Filters : what to get ?

Hello ,

just a few days ago , i got my first DSLR T2i w/ Kit lens 18-55mm ,

i'm planning to add a 50mm f/1.8 (and a 85mm f1.8 if i can afford it after getting the filters , tripod and one or two external flashes . )

i usually shoot Landscapes (sometimes with harsh light conditions ) , street photography , portraits and close-ups .

i want to get filters , i've a done some readings and thought i'd start with a CPL and a GND for the landscapes (i don't know if the filters are useful for the other types ) .

i want to spend in the range of 100-150$ ( i'm trying to compress my spending to be able to get the 85mm , if not i'll spend the 350$ on getting better accessories (the ones i mentioned above) .

so to conclude , what are your advices for CPL / GND (or other types i might need) to get good quality within my budget range .

and will i need Filter holders for them ? step-up ring for the other lens(es) .

(as for the tripod , i'll get back to you after i do some more readings) .

i'll be getting all the things at once , before traveling to Egypt for 2 months early in July .

Thank you .

Wow, Egypt for 2 months! Must be nice... working shlubs like me can't take off time like that. Are you a Student or unemployed?

On filters, like the Hoyas. You can get them from maxsaver.net for good prices. CPL is good for landscapes. For GND, I use a simple half-filter that rotates. It's fine for what I need and alleviates carrying all those square filters and holders.

http://maxsaver.net/

The CPL is #1 and I suggest the Hoya HD. Great prices at the site 2filter.com compared to B&H and others. MUCH cheaper.

After that, look at a GND. I choose the Galen Rowell 3 stop soft made by Singh Ray. Awesome filter.

I prefer hand holding it and don't even use the Cokin holder I bought.

-Dan

tgara wrote in post #10010219
Wow, Egypt for 2 months! Must be nice... working shlubs like me can't take off time like that. Are you a Student or unemployed?
http://maxsaver.net/

Student i used to live there (originally i'm Italian) but moved to Canada , so i'm going back for summer , i used to shoot with my Sony H50 (you can check them out on flickr) and i got some good shots , but now that i got my DSLR , i want to take it to the next level .

i'll check these sites you guys mentioned , but i prefer if i can get them all from one site (B&H or Adorama) because a friend of mine who lives in the US is gonna get them for me , (it's much cheaper because of those Crazy prices and taxes we got here in Canada ) , so i don't wanna confuse him .


thanks .

Whatever you do, get the best circular polarizer you can afford. Everything else takes a distant second in importance. Aside from a tripod of course

Also, take an extra lens cap or two. Funny how they disappear when you are far from home.

Mitch.A wrote in post #10010159
Hello ,

just a few days ago , i got my first DSLR T2i w/ Kit lens 18-55mm ,

i'm planning to add a 50mm f/1.8 (and a 85mm f1.8 if i can afford it after getting the filters , tripod and one or two external flashes . )

i usually shoot Landscapes (sometimes with harsh light conditions ) , street photography , portraits and close-ups .

i want to get filters , i've a done some readings and thought i'd start with a CPL and a GND for the landscapes (i don't know if the filters are useful for the other types ) .

i want to spend in the range of 100-150$ ( i'm trying to compress my spending to be able to get the 85mm , if not i'll spend the 350$ on getting better accessories (the ones i mentioned above) .

so to conclude , what are your advices for CPL / GND (or other types i might need) to get good quality within my budget range .

and will i need Filter holders for them ? step-up ring for the other lens(es) .

(as for the tripod , i'll get back to you after i do some more readings) .

i'll be getting all the things at once , before traveling to Egypt for 2 months early in July .

Thank you .

To be honest, you won't get much in the way of filters in the $100-$150 range. A good quality circular polarizer will eat up most of that. I'd recommend a B+W multicoated CPL. Some, not all, of the Hoya polarizers have had issues where the filter came apart unexpectedly (search this forum...plenty of threads on this, as well as the specific Hoya models that are affected). Last thing you want when you're away from home is to have this happen. Also, some of the Hoya coatings are known to be somewhat difficult to clean. For these reasons, I stay away from Hoya and stick with B+W. Since you prefer B&H, here's a link to the B+W polarizers...the third and fourth would be the ones to consider. The basic 58mm multicoated CPL is $95.50, and the Kaesemann version is $100 (Kaesemann version has sealed edges and better polarizing foils). For the very small difference in money, I'd go with the Kaesemann version.

B+W 58mm Polarizers

The kit lens requires a 58mm filter, as will the 85mm if/when you get it...you can share the CPL between these two. Since the 50/1.8 has a smaller filter size (52mm, I think) you can use a 52-58 step ring to allow using the filter on the smaller diameter lens.

Luckily, with your lenses, you should be able to get away with using the Cokin P-size filter holder, which is inexpensive, if you want to use GND filters. I'd use a different filter brand (Hitech as a less expensive, very good filter). A 2-stop and 3-hard filter (hard/soft refers to the gradient type) would cover you for most situations. You can also hand-hold the filter in front of the lens if you don't want to carry a holder around with you. These will put you over budget though...the Hitech filters alone are about $40 each...the holder cost is basically peanuts, but you also have to factor in an adapter ring (attaches the holder to the lens barrel). If you don't mind using Cokin filters, you can pick up a complete "P" package (holder/ring/two filters) for about $75. Factor in the B+W CPL, and you'll be close to $175 or so.

Another option is to forget about the GND filters and just take multiple exposures for blending afterwards...put the money towards a better tripod (possibly a "traveler" type from either Feisol, Gitzo, or Benro).

Be sure to acquire filters specifically for digital use, there are still filters out there for film cameras that are not suitable for use on a digital camera. The resolution difference between digital specific and film use filters can degrade the image noticeably. oh and remove the filters for night-time shots to reduce the chance of ghosting from light sources.

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #10011510
Be sure to acquire filters specifically for digital use, there are still filters out there for film cameras that are not suitable for use on a digital camera. The resolution difference between digital specific and film use filters can degrade the image noticeably. oh and remove the filters for night-time shots to reduce the chance of ghosting from light sources.

IMO, the only difference between "film" and "digital" filters is the price...a good quality multicoated filter is all that's needed. "Digital" has pretty much become a marketing ploy to separate folks from their money.

I strongly suggest the Cokin filter system: all the filters fit into the same holder, then each lens just needs a $10 adapter for the holder. With multiple filters and lenses, it's much cheaper in the long run. It's also easier that constantly screwing filters on/off the lens.

The Cokin Circular Polarizer is quite good - I love mine. That's the first filter I'd suggest getting, followed by some split-Neutral Density or regular NDs.

Pennington wrote in post #10011573
I strongly suggest the Cokin filter system: all the filters fit into the same holder, then each lens just needs a $10 adapter for the holder. With multiple filters and lenses, it's much cheaper in the long run. It's also easier that constantly screwing filters on/off the lens.

The Cokin Circular Polarizer is quite good - I love mine. That's the first filter I'd suggest getting, followed by some split-Neutral Density or regular NDs.

Yeah, but who wants to use an obtrusive filter holder all the time when only a basic polarizer may be all that's needed? Plus, one can still use a lens hood if necessary. Filter holders have their place, but so does a basic threaded polarizer...which will most likely see more 'action' than filters requiring the use of a holder.

I also would recommend the B + W filters. My next choice would be the Hoya Pro1 series. Again, keep in mind that a really good quaility cpl by B + W will not be cheap. The build quality and clarity of the lens is of very high level that is worth the high price.

argyle wrote in post #10011465
To be honest, you won't get much in the way of filters in the $100-$150 range. A good quality circular polarizer will eat up most of that. I'd recommend a B+W multicoated CPL. Some, not all, of the Hoya polarizers have had issues where the filter came apart unexpectedly (search this forum...plenty of threads on this, as well as the specific Hoya models that are affected). Last thing you want when you're away from home is to have this happen. Also, some of the Hoya coatings are known to be somewhat difficult to clean. For these reasons, I stay away from Hoya and stick with B+W. Since you prefer B&H, here's a link to the B+W polarizers...the third and fourth would be the ones to consider. The basic 58mm multicoated CPL is $95.50, and the Kaesemann version is $100 (Kaesemann version has sealed edges and better polarizing foils). For the very small difference in money, I'd go with the Kaesemann version.

B+W 58mm Polarizers

The kit lens requires a 58mm filter, as will the 85mm if/when you get it...you can share the CPL between these two. Since the 50/1.8 has a smaller filter size (52mm, I think) you can use a 52-58 step ring to allow using the filter on the smaller diameter lens.

Luckily, with your lenses, you should be able to get away with using the Cokin P-size filter holder, which is inexpensive, if you want to use GND filters. I'd use a different filter brand (Hitech as a less expensive, very good filter). A 2-stop and 3-hard filter (hard/soft refers to the gradient type) would cover you for most situations. You can also hand-hold the filter in front of the lens if you don't want to carry a holder around with you. These will put you over budget though...the Hitech filters alone are about $40 each...the holder cost is basically peanuts, but you also have to factor in an adapter ring (attaches the holder to the lens barrel). If you don't mind using Cokin filters, you can pick up a complete "P" package (holder/ring/two filters) for about $75. Factor in the B+W CPL, and you'll be close to $175 or so.

Another option is to forget about the GND filters and just take multiple exposures for blending afterwards...put the money towards a better tripod (possibly a "traveler" type from either Feisol, Gitzo, or Benro).

What he said. I use Singh Ray or Lee grads but Singh Ray especially will blow your budget all by themselves without any of your other items. You definitely don't want screw-in grads. And I only buy B+W MRC threaded filters.

argyle wrote in post #10011543
IMO, the only difference between "film" and "digital" filters is the price...a good quality multicoated filter is all that's needed. "Digital" has pretty much become a marketing ploy to separate folks from their money.

That ^ ^ ^

argyle wrote in post #10011951
Yeah, but who wants to use an obtrusive filter holder all the time when only a basic polarizer may be all that's needed? Plus, one can still use a lens hood if necessary. Filter holders have their place, but so does a basic threaded polarizer...which will most likely see more 'action' than filters requiring the use of a holder.

And that ^ ^ ^ ^

Thank you very much guys ,,

probably i'll get the B&W as you all agreed on its quality .
i'll make some research about the GND and think about it ,

i'll get back to you with either a decision or more questions soon .

First mistake i made was buying an expensive B+W CPL filter for my 58mm kit lens then I got better lenses which are all 77mm. Only used the 58mm CPL once and it has sat for over a year doing nothing but reminding me that I paid nearly $100 for something I don't use.

kingdaddy wrote in post #10017863
First mistake i made was buying an expensive B+W CPL filter for my 58mm kit lens then I got better lenses which are all 77mm. Only used the 58mm CPL once and it has sat for over a year doing nothing but reminding me that I paid nearly $100 for something I don't use.

The point? Sell it and recoup some of the money...why sit staring at something that doesn't get used? Not sure if I understand the issue (or if there is an issue).