p.1 #1Contax 17-35N & Filters (cont'd from Contax N images thread)
This post is continued from the Contax N images thread since it was off-topic.
I replied with this post to a question posed by ManWearPants (who suggested the new thread) regarding filter holders for the 17-35N.
mMontag replied:
"Could you use that filter holder with other lenses say with an 82 or 77mm filter ring? Or did you have to carry another holder to use with those lenses?
Also I have tested and noticed that stacking filters in the holder slots with space between them will indeed add a softness and in many conditions added reflection (i.e. pointing into the light source - the sun) - these effects are greatly reduced when stacking filters together - face to face / no space. JMO"
The FK102 holder could not be used with one of the regular adapter rings so I carried the regular holder for my other lenses.
Regarding stacking, I've never had a problem with reflections although I will often use my hand to block any direct light hitting the filters from behind or from the side. I don't shoot very often into direct sunlight but I haven't seen any reflections when I have. I haven't noticed any obvious loss in sharpness. There may be a very small amount that probably gets lost in some diffraction since I'm almost always shooting stopped down f/11 to f/16.
p.1 #2Contax 17-35N & Filters (cont'd from Contax N images thread)
For my case, I am looking at Cokin X-Pro with just the Singh-Ray reverse graduated ND 2-stop and solid ND 2-stop. I would think these are the 2 that I would need more than the rest. I am also contemplating getting a 95mm CPL but your previous post commented any polarizer used wider than 24mm will cause blotchy patches so no point getting it.
I am unsure if a normal soft graduated ND would be nec with the reverse GND. Are there other filters that will come in useful?
p.1 #3Contax 17-35N & Filters (cont'd from Contax N images thread)
Actually it was mMontag who mentioned about polarizers and wider than 24mm. I agree for clear skies but, since polarizers also control reflections and glare, I think they can still be very useful even at wide angle.
I don't have a reverse GND but I'm guessing that using one with a normal soft grad would look something like a hard grad with one filtering more where the other filters less (this assumes the same filter strength).
Other filters? Not sure what you're shooting so I'm not sure what to suggest.