hoya

[Abby Rose]

Really, this is ridiculously hard. Brands, prices, products, and millions of websites and stores and opinions... ugh. I'm still not entirely clear on things.

Well.

I think I'm going to buy a hoya filter, either circular polarizing or nd. I hear that they are affordable and not bad quality, which works for me. I would mainly like to slow down water, but reducing glare and whatnot is good too.

I don't, however, know what to look at. There are so many different kinds, with little numbers and mm numbers and letters that I dont know what they stand for and everything! Plus, apparently my camera has an odd thread size on the front, but I dont know how to find out what it is. I don't even know what terms to google or ask about. :blushing:

help?

 

[tirediron]

Your lens' filter size is likely either marked on the lens-hood or the near the filter threads, it will appear as the "diameter" symbol (circle with a line through it) and a size in mm - 52, 55, 67, and 77 are among the most common.

Hoya filters are decent, but spend the extra couple of dollars and get the multi-coated version. Between the two choices you've listed (CPOL and G-ND) I would recommend the CPOL as the first one since it's much more versatile (enhancing saturation, contrast, reducing reflections, and will you between 1.5 and 2 stops of light reduction).

Edited to add: If your lens' filter diameter isn't marked on the lens or hood, check the literature which came with it. Failing that Google it thusly: "Nikon 55-200 f3.5 - 5.6 filter diameter" or go the maker's website and check it there.

 

[Greasy]

I simply googled it, exactly how tirediron worded it (using my lens information instead). I found the information immediately.

I just got my HMC CPOL in the mail this morning... Having fun with it.

 

[Abby Rose]

Thank you

On a related note, this is what is says on the front of my lens: 2,7-4,5/5,2-78

What does that mean?

It also says "Carl Zeiss", which I know is what "kind" it is, and it says "Vario-Tessar", which I assume is another kind of classification?

 

[tirediron]

"Carl Zeiss" is the manufacturer, "Vario-Tessar" is the style/type/model/line, "2.7 - 4.5" is the aperture maximum range (ie, largest aperture at 5.2mm is f 2.7, and largest aperture at 78mm is f4.5), and "5.2 - 78" is the focal length in mm. You were holding out on us; you didn't mention that yours is a bridge camera. AFAIK, it doesn't have filter threads to support regular screw-in filters. You can however take advantage of the Cokin System using this mechanism.

 

[Abby Rose]

Why does it have , instead of . ? Odd.

the fact that it's a bridge is in my sig, but maybe its not obvious. I get comments about that fact a lot... Don't judge me poorly for this camera! It was a gift and who knows if I'll stick with photography anyway? Better to wait to buy a DSLR until I know the basics and until I get settled down in my habits and hobbies, which I expect change a lot during college. Also until I have money that I dont need to spend on tuition. I count filter knowledge as a "basic", by the way.

That cokin attachment is a good idea, but it attaches to the space where I set the camera on the tripod which causes a problem in that I couldnt use it and the tripod at the same time.

 

[Greasy]

Why does it have , instead of . ? Odd.

That is the European decimal system.

 

[tirediron]

A European way of expressing numerical values I believe. I'm making no judgements about your camera, other than that I don't believe it has the threads to support screw-in filters, and yes, I see the "missing" information now. My mistake.
As far as the Cokin bracket goes, I believe that you are able to attach a tripod to it (but don't quote me on that).

I agree, filter knowledge should be considered basic, and the best camera in the world is the one that you have. DON'T get the bad case of GAS* that so many photographers have - you'll be broke in no time!




*Gear acquisition syndrome

 

[Abby Rose]

That is the European decimal system.

Aha! Well, here I am, typical American, totally naive of any system besides my own. :blushing: Thanks.

 

[Abby Rose]

DON'T get the bad case of GAS* that so many photographers have - you'll be broke in no time!

Yes indeed, and I'm happy with that camera I have and the results I get now. I'd just like to learn a few new things and expand. One or two basic filters I think, isn't a bad decision.

I'll put "bridge" in my sig and try to avoid more awkward conversations...

 

[sam_justice]

Get a screw on polariser and a filter set with a clip on for your lens like Cokins system, that way if you buy a new lens there's a cheaper alternative to use your filters