I agree don't skimp on filters. I have used B+W in the past but I now use BreakThrough Photography filters. They have less color shift than the B+W
Absolutely the best. They carry all the major brands and the largest selection of used equipment as well. I have purchased new and used products from them over the past few years
The Angry photographer thinks Sigma is junk because they don't hold up over the long haul. They break because they are not that well made. He has never said the glass wouldn't give you a nice picture just the quality of manufacture.
Wimberely is the original. All the other mfgs. have copied their design. I have used both versions for years and have been very happy with them. Sirui makes a nice one for a lot less money.
When trying to reduce the glare on vegetation, I have found that not all the glare can be reduced evenly. You may have to select an area in the "main subject" area or one that is pleasing to you. Also reducing glare on vegetation works best on cloudy days and also if there is moisture on the vegetation. If you are shooting in bright sunlight with no moisture on the vegetation the effect will be minimal.
Their products are first rate, top quality.
I recommend Allens Camera in Levittown Pa or Roberts Camera in Indiana
I would recommend a perspective control lens as well. Canon makes some nice wide ones.
The Tokina gets my vote for the best for the least amount of money. I also own the Nikon 105 and the Nikon 200. I prefer the 200 for it's working distance.
I use the R72 filter from Hoya with no problem. I use an ISO setting of 1000-1600 with an aperture of f8 to f11. I use a tripod just make sure the camera stays steady but it should be fast enough to hand hold. If it is too slow to hand hold, use ISO 1600 at f5.6 or faster. I use it on a fujifilm X-T2 with good results. I recommend a tripod and cable release for the best results
If you are going to buy a new camera just for B&W and infrared, a converted camera is one option. But consider a mirrorless camera and add an infrared filter to the camera. This way you can shoot standard B&W as well as a variety of infrared filters at different light frequencies. The mirrorless cameras with allow you to see your subject(WYSIWYG)to focus and then shoot. I would at least compare the two options.
set camera to manual mode, use a polarizing filter to eliminate glare and this will help lower the shutter speed. If you have a neutral density filter use that as well. Set your camera on a tripod with a cable release. Lower the F stop (F11- 22) to give you a shutter speed of 2 seconds or more. The slower the shutter speed the more blur you will have with the water.
Use a tripod or monopod. Streaks will be smoother. exposure around F5.6 or F8 and use the bulb setting for the length of the fireworks.
Technology is always advancing. The X-T2 is a great camera. The X-T3 is the next innovation. Continue to shoot with what you have. Just get out and shoot in great light with great opportunities. The camera companies will always make improvements because they need to sell cameras. You don't need to get the latest technology. It pays to skip a few every now and then because the next advancement could be even better.