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02/26/2011 09:47:04 PM · #1 |
| Filter amateur here... the only ones I currently own are Canon brand UV filters for lens protection. I'm wanting a 77mm CP filter for landscape shots to be used with my 17-40mm on a Rebel T1i. I guess I should further qualify "best" as best value. Is the B+W multi-coated filter really worth upwards of $200? I'm seeing almost as many positive reviews on the $65 Tiffen. I'm also curious if it's common practice to just leave a polarizer permanently on your lens for all shots. Thanks! |
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02/27/2011 05:16:28 AM · #2 |
| shameless bump for AM folks |
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02/27/2011 05:18:47 AM · #3 |
I had a Hoya (perhaps a little better than the Tiffen, but in the same class) and I accidentally left it on the roof of a rental car... it's now becoming one with the Arizona desert near Sedona. I had not been completely satisfied with it. Under some conditions, there seemed to be some image degradation. I replaced it with a B+W, and I am very happy with that filter. The flatness of the glass on the B+Ws is superb. All that said, do recognize that *any* filter will have a subtle effect on image quality.
Now there are a couple things you need to know:
1.) You do not need the "Kaeseman" filters. The term refers to the glass actually being sealed into the ring, or "encased". Unless you regularly shoot extreme environments with water-sealed pro gear, you don't need it.
2.) As with any filter, a multi-coated filter has much lower surface reflection than an uncoated one. Filters with a good multi-coated surface are worth the price. Using a lens cap in conjunction with an uncoated filter can reduce the effects of reflection, but the coated filter will still have an advantage.
3.) For the 17-40, a "slim" filter is only really required if you are using a full-frame (35mm) camera. For use with an APS-C camera, you should be fine with a standard filter, which has the advantage of having usable front filter threads, so a lens cap can still be mounted.
Here is the uncoated B+W in standard depth, and here is the MRC version.
FWIW, I recommend ditching the UV filters. Use your lens cap as your front element protection. Unless you are regularly shooting in areas with lots of blowing sand, salt spray, or corrosive elements, I don't recommend them. |
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02/27/2011 05:36:39 AM · #4 |
| Great advice kirbic, thanks a million! |
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02/27/2011 05:55:53 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by adamweb:
I'm also curious if it's common practice to just leave a polarizer permanently on your lens for all shots. |
If I'm outside, the circular polarizer is on. There is little downside if the light is bright enough, and it saved my expensive 10-22 lens from certain destruction. I have good UV filters, but can't remember the last time I used them. |
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02/27/2011 06:25:09 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by adamweb:
the only ones I currently own are Canon brand UV filters for lens protection. |
Filter Flare Factor
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02/27/2011 07:34:10 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
Using a lens cap in conjunction with an uncoated filter can reduce the effects of reflection, but the coated filter will still have an advantage. |
Do you mean using a lens hood? I find the lens cap not only reduces reflections, but all available light to below useful levels. |
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02/27/2011 10:23:45 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by kirbic:
Using a lens cap in conjunction with an uncoated filter can reduce the effects of reflection, but the coated filter will still have an advantage. |
Do you mean using a lens hood? I find the lens cap not only reduces reflections, but all available light to below useful levels. |
Yeah, every time I try shooting with a lens cap on it really slows me down. :)
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02/28/2011 02:35:13 AM · #9 |
| just to clarify, you should only really use the lens cap for night shooting - and don't forget to use a tripod, remote release and shutter lock as the exposures can be really long. |
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02/28/2011 05:05:48 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by Mick:
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by kirbic:
Using a lens cap in conjunction with an uncoated filter can reduce the effects of reflection, but the coated filter will still have an advantage. |
Do you mean using a lens hood? I find the lens cap not only reduces reflections, but all available light to below useful levels. |
Yeah, every time I try shooting with a lens cap on it really slows me down. :) |
that's funny i was shooting at a birthday party when the lights were out and the shutter stayed open until i realized i left the lens cap on... |
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