Circular Polarizing filter & Step up rings

[Mike410]

Hello,

Im thinking about getting a Hoya 77mm PRO1 Digital Circular PL Filter.

Both my current lenses are 58mm thread but I heard it was best to get the largest filter you can in case I plan to get wider lenses in the future (to save money).

I would need to get a step up ring for it to work with my 58mm lenses.
Does it matter if I buy an inexpensive step up ring?
I found a very inexpensive metal one on ebay, from China.
Here is the link 58mm to 77mm 58-77 mm Step Up Filter Ring Adapter on eBay (end time 07-Jul-10 11:54:19 BST)

So, is it wise to get the largest filter size now and use step up rings?
And is there anything to be worried about when buying an inexpensive step up ring on ebay?

Thanks,

Mike

[kirbinster]

Don't think the quality of the ring matters (within reason). The only issue you probably need to be concerned about is that at 18mm the filter may be far enough away from the lens that you have problems.

[Elmo]

I would be concerned with quality as the area of thread contact is very small and the correct fit is needed to prevent future issues. Regardless of which ring is used to not leave them mounted together when not in use. A small amount of distortion or corrosion can leave them bound forever.together.

As for moving the CPL out the thickness of the ring when mounting, it will not matter.

My issue with using step up rings is it precludes the use of a proper fitting lens hood which i consider a must use.

[LeeR]

Nikon used to sell a polarizing filter with a step up filter built in. The idea was that polarizers, particularly when used in conjunction with other filters, can cause vignetting. The step up allowed for a bigger filter and virutally eliminated the vignetting problem. However, they only stepped from a 52 to a 56mm filter. Going to 77mm seems excessive. If you knew you were going to be getting something bigger in the near future maybe, but that's a lot of filter to carry around and your camera is going to look like one of those Russian generals with a hat too big for his head.

[Mike410]

Originally Posted by LeeR

Nikon used to sell a polarizing filter with a step up filter built in. The idea was that polarizers, particularly when used in conjunction with other filters, can cause vignetting. The step up allowed for a bigger filter and virutally eliminated the vignetting problem. However, they only stepped from a 52 to a 56mm filter. Going to 77mm seems excessive. If you knew you were going to be getting something bigger in the near future maybe, but that's a lot of filter to carry around and your camera is going to look like one of those Russian generals with a hat too big for his head.

So you think it would be better to just go with a 58mm filter now and If I do get a wider lens in future just buy another filter?

I dont have any immediate plans to buy a lens with a 77mm thread, I just figured it would save me from buying multiple CP filters, If I did get a wider lens in the future.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Mike410

So you think it would be better to just go with a 58mm filter now and If I do get a wider lens in future just buy another filter?

I dont have any immediate plans to buy a lens with a 77mm thread, I just figured it would save me from buying multiple CP filters, If I did get a wider lens in the future.

I'd actually advise buying all your filters in 77mm size and jsut get step-up rings for other sizes to 77mm. That's the easiest and most cost effective.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I'd actually advise buying all your filters in 77mm size and jsut get step-up rings for other sizes to 77mm. That's the easiest and most cost effective.

So I can step up that 77 filter to my lens that wants an 82mm filter

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

So I can step up that 77 filter to my lens that wants an 82mm filter

That's a rarity.

[ARKreations]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

That's a rarity.

If you can't afford a dedicated 82mm filter, you certainly can't afford the lens it would go on!

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ARKreations

If you can't afford a dedicated 82mm filter, you certainly can't afford the lens it would go on!

Hardly. For instance: Kirbinster has a Tamron 200-500, which takes 86mm filters. It costs less than $900 US on B&H.

It just means BIG lenses, not necessarily EXPENSIVE lenses