Filters, oh the choices

[VaE39]

I'm in the market for my first filters. Right now I have a D80 with the kit 18-55mm lens, 50 f/1.8, and on its way Sigma 10-20mm. I'm really into urban photography and landscapes so I always have a problem with blown out skies. What filters do you suggest and for which lenses. I never realized how expensive they were!

 

[kundalini]

Two of the most useful filters are #1 a circular polarizer (for glare, reflecion and to makes certain colors pop... green and blue) and #2 a neutral density (to give you longer shutter speeds in bright sun, give the silky smooth in waterfalls). Others will chime in on #3, a UV filter (I don't use them).

Your Nikkor lenses are a 52mm filter size and I believe the Sigma will be a 77mm.

Get nothing less than a multi-coated filter or keep your money. Popular brands are B+W, Hoya and Tiffen.

Just my 2¢.

 

[VaE39]

Thanks for the help! Are there different types of circular polarizers? I know they're different stops to the ND filter but which one is recommended?

 

[kundalini]

^^ Just the quality of material and build. You can use the search function in the upper right of your screen for many, many comments about filters. I use higher end filters ( = $$).

Have a read through Filters 101 by Thom Hogan.

 

[Joves]

Yeah the CP or the lowest ND will work for you and as was said dont go cheap on the filters. You want multi-coated.

 

[LarryD]

I think that you are heading in the wrong direction if you are concerned with blown highlights, and hoping that a filter will "fix" that for you..

Learn to control your exposure first to keep those highlights in check before you decide on getting filters.. Besides, getting a bunch now for the lens you have may not be useful if you change to a different primary lens of a different size.

 

[VaE39]

Thanks for the comment LarryD. I see what you're saying, I know it's not a "fix" but there are some circumstances where I want flowing water, but its too bright out so I'd need a filter. And as Kundalini nailed on the head, I've been having a lot of problems with glare and reflections so I'm thinking a CP will help a bit. I didn't put my primary lens on there b/c its technically not mine. I typically use the Nikkor 18-200mm.

My problem would be the cost of these filters. The 50mm and 18-55mm are 52 where the sigma 10-20 is 77mm, and I think the 72mm. I know there are step up adapters for a 72mm to 77mm, but are there ones for 52 to 77?

 

[KmH]

Check out the Cokin mount system so you can use 1 filter for different size lenses. COKIN Creative System - The Holder System - Standard & Pro Holder

 

[LarryD]

Thanks for the comment LarryD. I see what you're saying, I know it's not a "fix" but there are some circumstances where I want flowing water, but its too bright out so I'd need a filter. And as Kundalini nailed on the head, I've been having a lot of problems with glare and reflections so I'm thinking a CP will help a bit. I didn't put my primary lens on there b/c its technically not mine. I typically use the Nikkor 18-200mm.

My problem would be the cost of these filters. The 50mm and 18-55mm are 52 where the sigma 10-20 is 77mm, and I think the 72mm. I know there are step up adapters for a 72mm to 77mm, but are there ones for 52 to 77?

Oh, yes... A horse of a different color..

In the field, I typically carry the 70-200, and a 17-40, both 77mm filter lenses.. I have in the bag a CP and a Hoya ND4 that will fit either lens.. Since it is hot, dirty, and dusty here in the desert, I always have UV filters fitted unless I change to one of the others.

As you say, you may need step-rings, but get yourself a filter that will fit the majority of lenses you intend to use.... I don't think that I would get 77's to use on 52mm lenses.

If you are a big sunset fan, or live near the seaside, then a Graduated Neutral Density may be useful..

Enjoy your photography...

 

[VaE39]

Oh, yes... A horse of a different color..

In the field, I typically carry the 70-200, and a 17-40, both 77mm filter lenses.. I have in the bag a CP and a Hoya ND4 that will fit either lens.. Since it is hot, dirty, and dusty here in the desert, I always have UV filters fitted unless I change to one of the others.

As you say, you may need step-rings, but get yourself a filter that will fit the majority of lenses you intend to use.... I don't think that I would get 77's to use on 52mm lenses.

If you are a big sunset fan, or live near the seaside, then a Graduated Neutral Density may be useful..

Enjoy your photography...

What an arsenal of filters. I think I'll get a cp and an ND and work those until I know what I'm doing with it before getting more for each lens. I do live close to the beach so the Graduated ND filter may be in the future for me. Thanks for the help!