three new lenses require designated filters and hoods??

three new filters and three new hoods?

Please help I am so confused. Each lens (17-40 f/4, 70-200 f/4L, 85 f/1.8)need different size of both filters and hood. Do I need to buy 3 different polarizers, 3 UV filters and dedicated hood for each lense? Also, is it necessary to get Canon hoods? Are generic ones OK?

Will really appreciate your input. I am getting so so frustrated with the whole exercise of buying the whole system.

Thanks,

marysia

i am a fan of canon hoods, personally, since they offer the most protection for the lens as opposed to generic rubber hoods.

UV filters are cheap and so are hoods, so it's just basic protection for your investment.

if you really don't want to buy three polarizers, you can buy one great one in the largest size and two step-up rings for the smaller-filter lenses.

personally, i'd buy what i need. it's best to do it right, though.
remember, there is no free lunch in photography.

L lenses come with hoods.

The only one you will need to buy a hood for is the 85, and definately buy it. Filters are a personal choice that I no longer care to debate, but if you choose to get them, yes 3 different sizes.

As stated above - you should get the Canon hoods for sure. They will be MUCH better than generics at doing what they do - blocking stray light from affecting your image, and providing physical protection for the lens (keeps fingers off the glass, and acting as a bumper for the inevitable bumps and bangs and even dropping the lens on its nose).

I do not recommend using UV filters for "protection" unless you are shooting in a very hostile environment such as blowing sand, etc. If you do want to use a UV filter, you should get only the very best quality multicoated filters.

You can get away with a single polarizing filter. Most lens hoods make using a polarizing filter difficult to do (the hood gets in the way of turning the filter for effect), and you seldom shoot towards strong light sources when using a polarizing filter. Thus, you could get a circular polarizing filter in the largest size (77mm?) and some step rings to allow you to put that large filter on the smaller diameter lenses. Make sure you get the best quality filter that you can afford - multicoated for sure.

A polarizing filter is normally used only for special shots where it can do some good. Don't worry about not being able to put a lens cap on the filter or anything like that. Just take the filter off and put it away between shots.