I need some advice about filters. I've got a canon UV/Haze filter on one of my lenses. (Are they any good?)
I know canon filter are overpriced. There are cheaper (and better?) ones from other Brands. But which do you have, use and have made good experience with?
Cokin, B+W, Hoya? I'd like to have a Filter (UV/Haze) for my new 70-200 f/4 L, what would you recommend? A circular POL would also be nice... (Would also like to replace my 58mm from Hama, which I think is crappy...)
Can't speak to UV and Skylight filters as I do not use them. For circ pols, consider Hoya, Heliopan and B&W super multi-coated filters. I find brass to be smoother than aluminum fwiw.
Personally, I use HOYA super HSM all the time. But the problem of HOYA filters is tough to clean. Well, I am not saying it's impossible to clean, but just tough. But I think HOYAs are cheaper than B+Ws.
You spent money on good glass, then why ruin it by putting another piece of glass in front of it? UV filters serve mainly to increase the profit margin of dealers who convince customers that they need one to "protect" the lens.
For filters that you really need for some visual effect, like a polarizer, you should not skimp on it--remember that your pictures are taken through that filter, so if you put a piece of junk on a quality lens, the net result is a piece of junk. Stick to quality brands like Heliopan or B+W.
I use B+W, but Hoya is a good brand as well.
The filter/no filter argument will never end. I always wind up on the 'filter' side of the fence, and my 2 cents is that the quality of your filters should equal or exceed the quality of your lenses. You should not cover an L lens with a Sunpak or Promaster filter.
Thanks for the advices guys!
I'll definitly get some fine B+W CIR-POL
Guess I'll also do some frisbee with the hama and stay with the canon I have for the time being. Guess I'll save the UV filter money for some more L (I mean, it's a start...)
More advices and opinions still welcome, of course
Personally I use a vivitar UV/Haze filter ... it's really a cheapo filter but it works okay. If I were to get more filters/polarizers (which I probably will in the near future), I'd go with Hoya or Tiffen.
wajsman wrote:
You spent money on good glass, then why ruin it by putting another piece of glass in front of it? UV filters serve mainly to increase the profit margin of dealers who convince customers that they need one to "protect" the lens.
Nathan
I mostly use a UV/haze filter to protect the front element... it doesn't really reduce haze very much. In the event of a disaster I'd rather have my filter get wet/scratced/dusty/etc than an expensive lens.
You need to consider glass/optical quality, number of coatings/quality, and filter ring material. Given those constraints, don't waste your time with anything other than B+W, Heliopan, or Hoya.
For UV filters my first pick is the Hoya Pro1 series. Thinnest optical glass int he industry. I also like B&W and Heliopan for their quality as well. The ring material is heavier brass but typical German quality. For GND filters none other than Singh-Ray for me thanks, on a CokinP mount. For Circular Polarizer I am switching over to a "Moose Warming Circular Polarizer" by Hoya. It incorporates a 81A warming filter with the coated circular polarizer for a restoration of natural look instead of that cool bluish look that CP's are known to do.
keithchan wrote:
The B&W KR1.5 skylights, with the extra coating, are DROOL MATERIAL. It makes the color and contrast from my 70-200/4L as good as sex.
Is there a better argument?!?!?!
Well, I guess I don't have a choice now
No, seriously, thanks for all the replies! It will make my desicion difficult, as it seems the three most mentioned brands all have an excellent reputation. Guess I'll have to check what is best available and payable, here in good ol' Switzerland.
One thing to note: 70-200 f/4L has 67mm threads. This is not very common.
I do not know what your plans for the L glass are, but if you do end up getting other popular L glass, they (17-40, 16-35, 24/28-70 - f2.8, 70-200 f-2.8, 100-400) have 77mm threads. So you will not have to spend money on CP again or take a loss on your investment.
Since good filters are expensive, I suggest that if and when you buy the CP filter, buy the 77mm one with a 67-77mm step up ring.
and stay with the canon I have for the time being. Guess I'll save the UV filter money for some more L (I mean, it's a start...)
Is there a better argument?!?!?!