Dumb filter question. Step down rings?

This Q will totally show my stupidity...but, Oh, well!

I have a bunch of 58mm filters that I did use for film. Since I went digital, I didn't see the need for many, though, given what you can do in post production. So, I've not picked up any 52mm filters (except a couple UV filters for occassional protection). I missed playing with filters, even though I didn't expect to use them often.

So, I bought a really cheap step down ring. I evidently bought something other than what I expected, though. I thought I would be able to use it to attach a 58mm filter to a 52mm lens. Obviously this is not the case....

I can attach filters to either side, but neither side seems to a attach to a lens. It appears I could attach it to the front of an attached UV filter and then add a creative filter to the other side of the ring. But I really don't want to layer filters...and wouldn't the extra space between them increase flare even more than normal filter layering?

Hmmm. Thoughts, please.

(Okay, upon further perusal, the layering can't be accomplished, either. So what IS the purpose of this item?)

I believe you need a step-up ring (not step-down) to attach a 58mm filter to a 52mm lens thread. You're stepping the 52mm lens up to 58mm.

mike_d wrote in post #10355759
I believe you need a step-up ring (not step-down) to attach a 58mm filter to a 52mm lens thread. You're stepping the 52mm lens up to 58mm.

What he said.

mike_d wrote in post #10355759
I believe you need a step-up ring (not step-down) to attach a 58mm filter to a 52mm lens thread. You're stepping the 52mm lens up to 58mm.

Yup, that works. Thanks, I knew someone could help. I'm only out two bucks, and maybe some day I'll even use this one.

Thanks!