Filters

[lizard837]

Hey guys, I'm going to best buy in a few hours to buy a few filters, I was thinking about getting a Circular Polarizer and a Neutral Density filter.

Aside from the obvious stuff like filter size, is there anything that I should take into consideration when buying filters

 

[Derrel]

Don't spend too much. Filters at Best Buy are probably reasonably affordable. GOod, clean, used filters are good if a guy wants to buy HIGH-quality filters that are priced fairly. "New" filter prices are really,really quite high in terms of markup. Big dealers, like Adorama and B&H on-line, have plenty of used filters.

 

[KmH]

Since filters absorb some light and contribute to lens flare, you will want to consider multi-coated filters.

The coatings promote the transmission of light, while also somewhat reducing lens flare.

 

[orb9220]

Stay away from the cheapy $19.99 a good quality CP or Grad will demand higher prices. And there is a reason for that. Cheapies will degrade Image IQ.
.

 

[lizard837]

Thanks for the advice, my only issue is that I'm on a fairly restrictive budget. Can you recommended any brands that are 'best for the price'

 

[480sparky43 43]

Thanks for the advice, my only issue is that I'm on a fairly restrictive budget. Can you recommended any brands that are 'best for the price'

"Good" and "Cheap" are diametrically opposed. If there really, truly was such a thing as a "Good, cheap" filter, it would be the only one on the market.

Save up to buy the good ones. Lee, Cokin, Singh-Ray, B+W, Tiffen and Hoya are good brands, but not the only ones.

 

[jrizal]

Thanks for the advice, my only issue is that I'm on a fairly restrictive budget. Can you recommended any brands that are 'best for the price'

"Good" and "Cheap" are diametrically opposed. If there really, truly was such a thing as a "Good, cheap" filter, it would be the only one on the market.

Save up to buy the good ones. Lee, Cokin, Singh-Ray, B+W, Tiffen and Hoya are good brands, but not the only ones.

Between Tiffen and Hoya, Tiiffen has lower prices. But AFAIK, Tiffen has a few if any multi-coated filters, hence the lower price. But still definitely better than the likes of Neewer, Fotodiox, etc. The other brands have great ND offerings with Cokin (as some would argue here have the lowest price and a bit lower quality). With the exception of Singh-Ray which I am not familiar with, they do seem to have higher prices and better glass. The B+W ND filters are good. But I have no complaints with my Cokins. General rule is, while not everyone would have a budget for high end glass, mid-range brands or models would fit in best for a lot of people. Not too cheap not only in price but quality as well and not to expensive for occasional use for most casual users. My two cents worth and not professional opinion.

 

[jrizal]

For ND filters, also consider faders, fixed ND filters or square whichever suits your needs and wants.

 

[480sparky43 43]

FWIW, check ebay, Craigslist, local camera stores that sell used stuff, even camera clubs. Maybe someone has something you want for sale.

I got my B+W Thin 77mm CPL off Craigslist for $40.

 

[KmH]

If cost is an issue, buy used.

 

[lizard837]

General rule is, while not everyone would have a budget for high end glass, mid-range brands or models would fit in best for a lot of people. Not too cheap not only in price but quality as well and not to expensive for occasional use for most casual users.

I find my find myself falling into this category, I consider myself to be casual and I consider photography to be a hobby. With this in mind I can't spend $100 on a filter, I would rather spend between $25-40 and sacrifice a small amount of quality.

 

[poa1954]

The most important filter you should keep all time is Polarizer and UV; the others, depend what you want to do before you take pictures...

 

[Kolia]

If I was to have only two filters I'd get a circular polarized and a ND, possibly fader.

I honestly never saw much difference with or without UV filter and used to carry one for lens protection. There is a whole debate about how much protection a filter gives considering it might shatter inwards and scratch the lens anyways. I keep my lens hood on for that now.