Circular Polarizers: Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be...

Thomas Firth

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I have many times with no issues at all.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

I can't see any issue with doing that. Probably have done that numerous times, but can't recall that!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

The only issue is if you want to use a lense hood for the lens. Otherwise there are very few other issues.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

Tom, No issue. One suggestion is to buy one set of filters that you can use on all your lenses by buying the largest filter and step down rings for the other sizes/

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens? Thanks Tom

Use a 77-82mm step-up ring, not an 82-77mm step-down ring!

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

Tom, if you use filters or the lens cap, these can get in the way of the stepper.

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

The lens I use most frequently with my 77mm CP is Canon 18-135mm with a 67mm diameter. Of course this requires a step up ring. This presents a few annoyances. Use of the step up ring is inconvenient in the field, and it prevents use of the lens hood and lens cap. I wound up purchasing a 67mm CP and have no regrets.

repleo Loc: Boston

The lens shade is the main problem. CP filters work best when the sun is at 90 degress to the camera. If the angle is less than that, you run the risk of glare without without a lens hood.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

The issue is that you will save money and have one polarizer for at least two lenses.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

repleo wrote:

The lens shade is the main problem. CP filters work best when the sun is at 90 degress to the camera. If the angle is less than that, you run the risk of glare without without a lens hood.

One can solve the problem simply by buying an 82mm hood.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thomas Firth wrote:

Hi all. Has anyone used a larger Circular Polarizer on a smaller lens (82mm polarizer on a 77mm lens) with a step down adapter ring? What issues might there be using the larger Circular Polarizer on the smaller lens?

Thanks Tom

That's a good way to avoid buying a lot of filters. I've never had a problem using large on small.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

PixelStan77 wrote:

Tom, No issue. One suggestion is to buy one set of filters that you can use on all your lenses by buying the largest filter and step down rings for the other sizes/

Step-up rings are more sensible.

tcthome Loc: NJ

repleo wrote:

The lens shade is the main problem. CP filters work best when the sun is at 90 degress to the camera. If the angle is less than that, you run the risk of glare without without a lens hood.

To add to that ,pics of water, reflective subjects, shots through Windows, etc.

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

RWR wrote:

One can solve the problem simply by buying an 82mm hood.

I doubt this will work.
The hood is normally fitted to the lens, not to the filter.