Which filter for Canon 70-200mm f/4 L?

[HeatherA]

Not sure if I posted this in the correct forum, but here goes....

A little about myself, since this is my first post: I'm an amateur photographer, taking photos of my kids' school and sports activities, family photos, and travel photos. I particularly love landscape photography. I take these photos for my own enjoyment.

I just ordered a Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM lens (my first L-class lens!). This lens is probably way more than I need for my amateur skill level, but I had the money and thought why not? Perhaps it'll inspire me to learn more and improve my photography skills. I have learned so much already after researching many, many lenses.

After lurking on here, I know that there is a debate as to whether to use a filter or not. I have been without a filter for my Sigma 17-70mm macro lens and am ready to try one on, if not for protection purposes only. Particularly for my new Canon lens.

Here's what I'm looking at: B+W ONLY; interested in a UV filter and a circular polarizer filter. Question: how do I navigate the world of filters? Researching circular polarizer filters, I've come across wide angle slim mount, Kaesemann, and thin glass. When researching UV filters, the terminology is mind boggling for a newbie like me. So, how do I choose the filter that will suit my needs??

[24Peter]

I usually just choose the cheapest... but that's me :)
I like these guys: http://www.2filter.com/ or http://maxsaver.net/index.aspx

[Csae]

Terminology is pretty meaningless in terms of filters.

BW Hoya are both pretty good brands id recommend, i always use a UV filter for protection, not the most expensive one, just a normal one will do.

CPL are pretty much the same as well, just go with a trusted brand and you'll be ok.

There are some very high end model filters that you don't need to concern yourself with, these deal mostly with full frame vignetting, flare and reflections.

I wouldn't go under 40$ for a filter though, especially not on such a pretty lens. The CPL will be more expensive then the UV thats a granted, make sure you learn how to use it properly :) and remember that a CPL will cost you two stops of light and make your viewfinder darker, so its not a good idea to leave it on.

Another concern is filter Stacking, ie you leave your UV on and you want your CPL ontop... i don't suggest this, even on a cropped sensor unless both filters are expensive you will notice vignetting, and its not a big whoop to switch them.

[azttttommy]

Canon camera, Canon lens, why not a Canon filter? $20 on Amazon.

[Jeff Keller]

Canon camera, Canon lens, why not a Canon filter? $20 on Amazon.
what he said. I use the Canon filters with my Canon lenses.

[Marburg]

I wouldn't recommend using a filter with this lens. I experienced minor vignetting without any filter and major vignetting with just a uv filter let alone a stack. My camera store verified vignetting as a defect in the lens and has reported to Canon. They have since stopped selling this lens. Don't get me wrong--the lens is pretty good--it's the vignetting problem when using filters.

Marburg

Terminology is pretty meaningless in terms of filters.

BW Hoya are both pretty good brands id recommend, i always use a UV filter for protection, not the most expensive one, just a normal one will do.

CPL are pretty much the same as well, just go with a trusted brand and you'll be ok.

There are some very high end model filters that you don't need to concern yourself with, these deal mostly with full frame vignetting, flare and reflections.

I wouldn't go under 40$ for a filter though, especially not on such a pretty lens. The CPL will be more expensive then the UV thats a granted, make sure you learn how to use it properly :) and remember that a CPL will cost you two stops of light and make your viewfinder darker, so its not a good idea to leave it on.

Another concern is filter Stacking, ie you leave your UV on and you want your CPL ontop... i don't suggest this, even on a cropped sensor unless both filters are expensive you will notice vignetting, and its not a big whoop to switch them.

[Csae]

What...

Hum ok, after reading your question about focus, please dont be insulted but i take it you are pretty new to this.

The canon 70-200 F4L is very good lens, all lenses have some slight vigneting on a full frame body, this is increased by cheap filters, that being said, with the right combo it can be pretty unoticeable to most eyes and/or easily compensated for.

I really, strongly, doubt any store would stop selling such a lens because its a lens that sells very often and very well, please dont mislead others.

Why someone would buy a full frame camera when they are a beginner is something that boggles my mind, because its akin to shooting yourself in the foot with a very expensive bullet to make things worse.

[cwphoto]

Save yourself the hassle and cost: forget the filter and shoot.