reasonably priced filters for hobbyist
Nov 25, 2014 09:31:02 #
OldNotMold
Loc: Just North of
I am a fairly new photo hobbyist and have Canon camera and lenses, not that it makes much difference to this question. I would like to acquire a set of filters, especially neutral density filters to modify shutter speed in certain situations, for example, to capture flowing water in a stream with stationary foilage, etc. I might also like to have color-of-light modifying filters as well, for example, an IR filter to cut haze and produce B+W images.
Now to the real question: Since I am a hobbyist only, I would like to get good quality items but not break the bank like a professional or semi-professional might be able to justify. I don't want junk, but justifying high $ might be tough based on expected use. I know that you "get what you pay for", but are there "happy medium" suggestions?
Now to the real question: Since I am a hobbyist only, I would like to get good quality items but not break the bank like a professional or semi-professional might be able to justify. I don't want junk, but justifying high $ might be tough based on expected use. I know that you "get what you pay for", but are there "happy medium" suggestions?
Nov 25, 2014 09:44:00 #
OldNotMold wrote:
I am a fairly new photo hobbyist and have Canon ca... (show quote)
What is your budget? there are Lee Filters from about $600 for a big stopper depending on the lens you have, all the way down to screw on's like Tiffen and others.
I suggest you go to http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ and search, or do a chat with them there, they have many in stock for different budgets.
Nov 25, 2014 09:47:45 #
BTW, when you start stacking filters is when you should (but don't have to) buy decent filters. Stacking a 10 stop ND and a Polarizer in screw on's can lead to vignetting pretty bad, depending on your lens. But you can learn to adapt by allowing more room in the shot and cropping it out.
Nov 25, 2014 10:06:44 #
Do your research - and stay away from the $12 ones...
There are many articles you can find via Google -
I personally use Tiffen - a lot of members use B&W and Hoya - personal preference...
Amazon has all the brands and are cheaper than the big photo stores - you'll want to check it out -
Also, might ask here if anyone has any to sell - just need to know the size...
There are many articles you can find via Google -
I personally use Tiffen - a lot of members use B&W and Hoya - personal preference...
Amazon has all the brands and are cheaper than the big photo stores - you'll want to check it out -
Also, might ask here if anyone has any to sell - just need to know the size...
Nov 25, 2014 10:30:05 #
OldNotMold wrote:
...... I would like to get good quality items but not break the bank .....
I bought a 3 filter Tiffen kit. Works perfect.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10674658&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
Buy the size that screws to your biggest lens. Then buy step down rings for your smaller lenses.
Nov 25, 2014 11:21:18 #
melismus
Loc: Chesapeake Bay Country
bsprague wrote:
I bought a 3 filter Tiffen kit. Works perfect.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10674658&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
Buy the size that screws to your biggest lens. Then buy step down rings for your smaller lenses.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10674658&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
Buy the size that screws to your biggest lens. Then buy step down rings for your smaller lenses.
Correction: step-up rings.
Nov 25, 2014 13:58:07 #
melismus wrote:
You are right. I got it backwards. At B&H they are very clear in the description about the size filter and lens with lots of choices. Correction: step-up rings.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Step-Up-Rings/ci/420/N/4026728361
Nov 25, 2014 14:10:31 #
I use B+W because they're not only great, but because they use brass rings, not aluminum
Nov 26, 2014 07:24:56 #
I use only B+W or Heliopan filters. I agree that you get what you pay for which is the reason that I buy only very high quality stuff. Using a top quality Canon body and OEM glass and then shooting your image through a milk bottle doesn't make a whole lot of sense (to me...). Even a "hobbyist" wants the best possible result. I am using a Heliopan V-ND filter which is insanely expensive, but the control over exposure is phenomenal and I don't have to play around with settings or filter sets in the field.
Nov 26, 2014 07:35:31 #
Nov 26, 2014 08:43:06 #
Hoya and BW are for me the most practical when performance vs cost is considered. I try real hard to not filter stack.
Nov 26, 2014 09:04:34 #
Nov 26, 2014 09:58:15 #
Consider that any surface placed on the front of your lens will bear on the performance of the lens. Using a filter could cost you quality in your images.
Today photographic filters are better than ever but try to buy the best that you can afford. Hoya makes excellent filters and the big brands like Lee, Sing Ray and others make excellent but expensive filters.
My advise to you is do not use a filter unless it is absolutely necessary but if you have to use one make sure you are using the best that you can afford.
Today photographic filters are better than ever but try to buy the best that you can afford. Hoya makes excellent filters and the big brands like Lee, Sing Ray and others make excellent but expensive filters.
My advise to you is do not use a filter unless it is absolutely necessary but if you have to use one make sure you are using the best that you can afford.
Nov 26, 2014 11:12:00 #
I have collected - over the years - a mass of filters. However, I have found that I only, mostly, use two (2). A variable neutral density filter and a circular polarizing filter. Learn how to use these and you have every filter you will need for digital photography.
These are NOT cheap .. Know what you really want .. As questions of others, and decide for yourself.
Other here will have their own ideas and choices about what filters to use. = This is mine.
These are NOT cheap .. Know what you really want .. As questions of others, and decide for yourself.
Other here will have their own ideas and choices about what filters to use. = This is mine.
Nov 26, 2014 11:38:36 #
RichieC
Loc: Adirondacks
The price is an investment. You want to avoid, within reason, any detrimental effects of an added element. When you compare the price of a cheapo vs. a good one, and the difference is just a few dollars- go for the better one.
Note that the results of this rather involved tests of UV filters point not to the most expensive one, but not the cheapest either. I have read this one extensively and based my choice on it. For what that is worth. My filters, placed for protection, removed as needed have all proved their worth many times by now.
http://www.lenstip.com/113.5-article-UV_filters_test_B+W_72mm_010M_UV-Haze_MRC.html
Note that the results of this rather involved tests of UV filters point not to the most expensive one, but not the cheapest either. I have read this one extensively and based my choice on it. For what that is worth. My filters, placed for protection, removed as needed have all proved their worth many times by now.
http://www.lenstip.com/113.5-article-UV_filters_test_B+W_72mm_010M_UV-Haze_MRC.html
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.