bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

I'm looking for input for ND filters. Do you prefer screw-on or the type that can slide into a filter holder that is attached to the front of the lens. My main concern with a screw-on filter is that I will accidently change the focus as I am screwing the filter on the lens after I have focused on the subject.

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

Filter holder is superior in adaptability and capability. But are bigger, heavier and in the end a significant investment so more $$$... but you only buy it all once- they'll fit on any lens. THey offer too many advantages over a normal screw in type filter to note easily here.

But if you must. Buy filters for your biggest lens, and use adapters for your smaller ones. I did this, thought myself very clever... then bought a Zeiss 21mm, and now I have a very nice set of various filters that don't fit this new lens... ;( When i gather $800, I'll get the Lee filter system... but that may be a bit far off.

As far as focus goes, depending on subject matter & lens you are using, focusing using hyper focus negates need for through lens focusing. If you can't see through it, then I imagine it is very dark, and thus I surmise you are taking longer exposures, thus you are on a tripod... focus, look where lens is set, screw on filter, double check that nothing has moved. Most lenses do not rotate, just the barrel does, the lens end goes in and out but does not turn. There are magnetic filter holders that do not require the filter being screwed on, jyou just get them near by and they snap in place... as you'd expect a magnet to do.

http://www.manfrotto.us/collections/lighting/lens-filter-suite.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

...Great answer and so helpful. Many points to take into consideration, so thank you so much.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The front of your lens does not rotate when focusing (with the exception of a few really poor quality lenses) so screwing a filter on should not affect focus.

bobburk3 Loc: Maryland

...This is a Nikon 55-300 zoom lens so it actually will move if I am not careful screwing on the filter.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

If you choose the screw on, screw it on before focusing. But it should not change focus, as that part of the lens usually does not turn. Slide in filter system is better and quicker. I used to use only slide in,. I am currently using screw in, when I use one. With PP software so easily available and fairly easy to use, I choose that way now. The filter I use mostly (never take it off but to clean) is the UV filter, and sometimes a CPL.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Xume magnetic adapters - no other logical choice. I use round, screw-on filters that are held in place magnetically. Put them on and off in less than a second.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

If you search on Adorama or B&H you can find a number of external filter holders that are cheaper than the Lee and will hold 100x100 filters

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Screw in vs square slide in
I have both and generally serves different purpose
Most of my Nikon glass takes 77 filters and the front of the lens does not turn when focusing

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

After some research and, more importantly, discussing some issues with optical scientists at B+W, I went with their ND filters. I appreciate their company's honesty.
--Bob

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

The screw-on are only useful if you want to darken the whole scene. [There are "variable" ND filters in screw-on, but they can produce aberrations in the picture that will ruin it!] The rectangular ones can be purchased in solid or graduated, which is useful when part of the scene is bright, the other part not.

I do not use the filter holder. Bought it, decided it was too much trouble if I did not want to use it for every photo taken. It was pointed out to me that they can be used hand-held, which is how I have used them ever since. Just have to make sure the filter is covering the whole surface of the lens, but not difficult once you get used to it!

Robert Bailey Loc: Canada

I have a range of lenses with different camera systems so that I end up with at least EIGHT different filter sizes. I could buy a specific filter in 8 sizes, or I could use the filter holder system and buy just one filter (but 8 different adaptor rings).
If you only have one or two lenses and never intend to purchase another lens in your lifetime then buy the screw in filters.
If you have 3 or more lenses (or intend to have 3 or more lenses in your lifetime) then purchase the filter holder system. (I'm assuming that the various lenses will have various filter sizes)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Actually, I pre-focus without the filter, then, just before I attach my filter, I turn the auto focus on the lens to OFF. That said, sometimes I forget but with ND filters I have not noticed a problem.
If your looking for a nice set of filters to start out with I recommend the following. I started with these about 4 years ago, I got hooked an now use Lee filters, but these filters really work and I still use some to give me a different look to my images. Hey, don't knock them if you haven't used them. They work fine and come with all the set up rings you will need to fit all your lenses.
https://www.amazon.com/XCSource-Square-Filters-Graduated-Adapter/dp/B008H34H88/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1503574734&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=filter+set+for+cameras&psc=1

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Actually, I pre-focus without the filter, then, just before I attach my filter, I turn the auto focus on the lens to OFF.
If your looking for a nice set of filters to start out with I recommend the following. I started with these about 4 years ago, I got hooked an now use Lee filters, but these filters really work and I still use some to give me a different look to my images. Hey, don't knock them if you haven't used them. They work fine and come with all the set up rings you will need to fit all your lenses.
https://www.amazon.com/XCSource-Square-Filters-Graduated-Adapter/dp/B008H34H88/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1503574734&sr=8-19-spons&keywords=filter+set+for+cameras&psc=1

cthahn

Do what you are most comfortable with.