Lens filters and adapters

Prime2515102 · Dec 2, 2012

Hello,

I saw a video that talked about adding filters and it mentioned (and showed) that adding too many filters will crop the image. The video showed that only 3 filters starting to crop the image.

If I used an adapter (in this case, 58mm-XXmm) will I be able to stack more filters before it'll start cropping the image?

I realize that using as few as possible would be best, but just in case.

Thanks

P.S. I'm a complete n00b with this stuff so I don't even know if I know what I'm saying.

chris · Dec 2, 2012

The degree of vignetting will depend partly upon the focal length of the lens; the shorter the lens the more likely you are to get vignetting when adding one or more filters.

Using a step up ring to attach larger diameter filters should reduce vignetting. However, think carefully about why you would want to add three or more filters. Even the best quality filters degrade image quality and the degradation increases with each one added. If you have three or more filters then I would expect the image to suffer significantly.

Prime2515102 · Dec 4, 2012

chris said:
The degree of vignetting will depend partly upon the focal length of the lens; the shorter the lens the more likely you are to get vignetting when adding one or more filters.

Using a step up ring to attach larger diameter filters should reduce vignetting. However, think carefully about why you would want to add three or more filters. Even the best quality filters degrade image quality and the degradation increases with each one added. If you have three or more filters then I would expect the image to suffer significantly.

Ok, I watched a video on UV filters and I didn't realize how much they can degrade the image (and that was just the UV filter). I think I'll just remove that and use another as close to 1 at a time as I can. Especially because I'm on a budget so I'm guessing the filters I'm getting probably aren't that good (well I only got 1 so far, it's a [FONT=&amp]Hoya "Super HMC[/FONT]").

I got that filter just for lens protection but I was told digital cameras don't need UV filters because the sensor filters UV out anyway? Do they make a clear glass "filter" for protection that doesn't do anything at all? I searched on Amazon but nothing but UV filters came up.

Thanks for the reply and sorry I didn't come back sooner, been really busy with school.

joshua_ · Dec 4, 2012

Hello, I am also very new to photography.

I'll explain what I've decided and hopefully the experienced will chime in to help you. I am still interested in this topic as well.

I've decided not to use any filter full time. I will attach a filter if a need arises.

So far I have a ND filter, a graduated ND filter, and a polarizing filter.

It seems that there are some good photographers who have decided to use a good UV filter all the time and others who have decided not to use a filter all the time.

After reading a lot I decided I wanted to go for good hoods and no full time lens.

I really am new to all of this so I'd suggest further reading or seeking the advice of more qualified persons.

bratkinson · Dec 5, 2012

Before you run out and buy filters you don't need (UV is a prime example), it's best to learn the fundamentals of photography and have a near mastery of your equipment capabilities before moving to the 'next level'. While having filters such as a CPL or ND in your bag is 'nice to have', recognizing when to use them and using them effectively typically comes sometime after the fundamentals have become 'second nature'.

As far as stacked screw in filters causing vignetting, the answer is yes. On some wide angle lenses, even 1 filter may cause vignetting. But, as your 58mm filter size lens seems to imply, you're likely using a crop-body camera, so vignetting won't appear until perhaps 5 or more filters are stacked. The reason is the vignetting would occur outside the area of the sensor in your camera.

Ormy · Dec 22, 2012

I found out a nice article about filter holders, Take a look!

Sigma 8-16mm filter adapter options and solutions

Mully · Dec 22, 2012

Prime2515102 said:
Hello,

I saw a video that talked about adding filters and it mentioned (and showed) that adding too many filters will crop the image. The video showed that only 3 filters starting to crop the image.

If I used an adapter (in this case, 58mm-XXmm) will I be able to stack more filters before it'll start cropping the image?

I realize that using as few as possible would be best, but just in case.

Thanks

P.S. I'm a complete n00b with this stuff so I don't even know if I know what I'm saying.