I am okay with. I am trying to understand if I need to get the filter holder or would regular circular filters are sufficient?

Karim1980 wrote in post #13867833
I am trying to understand if I need to get the filter holder or would regular circular filters are sufficient?

Like I said; if you intend to use GNDs and/or stack filters, get the holder, if you're happy with just a single filter at a time and being limited to NDs and CPLs, get screw ins.

I can't be more specific than that, you're the one who is going to be using the filters, you're the one who knows what you'll need.

Thank you sirrith, I will read more on this. I just came across a thread on fm someone selling the lee foundation kit for $350.00. Lot of money for it but I am debating if it's worth it? I want to be able to use GND filters and maybe the holder would be better. Here is the thread from fm forums http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/10819​32

I wouldn't. Too expensive for a second hand set.

Go on adorama or b&h and search for "century optics holder" this is a rebranded lee foundation kit + a 77mm WA adapter ring, identical in every way, but costs slightly less. Then all you need is the filters.

Karim, if you're looking for GNDs, check out the GND FAQ/thread in this forum. Tons of info.

I just picked up the Century Optics holder 77mm adapter ring from Adorama, along with a Hitech .6 Hard GND and Hitech .9 Hard GND (both 4x6). They didn't have the .3 in stock. Next up for that kit will be a CPL.

I also have 77mm B&W .6, .9 and the Hoya NDX400 NDs. Along with a B&W CPL. The CPL almost always stays on my lens, I can see the benefit of having a screw in and one to stack with a GND for landscapes.

adammazza wrote in post #13867989
Karim, if you're looking for GNDs, check out the GND FAQ/thread in this forum. Tons of info.

I just picked up the Century Optics holder 77mm adapter ring from Adorama, along with a Hitech .6 Hard GND and Hitech .9 Hard GND (both 4x6). They didn't have the .3 in stock. Next up for that kit will be a CPL.

I also have 77mm B&W .6, .9 and the Hoya NDX400 NDs. Along with a B&W CPL. The CPL almost always stays on my lens, I can see the benefit of having a screw in and one to stack with a GND for landscapes.

Thank you so much, I will be looking and comparing with what you have as I am very new to filters and this is all so new to me right now. I will do some more reading and see what will work for me but from doing more reading, it looks like I will be leaning towards some type of holder. I still have a few months before I will be needing to use the filters so I want to invest properly and buy it correctly the first time hopefully . Just didn't realize how expensive these could get but results you get are outstanding.

Karim.