FIlters

So I just picked up my first lens (other than the kit lens) and I was wondering if you guys knew of some affordable filter kits that I could benefit from? I also would love some reading to help me learn a little more about different filter uses and such (I get lost in the acronyms - vnd, gnd etc..). I read brian petersons book but that only touches on the subject. Thanks!

What are you trying to accomplish with the filters? I use a B+W circular polarizer and Lee 4" filters (just have one GND so far).

The one I definitely would like is a polarizing filter. I feel a lot of my shots are degraded by glare and decreased contrast caused by reflections. I'm not exactly sure how I'd use a neutral density filter but I figure if I'm looking at kits I might as well check them out.

Mike787 wrote in post #10480713
The one I definitely would like is a polarizing filter. I feel a lot of my shots are degraded by glare and decreased contrast caused by reflections. I'm not exactly sure how I'd use a neutral density filter but I figure if I'm looking at kits I might as well check them out.

A circular polarizer sounds like a great place to start. Don't cheap out on filters. Spend a little money and get a good quality one. Neutral density filters are typically used for things like flowing water where you want a slow shutter. Graduated neutral density filters are usually used in landscapes where you need to even out the brightness between the sky and the ground.

Ok thanks mike, can you guys recommend a good polarizer? I have an EOS Rebel xs and I'd like to get it for the efs 55 - 250mm I just got.

I recommend either the Hoya HD or one of the B+W MRC offerings.

Mike787 wrote in post #10480601
So I just picked up my first lens (other than the kit lens) and I was wondering if you guys knew of some affordable filter kits that I could benefit from? I also would love some reading to help me learn a little more about different filter uses and such (I get lost in the acronyms - vnd, gnd etc..). I read brian petersons book but that only touches on the subject. Thanks!

Try this link...read up on the circular polarizer (CPL), Neutral Density (ND), and Graduated Neutral Density (GND). These are about the only filters you'll need as far as digital photography goes.

Filters by Thom Hogan

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #10480877
I recommend either the Hoya HD or one of the B+W MRC offerings.

That's what I have. Very nice filter. I recommend getting one that fits the largest diameter lens you have or soon expect to have. You can get step up rings for your smaller lenses. That way, you don't need to buy an expensive filter in different sizes.

Ok, sorry for all the questions, but what size should I get? What do those focal lengths denote?

Mike787 wrote in post #10480959
Ok, sorry for all the questions, but what size should I get? What do those focal lengths denote?

Focal length isn't an issue except for determining if a filter will cause vignetting (darkening of the corners). The thicker the filter, or the farther out the holder protrudes, the sooner it'll vignette. This is why companies like B+W make slim filters and Lee makes a wide angle adapter ring. This is usually only a problem when you get very wide, like under 20mm on a full frame.

The other number is the diameter of your lens' filter threads. This could be a number like 58mm, 72mm, 77mm, etc. You can put a 77mm filter on a 58mm lens with an adapter but you can't do the reverse without severe vignetting. Step up rings will prevent you from using a hood though.

edit: mike_d beat me to it.

I will add that trying to use a CPL with a hood on is a frustrating endeavor, at least for me.

Nightdiver13 wrote in post #10481026
I will add that trying to use a CPL with a hood on is a frustrating endeavor, at least for me.

Yeah it depends on the hood. The hood on my 17-40 is so wide and shallow that I can manage but anything deeper is tough.

mike_d wrote in post #10481005
Focal length isn't an issue except for determining if a filter will cause vignetting (darkening of the corners). The thicker the filter, or the farther out the holder protrudes, the sooner it'll vignette. This is why companies like B+W make slim filters and Lee makes a wide angle adapter ring. This is usually only a problem when you get very wide, like under 20mm on a full frame.

The other number is the diameter of your lens' filter threads. This could be a number like 58mm, 72mm, 77mm, etc. You can put a 77mm filter on a 58mm lens with an adapter but you can't do the reverse without severe vignetting. Step up rings will prevent you from using a hood though.

Ok so I'm on BH's website and I see various filters that all say 37mm, 40mm etc... it doesn't matter which one I choose? I have an efs 55-250mm that I would use these with and no previous filters (would I have to get a holder or does it come with it?) Thanks guys!

It matters! If the only lens you own is the 55-250, you want a 58mm filter. It will screw onto the threads of your lens.