Two-filter use
Mar 6, 2013 13:56:24 #
don1w
Loc: Abilene, Texas
I have a 72mm zoom lens with UV filter attached to protect the lens element. Sometimes, I screw on another filter or circular polarizer onto the UV filter. I assume it is common practice to have two filters in use at the same time. Keeping the UV filter attached all the time means that I dont have to carry and keep up with a case for it. The problem comes in when I want to remove just the polarizer, seems as though the two filters have merged together and getting them separated is a real challenge. The gripping surface of each is small and very hard to hold.
The polarizer has to be screwed on tight enough that it doesnt unscrew when I am adjust the amount of light but not so tight that it cant be unscrewed when I no longer need it.
Any ideas ------ short of using only at a time?????
The polarizer has to be screwed on tight enough that it doesnt unscrew when I am adjust the amount of light but not so tight that it cant be unscrewed when I no longer need it.
Any ideas ------ short of using only at a time?????
Mar 6, 2013 14:56:35 #
Amazon sell filter wrenches - this link is for UK but I'm sure you will find the same thing across the pond.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maxsima-FILTER-Remover-WRENCH-Filter/dp/B0049IU3K6
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maxsima-FILTER-Remover-WRENCH-Filter/dp/B0049IU3K6
Mar 6, 2013 15:04:37 #
I don't stack filters. I keep either a UV filter or a clear filter on for protection, but when I put on a CP or ND filter I take off the protecting filter first.
Mar 6, 2013 17:39:37 #
Mar 7, 2013 07:28:18 #
I ahd that same aggravating problem. Seemed to stem from the filters not being thick enough to grip. Solved it by buying Hoya's filters that have a rubber-grip lens cap.
Mar 7, 2013 07:36:01 #
I keep a couple of rubber bands in my bag to use as grippers on each filter when trying to separate them. Best not to stack but sometimes necessary with ND and CPL.
Mar 7, 2013 08:11:14 #
Mar 7, 2013 08:18:07 #
Stacking filters will also create vignetting in the corners of your shot, and you won't notice it until it's too late (had that happen with a number of pictures I took in Banff last summer). I learned the hard way, don't stack filters!!
Mar 7, 2013 08:39:53 #
Teacher
Loc: Alabama
I agree with most here. Don't stack filters unless its a CPL and a ND. Stuck filter? I use a piece of material bought at the hardware store used to keep a wooden board from sliding around as you route it. It is soft and won't scratch. A piece of bicycle inner tube should work too. Remember, always turn your polarizer clockwise.
don1w wrote:
I have a 72mm zoom lens with UV filter attached to... (show quote)
Mar 7, 2013 10:02:39 #
Mar 7, 2013 10:04:28 #
Demik
Loc: New York City
Inexpensive, plastic filter wrenches. I bought mine at B&H for less than $10.
Mar 7, 2013 10:09:13 #
First post here and a relative newbee but I found when I stacked filters and could not remove the outermost, removing both from the camera caused the two to unlock. It worked every time and I take that on faith. I have not gotten down to inspecting the reason or whether it only works on Thursdays
Mar 7, 2013 10:11:36 #
FredB
Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.
don1w wrote:
Not really. Throw away the UV filter, if you MUST absolutely screw another piece of glass or plastic in front of your lens, buy the best quality plain glass protection filter (NOT UV or anything else) and use it. I have a 72mm zoom lens with UV filter attached to protect the lens element. Sometimes, I screw on another filter or circular polarizer onto the UV filter. I assume it is common practice to have two filters in use at the same time.
Better choice is keep the lens cap on when not shooting, and/or use the prescribed lens hood.
A digital camera already has a UV-light filter mechanism in front of the sensor, so there is absolutely no optical reason for a UV filter in front of the lens. All it can do is degrade the image.
Mar 7, 2013 11:22:27 #
Mac wrote:
I don't stack filters. I keep either a UV filter or a clear filter on for protection, but when I put on a CP or ND filter I take off the protecting filter first.
quick question regarding ND s you don't mind...I just bought a UV filter for my new lens (protection) and still need to get a CPL, but why does one need an ND? Couldn't you just use a slower shutter speed or bulb or is there something special, optically, about an ND filter? I've never used one.
Mar 7, 2013 11:45:28 #
don1w wrote:
I have a 72mm zoom lens with UV filter attached to... (show quote)
I've found that we all have a tendency to grip the ring of a filter like we're opening a new pickle jar and that causes the perfectly round ring to flex and become oblong. When that happens the two filters (or a filter on the lens) will actually get tighter instead of loosen.
If you've ever changed an oil filter on a car you know that gripping it on two sides with a pair of wide channel locks to turn it will bind the filter until you have to poke a hole in it and stick a screwdriver through the middle to turn it. But if you use a strap type filter remover, it will turn with ease. Same idea with camera filters.
A thumb and three finger tips gently touching the inner CP ring at four points instead of two, and turning it with tenderness, many times will let it come off without problem after you've used all the muscle you can muster previously and failed to "get the pickle jar lid" off.
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