Photographic Filters

[gabrielh]

Hello,
What would you suggest as a company of Photographic filter with best quality? Is it best to stay with Nikkon filters—as I use Nikon lenses—or is it ok (if not better?) to use Hoya or B-W (Schneider) or others?
Thanks for any answer!

 

[gabrielh]

Anyone has an idea? Many thanks!

 

[JerryPH]

Besdes a UV filter which should be on ALL your lenses, you may consider a CP (circular polarizer). In some cases if you take a lot of pictures in very bright conditions, you may consider some ND (neutral density) filters.

Hoya makes some good filters that I am pleased with.

 

[gabrielh]

Thanks, Jerry, for the answer! I have read some info on the internet about UV-filters used to protect the lenses. But what I don't understand: do these filters protect the lenses from too much light, or from scratches, or from other physical damages?
Thanks!

 

[JerryPH]

UV filters are mostly for physical damage. Better to scratch a filter than the front lens element.

The other are effects filters.

 

[TWoods450]

Jerry, i've been on here one day and I find that you are a great source of info, I wouldn't be caught dead with out my UV filters on. I like my CPL for quite a few shots and been looking into ND Grad filters.

 

[kundalini]

Besdes a UV filter which should be on ALL your lenses, ...

This is debatable and a personal choice. I use to, but do not now....... but, I will be getting one to swap around on the larger lenses when I am roughing it on the trail / woods / dirt track / etc.

Thanks, Jerry, for the answer! I have read some info on the internet about UV-filters used to protect the lenses. But what I don't understand: do these filters protect the lenses from too much light, or from scratches, or from other physical damages?
Thanks!

If you do mount a protective filter on your lens, I suggest a clear glass one. If you choose not to, always, always, almost always use the lens hood for protecting the front element.

On CPL filters..... ummm wait a minute........ where did I put it.......... Oh, here we go. Click here.

 

[kundalini]

Jerry, i've been on here one day and I find that you are a great source of info, I wouldn't be caught dead with out my UV filters on. I like my CPL for quite a few shots and been looking into ND Grad filters.

E-A-S-Y....... his head's big enough as it is.

 

[gabrielh]

Ok! Can you put a CPL or other filter on top of a UV filter? I know it has been asked before, and perhaps it is in the link of kundalini, but I don't really understand it... Thanks!

 

[kundalini]

You can stack filters but the more you stack and the wider the lens, the more risk you get with vignetting. (We are talking about screw-on filters btw.)

It doesn't apply for your listed lens, but for ultra wide lenses it is recommended to go with a slim filter (vignetting). The frame is about half the thickness of a regular filter, but with one drawback..... no front threads.

The CPL will go on top btw.

 

[DRoberts]

Just a note on the UV for protection. For anything outside I would have one on...I shot mainly motocross, so I have one on all mine. But the problem is price. To get good quality CLEAR glass I spend around $150 for each.
If you are shooting in a studio setting with exact lighting, then there is no need for one.

 

[JerryPH]

E-A-S-Y....... his head's big enough as it is.

He don't know me very well do he?

Not to worry, that will change as soon as he starts reading more of my posts... LMAO!

If you are shooting in a studio setting with exact lighting, then there is no need for one.

Accidents can happen anywhere, and as I said, its a lot cheaper for me to replace a clear UV filter than a complete lens. Better safe than sorry. Oh, I also completely agree about using GOOD filters. Bad filters will impede the ability of any lens to do it's best.

 

[gabrielh]

Soooooo, I thank you all a lot for your answers! I have checked in my local store and they sell different UV-filters: Hoya (cheapest), B-W (doubled price) and Nikon (also more than B-W). Is there any real difference between these three companies? Which one would you recommend. I just want to protect the lens with a filter which could last some time...
Thanks!!

 

[gabrielh]

And actually, there is even Cokin, which is even cheaper... So, a lot of choices, which do you recommend? Thanks!

 

[Garbz]

Which Hoya. There's a world of difference between Hoya standard filters and B+W, but there's not much difference at all between Hoya SHMC filters and the rest of them.