Filters

[Hobbit]

I am going to buy filters for my camera (XT, 18-55, 50, 1.8). Also I am planning to expand to a slow part of L series over the time (17-40,70-200,24-105 IS). My idea was to by a set of step up/down rings and filters for them.
Now here is the question - are there such sets which would allow me to operate with my future set of lenses (and current ones as surprisingly I still like them) and would it be of good quality? If yes what company would this be and what product? Or may be I should buy one by one? I am planning to have uv and polarizing ones. Desirably ones which would not slow too much.

[timmciglobal]

Personally I'm anti filter. But stepup rings are the way to go, pretty much any would work. B&W make good filters as far as if you were to buy one, get multicoated.

Tim

[Hobbit]

sets? So I would be able to save a bit (yes I am cheapie :))
Also could you share your anti-filter ideas please?

[Rhys]

All filters save for polariser and UV can be simulated with photoshop.

Personally, I'd go for UV and polariser. I'd get Hoya rather than any other brand though. I almost bought Tiffen polarisers until I saw a comparison between Hoya and Tiffen. I would have been throwing my money away on Tiffen.

If you buy filters then get SMC filters as they'll be much better. Generally though I'd avoid filters as anything - even the best filter - will degrade an image slightly (or more).

[timmciglobal]

I had posted a while ago a detailed analysis a person had done but basically filters lower contrast and cause flare. The degree and severity of which is dictated by the quality of the filter. All filters do, some to a far lesser degree.

Good lens care + hoods can prevent most of the damage a filter would protect you from.

Tim

[JTL]

All filters save for polariser and UV can be simulated with photoshop.Don't forget about neutral density filters...oh I forgot...you don't like the milky water effect! :p

Well, they're good for other exposure control as well...

[ReF]

sometimes, when using big filters on small lenses through the use of step rings, the filters are so large that a lens hood cannot be used. but with the use of filters you are especially prone to flare - you really would want to use a hood to prevent this. so consider a filter for your smaller lens if it's in your budget. the 18-55 and 50mm f1.8 are not worth the cost of a good quality protective filter.

[DonSchap]

That my using a B + W 58mm UV/IR Blocking #486 Glass filter ($98) as a routine protective filter on my "kit lens" (that normally sits in my bag, collecting dust)(maybe $59) was a faux pas? :eek:

Man... that's the last time I listen to that salesguy... :mad:

What was I thinking??? :rolleyes:

Okay, enough of the funny stuff... for fixed filters, I routinely use SunPaks. They seem to get it done for now. I have noticed no decernable distortion with or without them, but then again... in all the corn-fusion, maybe I'm not looking hard enough, eh?

For creative filtering... the Cokin System. What else? It's like nothing else... and a heck of a lot cheaper and faster than the fixed. Time is money... and shots don't usually last forever.

As always,

GET THE SHOT!