Filters

[996GT2]

I'm looking to get a set of 52mm filters (ND, Polarizing, UV) for my D70, and there seems to be a lot of price variation between the high end brands like Hoya and the less expensive brands like Tiffen. Some of the more expensive Hoya filters cost more than my 18-55mm VR did!

Does the brand really matter on the filters? I know Hoya uses extra scratch and break resistant glass on their filters, but to me that's more of a gimmick than anything since I take good care of my stuff.

 

[virtuamike]

I have a few Tiffen and Quantaray filters that are scratched up from usage, cleaning, etc. And I have some Hoyas and a Rodenstock that have survived so far. I wouldn't go overboard, but I do think that if you can afford better filters then go for it.

 

[angry hampster]

Brand doesn't matter. Coating does. Always buy multicoated filters. Uncoated filters are very prone to flare and reduced contrast. Paying the extra $30-40 for an MC filter is a good investment. 52mm filters are cheap anyway, so you've got no worries. My Sigma 24-70 uses 82mm filters -- look up those prices. Hoya Pro-1 is my brand of choice, especially on wide lenses as their rings are thinner so it won't vignette. Look for tags like "HMC," "S-HMC" and the like.


I also never use UV filters unless I'm shooting in the rain or in a dusty environment. I use hoods on all of my lenses, so there's no point.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I have filters from both Hoya and B+W. And while the B+Ws cost almost 2x as much, I can at least feel the difference in quality. The German-built B+Ws are solid.

But when it comes to the resulting pics, I can't see much of a difference.

 

[alfa147x]

Im looking for a uv filter to act as an safety on my 24 - 105 any recommendations ?

Sorry to jack your thread 996GT2

 

[GoSharks]

Kenko or Hoya (same thing) Pro1 D
hvstar.net has good prices and legit merchandise. Shipping takes a week or two though.

 

[angry hampster]

^ Agreed with that. If not, check out besteastern on ebay. I've ordered from both with no problems.

 

[ghostman]

I bought a cheap fotodiox CPL. Although it works on reflections and such, I noticed that it also adds a red or green tint. Definitely put in a few bucks more for a better CPL. Can't comment on the other types of filters.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
I have filters from both Hoya and B+W. And while the B+Ws cost almost 2x as much, I can at least feel the difference in quality. The German-built B+Ws are solid.

But when it comes to the resulting pics, I can't see much of a difference.

Ditto. I have to laugh at the price of a Hoya 82mm UV S-HMC versus the B+W "Slim" version. Even though the Hoya doesn't say it, it's 3mm so that it doesn't cause any odd optic issues with my Canon 16-35 MK2. The B+W version is twice the price and they even gouge more for the 'Slim' version, which the Hoya already is!

In all honesty, though, if I were buying a filter that I knew I'd be taking on and off a lot or messing with on the road, it would probably be a B+W for the brass and easy on and off action. My UV filters are bought with my lenses and go on and stay on unless I need to do some heavy cleaning on the filter.