How do I know if a filter will work with my lens?

[mpfstuff]

How do I know if a filter will work with my Nikon lens? And what's the difference between a 62mm, 72mm etc. filter - are they only for prime lenses? Can I use them for zoom lenses?

 

[480sparky41 41]

All filters are sized by numbers, measured in millimeters (mm) This has no relation to the focal length, also expressed in mm. And most lenses have a certain size filter they are made for. The larger the number, the larger diameter the filter is.

You can always get an adapter ring to put a filter on a lens that's not the same size. You can always put a 77mm filter on a lens with a smaller filter thread, but if you put a smaller filter on a lens with a larger filter thread, you can start to cause vignetting (darkening of the image corners).

Not all lenses take filters in the front. Some ultra-wide and fisheye lenses don't. Some lenses take rear-mount gel filters, and some long telephotos use drop-in filters.

Check the manual that came with your lens, or check the manufacturer's website, for the size of filter a particular lens requires.

 

[fjrabon]

the filter size refers to the size of the end of the lens, where the filter screws on, not the lens' focal length. for instance my 23mm lens takes a 49mm filter.

 

[astroNikon]

If you check the inside of your lens cap it will have numbers on it. Such as 55 or 67 or 77 or whatever the diameter is. That's the size (diameter) of filter needed to thread onto the lens.

Also many lenses have a number while facing the lens that is also the lens diameter for threaded filters.

So if you go out and buy a Neutral Density filter .. they come in various sizes, and you purchase the size for your lens that will screw on it.

 

[weepete]

Just to add, the recent 100mm square filter holder I bought also has an option of fitting a holder in front of the square ND filters to take a circular threaded 105mm CPL to the front. Or you could just go for a square one. Which is important as you need to rotate a CPL for it to work.

It's really worth thinking about what kind of filter system you want to end up with if you want one. Filters are really worth spending a bit of money on so thinking about your system carefully could save you some cash in the long run.

I just bought a CPL to fit my lens (72mm) but I'd have probably been better off spending a bit more and getting a biger CPL. But I didn't think of tgat at the time.