Which filters? (s2 IS) Specifically Neutral Density and UVs.

[Funkbomb]

Well, I buckled down and bought a new lens for my S2 IS. I went with the Raynox 1540 pro.

I went with it because it was the highest usable magnification that had front rings. I also got a linear polarizer. I can already see a big difference with the polarizer. The lens is good but you have to be pretty steady with it.

Anyway, I'm looking at Lensmate and I need to get another polarizer for when I don't use the Raynox so I might as well get others (either from Lensmate or somewhere else)

The InfraRed filter looks interesting but I think I'm going to pass.

The other ones they have are UV filters and Neutral Density filters. What can you guys tell me about these?

I assume the Hoya 67mm UV filter would screw on just like the 67mm Polarizer. Could I use the two together? I notice the polarizer has front threads. If so, would I put the UV filter on first or second? Does it make a difference?

[AlexMonro]

UV filters don't have much effect for most shots - the camera & lens will filter out most normal UV. Only in high mountains might you need more filtering. However, many people keep a UV filter mounted all the time to help protect the lens from splashes of mud, windblown dust, etc. (though on the S2 it's more hassle as I believe you have to remove the filter before turning the camera off).

Neautral Density (ND) filters are mainly used to give longer exposure times, for when you want motion blur for things like those misty long exposure shots of waterfalls etc.

Do you find that the autofocus still works allright with the linear polariser? I've heard that these sometimes cause problems with AF systems, and the circular polariser type avoids this.

Hoya filters are threaded front & back (F & M threads) so they can be stacked. I often use my Hoya circular polariser stacked on top of my Hoya UV. The polariser probably is best as the outermost, but with it fitted there's even less need for the UV most of the time - I only stack them to save the hassle of removing the UV first.

Remember that anything between the lens and the subject (e.g. filters) will give some degradation of the image quality (reflections etc.) Multicoated filters are better, but it's up to you to decide on the trade-offs.

[RAGEous]

UV filters don't have much effect for most shots - the camera & lens will filter out most normal UV. Only in high mountains might you need more filtering. However, many people keep a UV filter mounted all the time to help protect the lens from splashes of mud, windblown dust, etc. (though on the S2 it's more hassle as I believe you have to remove the filter before turning the camera off).

No, that's not true. You can leave the adaptor with the filter on the camera all the time. As a matter of fact, I and a lot of other people do just that. It makes sure the cameras retractable lens is protected all the time. I have an S3, but as far as I know, it works the same with an S2.

[AlexMonro]

Thanks for the clarification, RAGEous.

[scupking]

No, that's not true. You can leave the adaptor with the filter on the camera all the time. As a matter of fact, I and a lot of other people do just that. It makes sure the cameras retractable lens is protected all the time. I have an S3, but as far as I know, it works the same with an S2.

Yup, works the same on the S2. I keep it on at all times.