winepro Loc: Sacramento, Ca

I need to buy a couple of filters for a new Canon T3i. It has been a while since I bought anything like this. there are many filters out there so what are recommendations for a decent priced filter and from what manufacture. Looking for Haze, maybe a polarizing and UV for Lens protection. Gary

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Aaaack! Another filter thread! Man the guns!..lol

Judicious use of the forum SEARCH facility will turn up (or is it turnip?) several dozen threads concerning filters for DSLRs,what you need, what you don't need, and what people use anyway despite everyone telling them "YOU DON'T NEED THAT!"

1) For outdoors, a good Circular Polarizing filter. Tiffen, B+W, Hoya, Heliopan make good ones. Prices vary according to size and coatings. Only constant - the $8.99 ones at Walmart are NOT what you want.

2) No need for UV - DSLR sensors utilize low-pass filters in front of the sensor which screen out all UV light.

3) Neutral Density and graduated Neutral Density are a must for slowing shutter speed without overexposure, in certain situations. See Mfg. listed in #1. See Warning Posted in #1.

More details can be found in search results.

winepro Loc: Sacramento, Ca

thanks, will do a search for filters and see what turns up.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

I would add to what JimH already said about his #3--also check into the variable neutral density filters. I think you will find more flexibility with the VND as opposed to using 2, 4, 8 ND's.

edquales Loc: Fort Mill, SC but am rarely there

I have to disagree with JimH on his point #2. I shoot a lot of sports. A $100 UV filter is much easier on my wallet than replacing a 2.8 70-200mm lens. I will echo JimH that the $8.99 filter is made of such low quality glass that you will be doing yourself an injustice.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

But do you use the UV filter to filter UV rays, or to protect your lens? If protection is the rationale for using a filter on the front of your expensive lens,(which I have no argument against) wouldn't it make more sense to get an optically clear filter, instead of a UV?

edquales Loc: Fort Mill, SC but am rarely there

Yes but clear filters aren't always available and quality UV filters are abundant.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Point taken. If it works,go with it. :) :thumbup:

lizardworks Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Just a suggestion on where to shop for your filters-www.buyphotogear.com They are a small camera store in Corvalis, Montana that also sells accessories online. They have the best prices I have found on the internet for filters and they carry quality brands. I have purchased from them several times, the service is great and usually shipping is free. I've mentioned them on UHH before so everybody probably thinks I have relatives that own the place, but I'm just a satisfied customer. Do yourself a favor and check everybody else's prices (Amazon, Adorama, B&H, etc.) and then check their site.