What’s Your Preference?

teckert · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 06:23 PM

I Can't decide what brand of filters to purchase. There are so many to choose from! Any recommendations or favorites on polarized and UV filters would be greatly appreciated! To be used on Nikon lenses 80-200 f/2.8, 18-70mm, and 50mm f/1.8 using a D50 for indoor gymnastic meets (no flash photography) and outdoor sports. Thanks!

reactin6 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 07:02 PM

Good, I was about to post the same, Im looking forward to good filters.

Searching on amazon I found a lot of people bought Tiffen UV HAZE filters, but also a lot had complained about scratches and irregularities in the filter itself and its quality =/

I hope we get some good advice =D

Elmo · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 09:31 PM

For screw in filters I have used B&W for over 50 years and have always had good luck. There are some other good brands but B&W works for me.

For flat filers I started with conkin and they were good until I tried some Lee Filters. The last couple I bought were singh-ray which were the best yet.

Remember buying filters is like buying oats.
If you want good oats you will have to pay a good price.
Oats that have been through the horse, that comes a little cheaper.

PS. I never, except in very bad weather conditions, use a UV filter just to protect my glass. They reduce image quality.

Photosbykev · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2010, 11:15 PM

I have to agree with Elmo, I use Lee filters all the time and they are very high quality.

I also totally agree that a UV filter can only degrade an image by increasing the probability of flare etc and the extra glass layers are perfect for collecting dust and dirt. The only time I would use a UV is when the conditions are extreme i.e wind swept beaches etc

If you want to protect a lens buy a decent lens hood, that will provide some physical protection but more importantly it will minimise the flare and glare that lowers contrast and degrades an image.

teckert · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 04:44 AM

Thank you for the advice.

I visited a local camera shop today, window browsing for filters. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I really would like a polarizer filter for my lenses and a UV/or equivalent (simply for protection). The sales associate explained the importance of a HGX Digital filter (never knew of such a lens) as a base and adding a polarizer only when needed. I have a Nikon D50.

Total cost for the filters:

1) Nikon 80-200 mm lens - Promaster HGX Digital Filter (77mm) - $80
Nikon 80-200 mm lens - Promaster Circular Polarizer Filter (77mm) - $55

2) Nikon 50mm f/2.8 - Promaster HGX Digital Filter (52mm) - $60
Nikon 50mm f/2.8 - Promaster Circular Polarized Filter (52mm) - $35

3) Nikon 18-70mm - 67-77mm step up ring (to be used for the 77mm filters)

Question: Do I need the HGX filter for my digital camera (D50), or would a simple Promaster UV (or equivalent) be just fine coupled with a polarized filter? The HGX filter is quite expensive.
Thanks!

teckert · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2010, 04:51 AM

Thank you for the advice.

I visited a local camera shop , window browsing for filters. As I mentioned in an earlier post earlier, I really would like a polarizer filter for my lenses and a UV (simply for protection). The sales associate explained the importance of a HGX Digital filter (never new of such a lens) as a base (I have a Nikon D50) and adding a polarizer only when needed. Total cost for the filters:

1) Nikojn 80-200 mm lens - Promaster HGX Digital Filter (77mm) - $80
Nikon 80-200 mm lens - Promaster Circular Polarizer Filter (77mm) - $55

2) Nikon 50mm f/2.8 - Promaster HGX Digital Filter (52mm) - $60
Nikon 50mm f/2.8 - Promaster Circular Polarized Filter (52mm) - $35

3) Nikon 18-70mm - 67-77mm step up ring (to be used for the 77mm filters)

Question: Do I need the HGX filter for my digital camera (D50), or would a simple Promaster UV be just fine (I still intend on purchasing the polarized filters).

Thanks!

LenDog · #7 (**permalink**) 03-14-2010, 02:32 PM

You're looking at promaster filters, not recommended by anyone in this thread so far. Tiffen and B&W are great filters. You get what you pay for, less then $100 for a circular polarizer is a bad indicator.

I have no idea what an "HGX digital filter" is, so I'd bet you don't need it.

I have a CPL for each lens, a 3 stop GND for my main lens along with a UV which I use very seldomly. These are the 3 most recommended filters. Think Tiffen and B&W, though there are other good filters out there, but not for $55.

PS: "Sales" is the key word in "Sales Associate". Don't believe a word they say.