Purchasing some cheap filters, any recommendations?

PaulWog · Dec 15, 2013

I'm interested in trying out a few different filters. I realize if the optics aren't up to a good standard, the image quality will suffer. However, I'm picking up ultra cheap filters to see what I like and try each thing out.

I've found variable ND filters and variable polarizer filters which are relatively cheap, however they're about $30 a piece. If the quality isn't that great, I'll still be out $60 for the pair. I've found non-variable versions for about $7 a piece, which is pretty nice. However, I'm not sure what a useful stop reduction on the ND filter would be, if I just have one choice. The same thing goes for the polarizer. With the ND filter, I'm interested in long exposure (clearly). With the polarizer, I want to try the various creative techniques out.

Essentially I am just trying before I make any proper gear purchases. In the back of my head I'm hoping the quality might be indistinguishable from the expensive stuff (I know that was true with my last clear filter experience, but it was $25 versus $80). I'm also buying into 67mm, and I'm not sure if I want to invest heavily into 67mm filters (and I don't want to eliminate my ability to use my lens hood by getting 77mm adapted stuff).

Anyway, besides all that (sorry I get wordy): Are there any other filters that are really worth taking a look at just to explore creative options in photography? I'm putting in an order which will likely take 3-5 weeks to receive, so I'd like to order whatever I want in one go. I'm interested to hear if there's any filters you consider to be really fun, or possibly worth exploring. If there's any other input you have about filters (ex. alternative ways of mounting make-shift filters, best bang for the buck, or whatever it might be, I'd like to hear about it). This is sort of my project on my Christmas break: to try as many new techniques and tricks as I can.

To give you an idea, this is one of the items I'm looking at (an 8 stop filter for daylight long exposure): http://dx.com/p/premium-nd8-camera-lens-filter-67mm-23341

Derrel · Dec 16, 2013

Here are a couple of tripod-mounted shots from a CHEAP polarizing filter. Pretty impressive, eh? These were from the first six shots I made with this amazing economy polarizer. Those were the only six frames I needed. Pretty amazing huh!

Not sure why, but this thing was soooo effed up that the view through the lens looked totally whacked to me.

EIngerson · Dec 16, 2013

Wow. ^^^^^ That's a jacked filter for sure. lol.

Paulwog, look into a cheap Cokin P-series kit. Cheap and fun. Quality isn't top of the line, but it'll let you get some nice shots.

minicoop1985 · Dec 16, 2013

Tiffen seems to be good quality. Agfa too. I have an Agfa polarizer I bought for $10 on Amazon and I've noticed zero degradation in image quality. My wife uses a Tiffen, same result.

Here's a suggestion: since we're in Xmas light season, how about a cross screen or star filter? This was done with a Hoya CS, and yes, I'm sorry it's such a crappy photo but look at the lights:

DSC00119 by longm1985, on Flickr

PaulWog · Dec 16, 2013

Wow... maybe I will just dive in and spend $100 on a Hoya Pro 1 circular polarizer filter.

I also see a $40 Hoya ND8 filter which seems to be a decent price. Not sure about what set-stop I'd want.

weepete · Dec 16, 2013

I find a 3 stop ND filter (ND8) is usually ok, but I'm only starting to use these kind of filters so feel free to take my advice with a pinch of salt. I'll also use it in combination with a CPL so I suppose I get more like 5 stops out of that. I bought a cheap fleabay version of the filters and a Colkin P holder knock off for peanuts and I'm actually quite happy with the results though obviously they are no where near the quality of the more expensive versions.

I think you need to have a think about what the lighting conditions are where you will want to take your long exposures, maybe have a look through your photo library and see what your exposure settings were for shots where you could have used a long exposure and average it out and decide how many stops you need.

PaulWog · Dec 16, 2013

I quite honestly thought I'd get away with spending a few bucks and being pretty happy. But after all the content I've read about polarizing filters, I'm feeling more and more convinced that adding a good polarized filter to my setup is what I need to achieve a lot of the shots that I want. With that said, I don't want the cost to get out of hand. As far as ND filters go, I found a $45 Hoya ND8 filter which I'll pick up -- I think that'll suffice.

What I'm trying to compare is the multi-layered B&W polarizing filter ($140 Canadian) versus the Pro 1 Digital Hoya polarizing filter ($100). The price difference is significant enough to me to matter. The downside to the Hoya seems to be it's scratch-prone, but I don't know if that's the same for the B&W. I absolutely hate seeing my gear get damaged or face ware that ruins the functionality, but $40 is a significant margin.

pgriz · Dec 16, 2013

My strategy with filters is to buy one in the largest size I need, and buy step-down rings to adapt it to smaller filter sizes. In my case, that a 77mm filter and 67mm, 58mm, and 52mm step-down rings. For filters that I use fairly often (as in CPL), I've purchased individual copies for each filter size. For special-purpose filters (ND, GND), I use the step-down rings. I used to have UV filters (left over from my film days) which I ditched when I realized what they do to my images.

weepete · Dec 16, 2013

I've used a Hoya cpl for 3 or 4 years now and it's fine. Though it's not exactly the same one you are talking about I've had no issues with it and I'm pretty rough with my gear, it quite often just gets flung in a pocket and I don't have a separate case for it :O

PaulWog · Dec 16, 2013

weepete said:
I've used a Hoya cpl for 3 or 4 years now and it's fine. Though it's not exactly the same one you are talking about I've had no issues with it and I'm pretty rough with my gear, it quite often just gets flung in a pocket and I don't have a separate case for it :O

Is it possibly the cheaper one which adds a bit of vignetting to the shot? I was looking at that and considering it, it's $60. The non-Pro 1 version.

pgriz · Dec 16, 2013

There are three conditions under which the filters affect image quality. 1) amount of backlighting, 2) amount of side-lighting, and how strong are the highlights relative to the rest of the image. We'll ignore crud on the filter surface.

If the filter is of excellent optical quality, and if the coatings are really, really good, then the amount of additional light scattering should be minimal. Otherwise, the additional glass layers contribute to additional reflections (which at minimum reduces contrasts, and at worse, produces all kinds of "ghosts"), and if the glass quality is not top-notch, to distortions. ND and polarizing filters (can) also often introduce color shifts which affect the WB of the final image. So paying good money for the top filters that have minimal light scatter, distortion, and color shift is worth the investment, in my opinion.

robbins.photo · Dec 16, 2013

weepete said:
I've used a Hoya cpl for 3 or 4 years now and it's fine. Though it's not exactly the same one you are talking about I've had no issues with it and I'm pretty rough with my gear, it quite often just gets flung in a pocket and I don't have a separate case for it :O

I use a Hoya CPL myself, on rare occasion. I find it useful in certain situations where I'm shooting through glass and need to cut down on some reflections. Gets the job done nicely at least for me - but of course I only use it maybe once in a blue moon or so, and as a result I suggest you also take my advice with a pinch of salt and perhaps just a hint of paprika .. lol

hirejn · Dec 16, 2013

The only physical filters worth using for me are a solid ND for light blocking and a polarizer. Other than that, I recommend no filters on camera and only software filters, which are much more flexible. For example, I'd prefer a software graduated ND that I can adjust infinitely. Examples include Nik Color Efex Pro and Topaz Labs. No UV filters. You may think it's better to spend more on high-quality physical filters. Think about what you're investing in one filter vs. a software pack of dozens of filters for about the same amount.