Anyone use step up rings?

[phiya]

As I'm slowly adding and getting ready to add more and more lenses to my equipment list, I'm also considering filters. I didn't know they existed, but thought step up rings would be a good idea so that one wouldn't have to purchase multiple filter sizes for their lenses. A quick google search later and I found the idea that was in my head. My question is, do any of you use these? My idea was to buy all of my filters in the largest size that I'll need for my lens wish list, and then use step up rings to allow me to use those filters on any of my lenses. Is this a good idea, or should I be thinking twice about this strategy?

 

[Overread]

Its a very valid approach and one that many people do use so that they can afford a really top of the range series of filters and have them fit all their lenses instead of having a range of cheaper cost filters.

You might also want to consider a filter holder type approach such as Cokin (the "cheap" option) or Lee (the "top shelf high price" option) - especailly if you are considering filters such as neutral density graduated and general neutral density filters (NDGrad and ND).

 

[Big Mike]

That is the best/correct strategy. You might also think about getting larger lens caps, so that you can leave the rings on the lenses, making it quicker to change or put on filters.

The only issue may be that bayonet mount lens hoods may not fit the lens if there is a step up ring in place.

 

[Overread]

You can however get screw in lens hoods off ebay for a cheap price - you might have to be carefull with your wider angle glass/use a shorter hood for them to avoid vignetting. Screw in lens hoods are also ideal for when you have a circular polarizer.

 

[Ken Rockwell Fan]

I took Ken Rockwells advice and bought all 77mm filters and use step up rings accordingly. It's a great system.

 

[phiya]

Thank you guys... I can't wait for Christmas, so I can assess my financial situation and budget my lens buying. Now I know my plan for filters will work.

 

[Derrel]

Yes, I have some....I've used them a bit....I bought my most recent ones from FotoDiox.
I have some rangefinder lenses in oddball sizes like 46mm...and scads of 52mm filters!
I have used them almost exclusively with my film cameras. Be aware that the prices for these things can vary quite widely.

 

[kundalini]

I too used the same train of thought. I figured my largest filter would likely be a 77mm thread, so I bought good 77mm filters with the stepup ring. After I got three lenses in 62mm thread, I then leisurely bought those filters.

 

[ann]

Used them all the time with LF work. It is a logical method in my opinion

 

[Ron Evers]

I use step-up rings for sizes up to 52mm for which I have filters & also rubber adjustable hoods in that size. In turn, I use 58mm step-ups & hoods for what is above 52mm for that filter size. I currently do not have filters above 58mm.

 

[clbd39]

They're alright, but once i bought my 105mm micro (macro) it's sooooooo much better!

save your pennies is my advice

 

[Josh66]

The only issue may be that bayonet mount lens hoods may not fit the lens if there is a step up ring in place.

That's the only issue I've ever had with them.

If you have very long and skinny fingers, you might be able to put the filter on after the hood is on. Depending on how deep/wide the hood is, it might not be too bad. I've never had any luck with it though.

I just don't use a hood when I'm using a step-up ring...

 

[phiya]

They're alright, but once i bought my 105mm micro (macro) it's sooooooo much better!

save your pennies is my advice

I think you are thinking of extension tubes, which are not the same thing as step up rings.

 

[Ron Evers]

A 40.5 to 58mm step-up ring allows me to use 58mm lens caps, filters & three position rubber hoods on this little Industar-61 LD lens.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

I just recently boought a Tamron 60mm f/2 Macro with 58mm threads. All of my other lenses have 77mm ( Partly because I didn't want to buy multiple filters ) Since most Macro lenses do not come in a 77mm regardless of brand, I figured I had to bite the bullet on this one. So I got a step up ring for my polarizer. I figured the hood wouldn't work, but in macro situations, it shouldn't be too hard to improvise a hood if I really needed one.