Filters: Over the years I’ve always used circular filters mainly circular polarizers. But now my photographer is evolving into long exposure images where I am considering moving to...

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

Over the years I’ve always used circular filters mainly circular polarizers. But now my photographer is evolving into long exposure images where I am considering moving to rectangular filter systems. I shoot a Canon RP with 3 RP lens and a number of both EF and EF-S lens which I am in the process of culling and selling. One of the RF lens is the 16mm which is the widest lens I own currently. It has a very tiny filter size at 43mm. My intention is to buy bigger filters 83mm or larger and then use step up (or down) rings. I am not a pro plus I am retired so cost is an issue.

On the Conklin site they have 4 different series but they state for the two smaller sizes they won’t work on any lens smaller than 28mm.

Would that be the case for a lens that has only a 43mm filter size?

And is Conklin a reasonable answer? Lee and others are way more expensive.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Ednsb wrote:

Over the years I’ve always used circular filters m... (show quote)

Cokin filters are quite good.
Get a holder for the largest diameter filter ring then aquire step down adapters for the other lenses down to 43mm.
For a large jump you might need 2 stepping rings.
Then go out and have lots of fun experimenting.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

With Cokin, you aren’t really concerned about the smallest lens diameter (you can use an adapter ring for the holder), but the largest. the A series supports lenses up to 62mm filter size and the P series up to 82mm. If the A size is large enough for your largest lens, let me know - I have a lot of Cokins that I advertised for sale some time ago, but didn’t sell, but if you have lenses with a filter size larger than 62mm, you’ll need the P or larger size.

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

Try these filters...I use them, and you can get them on Amazon or website. www.kentfaith.com/ND%20Filters

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Ednsb wrote:

Over the years I’ve always used circular filters m... (show quote)

In my opinion... DON'T!

Don't buy rectangular/square filter system and all the accessories needed to use them. They're bulky, difficult to shade well with a lens hood, expensive if you get multi-coated glass, very easily damaged and difficult to clean if you get the more affordable, uncoated optical plastic (i.e., Cokin). The only type of rectangular filters that serve any modern purpose are graduated ND (primarily for landscapes), but with digital there are easy ways in post-processing to achieve much better results.

Don't use step rings either. Step rings make it impossible to use a well fitted lens hood and position the filter further from the front of the lens, where any dirt on it will be more likely to show up in images (especially on wide angle lenses).

So few filters are needed for digital, it's best to simply get the correct sizes for the lenses you need to use them upon.

For example, maybe you want some neutral density filters for use on lenses you use to shoot landscapes, but won't need them for other lenses you use to shoot macro or portraits.

There is no such thing as 83mm filters. You probably means 82mm.

If money is a concern, I have a suggestion. I've been testing out some filters that are very affordable, yet seem quite good. They have changed the information published about them, but originally claimed they were the same Schott glass as much more expensive B+W, Heliopan and a few others use, with sophisticated "nano" multi-coatings like the best of those other brands. At much lower cost, the two K&F circular polarizing filters I've been experimenting with seem fine. They sell "kits" with a C-Pol, a 3-stop ND and a 5-stop ND filter.... $39 for 43mm size. $58 for 82mm size. Somewhere in between for other sizes.

They have other combination kits, if preferred: C-Pol with a UV (protection)... C-Pol with a 10-stop ND... a kit of four different strength ND... a couple black diffusion (portrait).

They've also introduced a series of magnetic mount filters, which I've been tempted to try but haven't yet.

https://www.kentfaith.com/nd8-nd64-cpl-lens-filters

P.S. I do still use step rings.... However now only to be able to "stack" different size filters together for storage. I also bought one each of the largest size and smallest size of the "filter stackers", to protect the top and bottom filters. If I really needed to for some reason, I could use those step rings to fit an odd size filter to a smaller diameter lens. But I try to avoid doing that because I want to use a lens hood as much as possible... especially when using a filter.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

amfoto1 wrote:

In my opinion... DON'T!

Don't buy rectangular/square filter system and all the accessories needed to use them. They're bulky, difficult to shade well with a lens hood, expensive if you get multi-coated glass, very easily damaged and difficult to clean if you get the more affordable, uncoated optical plastic (i.e., Cokin). The only type of rectangular filters that serve any modern purpose are graduated ND (primarily for landscapes), but with digital there are easy ways in post-processing to achieve much better results.

Don't use step rings either. Step rings make it impossible to use a well fitted lens hood and position the filter further from the front of the lens, where any dirt on it will be more likely to show up in images (especially on wide angle lenses).

So few filters are needed for digital, it's best to simply get the correct sizes for the lenses you need to use them upon.

For example, maybe you want some neutral density filters for use on lenses you use to shoot landscapes, but won't need them for other lenses you use to shoot macro or portraits.

There is no such thing as 83mm filters. You probably means 82mm.

If money is a concern, I have a suggestion. I've been testing out some filters that are very affordable, yet seem quite good. They have changed the information published about them, but originally claimed they were the same Schott glass as much more expensive B+W, Heliopan and a few others use, with sophisticated "nano" multi-coatings like the best of those other brands. At much lower cost, the two K&F circular polarizing filters I've been experimenting with seem fine. They sell "kits" with a C-Pol, a 3-stop ND and a 5-stop ND filter.... $39 for 43mm size. $58 for 82mm size. Somewhere in between for other sizes.

They have other combination kits, if preferred: C-Pol with a UV (protection)... C-Pol with a 10-stop ND... a kit of four different strength ND... a couple black diffusion (portrait).

They've also introduced a series of magnetic mount filters, which I've been tempted to try but haven't yet.

https://www.kentfaith.com/nd8-nd64-cpl-lens-filters

P.S. I do still use step rings.... However now only to be able to "stack" different size filters together for storage. I also bought one each of the largest size and smallest size of the "filter stackers", to protect the top and bottom filters. If I really needed to for some reason, I could use those step rings to fit an odd size filter to a smaller diameter lens. But I try to avoid doing that because I want to use a lens hood as much as possible... especially when using a filter.

In my opinion... DON'T! br br Don't buy rectangu... (show quote)

I am a landscape shooter and there is no way I know to get the same effect as 45 second exposer on the ocean in any post process software. Graduated filters is the reason I am considering changing. thank you for your input

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Have you tried kEH and MPB for filters? They’re VERY substantially discounted compared to new and the ones in excellent condition look like new.

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

TriX wrote:

Have you tried kEH and MPB for filters? They’re VERY substantially discounted compared to new and the ones in excellent condition look like new.

I have. kind of hit and miss

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Ednsb wrote:

I have. kind of hit and miss

I paid a a total of $170 (which included tax and free shipping) for 8 B&W F Pro MRC Nanos - 4 77mms, 2 72s a 62, and a 58. All UVs or clear @ $18-24 each. NDs, if they have them are not a lot more, but CPs are more expensive and not many graduated NDs available. Several were new in boxes, and the rest looked new. They get lots of clear and UVs on lens trades, so those are a bargain.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

It is not recommended to use circular screw in filters for ultra wide lenses (over 90 angle of view) because of vignetting. I use the Lee 100mm filter system and it has performed well for me. I have both 6 and 10 stop ND filters, and 3 soft graduated and 3 hard graduated filters (1, 2, 3 stops). Expensive, but well worth the money. Unlike circular filters, which only fit one size lens, you can buy difference filter size adapters. I have them in 67, 77, and 82mm, which covers about 1/2 dozen of my lenses.

User ID

Strodav wrote:

It is not recommended to use circular screw in fil... (show quote)

Cokins suggestion that their smaller sizes are not for lenses less than about 28mm is obsolete as concerns EVF cameras. The problem was related to the design of SLR wide angle lenses.

OTOH I hope your 16/2.8 has internal, or rear, focusing. If its unit focusing I would hesitate to hang a Cokin system on a tiny STM focus motor meant to drive a tiny lens barrel. My tiny 16/2.8 Sony has IF and theres no problem with large front mounted accessories. Hopefully likewise with your Canon 16.

User ID

amfoto1 wrote:

In my opinion... DON'T!

Don't buy rectangular/square filter system and all the accessories needed to use them. They're bulky, difficult to shade well with a lens hood, expensive if you get multi-coated glass, very easily damaged and difficult to clean if you get the more affordable, uncoated optical plastic (i.e., Cokin). The only type of rectangular filters that serve any modern purpose are graduated ND (primarily for landscapes), but with digital there are easy ways in post-processing to achieve much better results.

Don't use step rings either. Step rings make it impossible to use a well fitted lens hood and position the filter further from the front of the lens, where any dirt on it will be more likely to show up in images (especially on wide angle lenses).

So few filters are needed for digital, it's best to simply get the correct sizes for the lenses you need to use them upon.

For example, maybe you want some neutral density filters for use on lenses you use to shoot landscapes, but won't need them for other lenses you use to shoot macro or portraits.

There is no such thing as 83mm filters. You probably means 82mm.

If money is a concern, I have a suggestion. I've been testing out some filters that are very affordable, yet seem quite good. They have changed the information published about them, but originally claimed they were the same Schott glass as much more expensive B+W, Heliopan and a few others use, with sophisticated "nano" multi-coatings like the best of those other brands. At much lower cost, the two K&F circular polarizing filters I've been experimenting with seem fine. They sell "kits" with a C-Pol, a 3-stop ND and a 5-stop ND filter.... $39 for 43mm size. $58 for 82mm size. Somewhere in between for other sizes.

They have other combination kits, if preferred: C-Pol with a UV (protection)... C-Pol with a 10-stop ND... a kit of four different strength ND... a couple black diffusion (portrait).

They've also introduced a series of magnetic mount filters, which I've been tempted to try but haven't yet.

https://www.kentfaith.com/nd8-nd64-cpl-lens-filters

P.S. I do still use step rings.... However now only to be able to "stack" different size filters together for storage. I also bought one each of the largest size and smallest size of the "filter stackers", to protect the top and bottom filters. If I really needed to for some reason, I could use those step rings to fit an odd size filter to a smaller diameter lens. But I try to avoid doing that because I want to use a lens hood as much as possible... especially when using a filter.

In my opinion... DON'T! br br Don't buy rectangu... (show quote)

Amen on every point.

User ID

TriX wrote:

I paid a a total of $170 (which included tax and free shipping) for 8 B&W F Pro MRC Nanos - 4 77mms, 2 72s a 62, and a 58. All UVs or clear @ $18-24 each. NDs, if they have them are not a lot more, but CPs are more expensive and not many graduated NDs available. Several were new in boxes, and the rest looked new. They get lots of clear and UVs on lens trades, so those are a bargain.

No need for CPLs with RF mount. Get used cheap old plain (linear) PLs.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

amfoto1 wrote:

In my opinion... DON'T!

Don't buy rectangular/square filter system and all the accessories needed to use them. They're bulky, difficult to shade well with a lens hood, expensive if you get multi-coated glass, very easily damaged and difficult to clean if you get the more affordable, uncoated optical plastic (i.e., Cokin). The only type of rectangular filters that serve any modern purpose are graduated ND (primarily for landscapes), but with digital there are easy ways in post-processing to achieve much better results.

Don't use step rings either. Step rings make it impossible to use a well fitted lens hood and position the filter further from the front of the lens, where any dirt on it will be more likely to show up in images (especially on wide angle lenses).

So few filters are needed for digital, it's best to simply get the correct sizes for the lenses you need to use them upon.

For example, maybe you want some neutral density filters for use on lenses you use to shoot landscapes, but won't need them for other lenses you use to shoot macro or portraits.

There is no such thing as 83mm filters. You probably means 82mm.

If money is a concern, I have a suggestion. I've been testing out some filters that are very affordable, yet seem quite good. They have changed the information published about them, but originally claimed they were the same Schott glass as much more expensive B+W, Heliopan and a few others use, with sophisticated "nano" multi-coatings like the best of those other brands. At much lower cost, the two K&F circular polarizing filters I've been experimenting with seem fine. They sell "kits" with a C-Pol, a 3-stop ND and a 5-stop ND filter.... $39 for 43mm size. $58 for 82mm size. Somewhere in between for other sizes.

They have other combination kits, if preferred: C-Pol with a UV (protection)... C-Pol with a 10-stop ND... a kit of four different strength ND... a couple black diffusion (portrait).

They've also introduced a series of magnetic mount filters, which I've been tempted to try but haven't yet.

https://www.kentfaith.com/nd8-nd64-cpl-lens-filters

P.S. I do still use step rings.... However now only to be able to "stack" different size filters together for storage. I also bought one each of the largest size and smallest size of the "filter stackers", to protect the top and bottom filters. If I really needed to for some reason, I could use those step rings to fit an odd size filter to a smaller diameter lens. But I try to avoid doing that because I want to use a lens hood as much as possible... especially when using a filter.

In my opinion... DON'T! br br Don't buy rectangu... (show quote)

I respect your opinion, and I’m sure it’s right for you. The way I got into rectangular filters was from a landscape workshop and couple online landscape courses. Every professional recommended a rectangular filter system and much of the course work was on how best to use them. Right now I’m taking a long exposure photography class from TheSchoolOfPhotography.com. Guess what, the first video was about rectangular filter systems. Personally, I went with what the professionals are recommending.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

User ID wrote:

No need for CPLs with RF mount. Get used cheap old plain (linear) PLs.

Good point, but almost all the listed polarizers are CPLs last time I checked KEH.