Which filters to get?

Well I've pretty much settled on getting the Canon EOS 400D sometime in the near future, and I've seen the usefulness of circular polarizers, neutral density filters, and I love the effect from gradual tobacco filters.

The question I have is - what brand should I buy from?

I know Cokin filters are well known, and they have all the types I need, but I've also heard from some people that they aren't very good - despite others saying they are.

So what would your recommend?

This is for a 17-40mm f/4L lens btw, and I don't know what the deal is with rear gel filters? If someone could explain that too, that would be great.

Thanks

I normally use B&W, good quality at a good price. Many professionals use them here in Europe.

Cokin filters are square and fit into a holder that is attached to the front of the lens. this sort of set up is essential for using graduated filters. Lee filters are very similar in set up, but are higher quality and cost a lot more than Cokin.

The other kind of filters you can get screw onto the front of the lens. they are not really suitable for graduated filters, and come in varying sizes depending on the filter thread of your lenses.

For landscape photography 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 graduated neutral density filters ( or grey grads with cokin) are ideal. tobacco grads are a bit 80's, they have kind of gone out of fashion. But if you like it, that's what matters.

Straight neutral density filters are useful for slowing the shutter speed to increase motion blur eg waves and waterfalls - but IMO this effect has also been overdone of late. also, a circular polariser will give a similar effect as they reduce light by 1-2 stops anyway.

For setting up, I'd suggest getting the Cokin P series, with the relevant adapters so the mounting bracket will fit all the lenses you want to use for landscape stuff, some grey grads ( Cokin don't make true neutral density) and a tocacco grad if you have to, and then get a good multicoated circular polariser that fits the lens or lenses you wish to use - Hoya and B+W are names that are recommended regularly.

I'd also advise getting multicoated UV filters to keep the front elements of your lenses clean - hoods can provide physical protection, but they don't keep lenses clean like a good filter. there are a lot of arguments about this, about half of us use them and half don't. Those of us who do, don't post threads like ' I scratched my lens - what can I do now?'

Final bit of advice, always keep filters scrupulously clean. any dirt increases the risk of flare. And buy the best quality you can afford.

If one needs to use a filter then B+W or Heliopan are the ways to go.

jr_senator wrote in post #2153116
If one needs to use a filter then B+W or Heliopan are the ways to go.

Yep!

I can't use gradient filters with B+W though correct?

Because that would be one of the largest benefits to me.

Anyone know anything about the gel filters? I don't know what they are but I'm curious to know

Filter Brand:
If your budget allow spending: B&W
If not : Hoya (Green series for more budget oriented ones, Ultra if you can have it)
Avoid cheap ones, you end up spending more at the end.

***************
Filter type:
1- UV (Must form minute one) as protector of your precious glass
2- CPL the only one that can make a lot of difference on most situations.
3- Others as especial need may be.

Hoya HMC (or better), B+W MRC or Heliopan for circular filters. I use Singh Ray grads in 2 and 3 stops, soft and hard grad, in a Cokin P WA holder.

I use UV filters on any lens I can, as I'm frequently out in strong winds, prop/jet wash, or doggy nose areas. I want to keep blowing debris and/or noseprints off the lens proper. Then good quality circular polarizers. I actually have 3x77 mm CP(slim for the 24-70 - the 5D demands this - and I'm likely to be using both the 70-200 and 100-400 at the same time outdoors) as well as one each of the other filter sizes my lenses need. The 15-30 Sigma takes a rear gel filter - there's a snap-in frame to hold the gelatin filter flat (and don't try to cut corners by using a plastic filter here - they're thicker so imperfections will cause more problems), accessable only with the lens off the camera. Some longer lenses have drop-in filter holders fo either gel or glass filters. The rear gel filters are much thinner than the Cokin/Lee/Singh Ray front-mounted plastic filters, so more fragile and more susceptible to manufacturing or post-manufacturing abuses. Gels, by the way,are very vulnerable to moisture, so keep 'em dry.

I just got a Hoya UV and CP. I saw the heliopan and I am sure they are excellent but kind of expensive. If I had L lenses I would not try to skimp at all in any area but I have been told by many that the Hoya's are good filters with good coatings and should serve me well for lenses like the Sigmas.

TMR Design wrote in post #2158779
I just got a Hoya UV and CP. I saw the heliopan and I am sure they are excellent but kind of expensive. If I had L lenses I would not try to skimp at all in any area but I have been told by many that the Hoya's are good filters with good coatings and should serve me well for lenses like the Sigmas.

Definitely... The Hoya Pro1 line is decent and much cheaper. It's not a Heliopan/B+W but should be just fine.

Double Negative wrote in post #2158869
The Hoya Pro1 line is decent and much cheaper. It's not a Heliopan/B+W but should be just fine.

Just be sure to buy a filter wrench when you order the filter.