What to look for in filters and step up rings

[roger.wee]

Hi all,

I am in the search for a polarizing filter, UV filter and 58mm-77mm step up ring, but there seems to be so much variation in price and i have no idea what to look for when buying these 3 items.

If it makes a difference, i currently have a 18-55mm canon lense (58mm in diameter) and intend on buying the 10-22mm canon wide angle lense in the future - which is why i'm buying the step up ring.

The 3 step up rings i've found are:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/98862-REG/General_Brand_58_77_58mm_77mm_Step_Up_Ring_Lens.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/60508-REG/Tiffen_5877SUR_58_77_mm_Step_up_Ring.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/22018-REG/Heliopan_700145_58_77_mm_Step_up_Ring.html

As you can see, huge price differences...any help would be great.

In regards to the filters, BHphoto have recommended for the 10-22mm canon wide angle lense the:

Canon - 77mm Haze UV-1 Glass Filter ($34.95)
Canon - 77mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter ($124.95)

I'm not too fussed with the UV filter but the polarizing filter i've seen for half the price. Does anyone have any good advice as to what i should get?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advanced.
Roger

 

[Big Mike]

Like a lot of things...photography equipment varies widely in price. Some of it is quality and some if it is name/brand.

Sometimes the cheaper products are a great bargain...but most of the time, you get what you pay for.

One thing to note, is that it looks like the first step-up ring isn't very thin. This might lead to some vignetting on a the wide end of the zoom. The others look to be thinner, which is probably better.

As for filters...there are many factors which could affect the price. I usually find something that isn't the most expensive but not the cheapest either.