Digital Rebel / filters / kit lens

[michaelb]

I am planning on purchasing a Digital Rebel 350D shortly with the kit lens. I have a few questions about filters.

1. I would like a circular polarizer and ND filter. Would Hoya be a decent choice for a screw on filter?

2. I was also considering a couple of Cokin filters for more creative shots. How would this work with the kit lens? I would need a Cokin lens holder for this, right? What size should I get?

3. I like to take macro's (flowers, etc), but don't want to invest the cash in a dedicated macro lens at the moment. Would a Hoya close up filter set give me reasonable results?

Thanks for the input,
Mike

[ReF]

I am planning on purchasing a Digital Rebel 350D shortly with the kit lens. I have a few questions about filters.

1. I would like a circular polarizer and ND filter. Would Hoya be a decent choice for a screw on filter?

2. I was also considering a couple of Cokin filters for more creative shots. How would this work with the kit lens? I would need a Cokin lens holder for this, right? What size should I get?

3. I like to take macro's (flowers, etc), but don't want to invest the cash in a dedicated macro lens at the moment. Would a Hoya close up filter set give me reasonable results?

Thanks for the input,
Mike

hoya is pretty good quality for the price. they have some really low grade stuff made outside of japan though, so check where they are made before you buy. i'd also recommend multi-coatings (everyone will) on the filters. it's a bit expensive but suppresses reflections that can ruin your image.

if you are getting a cokin filter holder get the larger P size over the A. you'll reduce chances of vignetting (dark corners) this way. filters made by cokin are cheap but known to be pretty sucky - there are other brands that make stuff to fit the cokin P holders.

what kind of "creative" filters are you planning to buy? most filter effects can be better applied in post processing like photoshop and with more control. some filter effects are downright cheesy and you'll never see them in "good" photography. effects like starburst look nice sometimes and may be difficult (or not) to apply in post processing but usually draws way too much attention from the rest of image.

most people will tell you ND, ND grad, and polarizers are all you need.

no comments on close-up filters.

[timmciglobal]

I've yet to figure out why someone would buy a ND filter. I've yet to come into a situation where I REALLY needed one. The only time I could think I'd really want one is for the "waterfall" effect.

Tim

[Bluedog]

I've yet to figure out why someone would buy a ND filter. I've yet to come into a situation where I REALLY needed one. The only time I could think I'd really want one is for the "waterfall" effect.

Tim

Thats exactly the reason for having one. I'm fixing to order a 2/stop Hitech ND in a few weeks for my coming trip to Yosemite.

For the OP:

The round screw in type GND are really kinda useless as they don't allow you to adjust the zone for the filter effect. Unless you have an ultra wide lens get the Standard Cokin P setup but don't use their filters as they aren't that good. Hitech 85mm Filters are of very high quality and generally can be found for under $40 a piece.

[Rhys]

I have used Cokin, Hoya uncoated and Hoya Super-Multi-Coated.

My preference is for Hoya SMC as the coating just adds that bit extra sharpness over uncoated.

Cokin is cheap, looks cheap and produces fuzzy, cheap-looking images in my experience.

[michaelb]

Thanks for the info - you have a great forum here.

I agree with the ND comments - would only use for waterfall, but I might use the ND grad for ocean portraits.

I'll check out the Hitech filters.

I've heard that the Hoya SMC filters are easy to "smudge" and ruin - any experience with this?

I was interested in Cokin because they make a blue-yellow polarizer that makes for some interesting landscape shots.

I know that a dedicated macro lens would be better, but any comments on the use of a close up filter, such as the ones Hoya makes?

[ReF]

I've heard that the Hoya SMC filters are easy to "smudge" and ruin - any experience with this?[/B]

i don't find them any different to clean than a normal, coated lens.

[Bluedog]

i don't find them any different to clean than a normal, coated lens.

me either ... ;)

[Rhys]

I've heard that the Hoya SMC filters are easy to "smudge" and ruin - any experience with this?

I was interested in Cokin because they make a blue-yellow polarizer that makes for some interesting landscape shots.

I know that a dedicated macro lens would be better, but any comments on the use of a close up filter, such as the ones Hoya makes?

I have had no problems with cleaning Hoya filters.

Again, I'd avoid Cokin.

Close-up filters? Why not buy a macro extansion ring instead - it's higher quality and will last longer. Plus it'll fit all your lenses, no matter what the filter thread.

[michaelb]

I have had no problems with cleaning Hoya filters.

Again, I'd avoid Cokin.

Close-up filters? Why not buy a macro extansion ring instead [/B]- it's higher quality and will last longer. Plus it'll fit all your lenses, no matter what the filter thread[/B].

Thanks again for your help.

Please forgive my ignorance; I'm coming from a point and shoot digital!! Would this work well with the kit lens (18mm-55mm)?
How do these rings/extension tubes work? Do they just increase the focal length?

Are they difficult to "install"? - Is it something that can be quickly changed? - for the moment the kit lens will be my only lens. (Actually my wife has a film Rebel with a 35mm-80mm lens - I could use this lens as well, right?)

Will it work with auto focus?

Is this what your refering to?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MACRO-SHOT-EXTENSION-RING-FOR-CANON-EOS-10D-350D_W0QQitemZ7612580398QQcategoryZ43479QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7575088125&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Any preferences / recommendations?

[Rhys]

Thanks again for your help.

Please forgive my ignorance; I'm coming from a point and shoot digital!! Would this work well with the kit lens (18mm-55mm)?
How do these rings/extension tubes work? Do they just increase the focal length?

Are they difficult to "install"? - Is it something that can be quickly changed? - for the moment the kit lens will be my only lens. (Actually my wife has a film Rebel with a 35mm-80mm lens - I could use this lens as well, right?)

Will it work with auto focus?

Is this what your refering to?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MACRO-SHOT-EXTENSION-RING-FOR-CANON-EOS-10D-350D_W0QQitemZ7612580398QQcategoryZ43479QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7575088125&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Any preferences / recommendations?

I'd recommend not getting stuff from ebay as what you've shown me seems to be very poor as it doesn't allow autofocus to work nor apparently aperture control.

A macro ring fits between the lens and body. Normally they come in sets of 3. They do nothing to focal length but they allow for closer focus. I'd look at something like these: http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541163341.htm
http://www.jessops.com/search/viewproduct.cfm?PRODUCT=JESAETCAF&BRAND=&CONTINUE=false&FEATS=&FIRSTPRICE=&KEYWORD=&LEVEL=&MODELNUMBER=&NEWQUERY=True&NODE=0&NODE_PATH=0&ORD=ASC&ORDERBY=&QUANTITY=10&RECENT=0&REFINE=&SEARCH_FOR=tubes&SEARCHNODE=0&SEARCHURL=dointellisearch.cfm&SECONDPRICE=&SHOWCASEID=&STARTROW=1&SUBS=&WORD_SEARCH=Y&

[ReF]

Thanks again for your help.

Please forgive my ignorance; I'm coming from a point and shoot digital!! Would this work well with the kit lens (18mm-55mm)?
How do these rings/extension tubes work? Do they just increase the focal length?

Are they difficult to "install"? - Is it something that can be quickly changed? - for the moment the kit lens will be my only lens. (Actually my wife has a film Rebel with a 35mm-80mm lens - I could use this lens as well, right?)

Will it work with auto focus?

Is this what your refering to?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MACRO-SHOT-EXTENSION-RING-FOR-CANON-EOS-10D-350D_W0QQitemZ7612580398QQcategoryZ43479QQssPageNa meZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7575088125&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Any preferences / recommendations?

the kenko tubes work fine with Autofocus. some cheaper tubes on the other hand don't do so well. be aware though that the kenko tubes will not fit on lenses with rear protrusions, such as EF-S lenses (your 18-55 kit lens). it might work with your 35-80, though with some lenses, using tubes will require you to be so close to your subject that lighting will be an issue. i find i like using the 50mm lens best with tubes. if the 35-80 lens doesn't work out, it'll cost you about $75 for the 50mm and $130-$160 for the tubes, so you might as well just go for a dedicated macro lens such as the sigma 50mm macro:

http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15444ac3bd4c750/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0020_Fixed+Focal+Length/0010_Macro/product_details.shopscript?article=0060_Sigma%2B50 mm%2Bf2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2BMacro%2Bfor%2BCanon%2B AF%2B%3D28SG50F28DCA%3D29

BTW some of us macro shooters just prefer manual focus or moving slightly back and forth instead of relying on the autofocus.

[michaelb]

the kenko tubes work fine with Autofocus. some cheaper tubes on the other hand don't do so well. be aware though that the kenko tubes will not fit on lenses with rear protrusions, such as EF-S lenses (your 18-55 kit lens). it might work with your 35-80, though with some lenses, using tubes will require you to be so close to your subject that lighting will be an issue. i find i like using the 50mm lens best with tubes. if the 35-80 lens doesn't work out, it'll cost you about $75 for the 50mm and $130-$160 for the tubes, so you might as well just go for a dedicated macro lens such as the sigma 50mm macro:

http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15444ac3bd4c750/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0020_Fixed+Focal+Length/0010_Macro/product_details.shopscript?article=0060_Sigma%2B50 mm%2Bf2%3D252E8%2BEX%2BDG%2BMacro%2Bfor%2BCanon%2B AF%2B%3D28SG50F28DCA%3D29

BTW some of us macro shooters just prefer manual focus or moving slightly back and forth instead of relying on the autofocus.


I know it's not as good as a Macro lens, but I may start off with this Canon 250D close up lens - people have told me its decent (has two achromatic elements to correct chromatic aberrations). I've seen macros taken with this and they are decent enough for my expectations at this point. However, give me a few years shooting and hanging out on this forum and I will probably end up an ivory tower L snob!!! Is it just destined to happen to me? :D

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=87491&is=REG&addedTroughType=search