Filter Protection?

I just got a Hoya EVO CPL for my 17-55, and the case that comes with it is pretty..large. When I am using my small bag it won't fit as the thickness and rectangular shape of the filter case is too large to fit. Could I just snap a lens cap on each side of the filter? Has anyone tried that before?

Keyan wrote in post #15190194
Could I just snap a lens cap on each side of the filter? Has anyone tried that before?

That will probably not work well enough.

Find an accessory pouch that can strap onto your camera case to store the filter (in its case, that is).

Before digital, I used to stack my filters (color, warming, soft, star, effects, etc) one on top of the other and use metal screw caps on each end and it worked great. Now I only have variable ND and CPL filters, so I just keep them in their case, since both have rotating rings and are much more delicate.

The CPL has a rotating element that should be protected from the sides. If debris or lint gets in the way of the rotating mechanism, it may get stuck or not rotate smoothly. Even worse, if it gets banged, dinged, dented or dropped the rings may not rotate at all. I think you want to keep them in a hard case - especially since they're not cheap.

Hmm good points. Is there a case out there that is round but just snaps or screws together around the filter?

Tiffen cases used to be round. Not sure anymore since I haven't bought a Tiffen filter in some time.

How about this...? http://www.rainbowimag​ing.biz …roduct.php?id_p​roduct=625

Yeah that might work, while others brought up that it might not be perfect as it doesn't protect the sides, in the case I have it would be in it's own pocket and protected, never loose with other stuff, just want to protect the glass when I take it with me but might not want it the entire time (I've found that CPLs can create a good effect, but also have their limitations).

I wish someone would make a simple clear plastic screw together case that would be round and just fit over the filter (a couple mm more diameter), you could put in two thin foam rings near the edges to grab the filter's ring and hold it in place, that would be perfect.

If you Google "photo filter case", you will find lots of hits for some very practical solutions.

Yes, a filter stacker like Mike illustrated in his response does protect both sides. It has both top and bottom caps that screw onto the filter(s). It's metal and you'd have to run over them with a truck to damage the filters when they are in a stack like this. I've used these for decades. Here's a link to another view of a filter stacker set, that might make it clearer.

Problem comes in when using different sizes of filters. What I did is bought a stacker set of the smallest and the largest filter sizes I carry, and then use the top from one and the bottom from the other. In between different size filters I use a step ring.

The result is a single stack of filters, in my case with three 58mm (2 UV, one CPL), four 72mm (2 UV, two CPL), four 77mm (2 UV, 2 CPL). Shooting digitally, those are the only filters I have to have with me all the time (back in my film shooting days I had nearly 100 filters in a separate bag, different sizes and types for color balance and correction, plus other effects.)

My filter stack is about the size of a smallish lens and fits into one of the padded lens slots in my camera bag or backpack. And, I can expand it or reduce it in size, if or when that's ever needed. This is the most compact way of carrying filters that I've found. It also give the best protection for the fragile glass... as well as protecting the threads on the filters, since they're all screwed together.

Another tip... put several rubber bands around the outside of the stack. If you ever have a stuck filter (either in the stack or on a lens), often a rubber band around the perimeter of the filter will give you good enough grip to unstick it by hand.

I forgot to mention that Hoya HD filters come in a circular plastic case. Is that what you are looking for?

Many decent camera shops have a box of junk filters that can often be had for just a couple of bucks. Most are also with cases, some of which often show considerable wear. So stop by your friendly dealer and see what you might find.