Suggestions for ND Filter

[ypurcaro]

I am planning to get a ND Filter for my Canon wide angle lens 17-40 mm USM, but I don't know which one to get as far as the size wise. Do you have any suggestions? Please help. Thanks.

[inkista]

It takes a 77mm. Most of the Canon Ls do. Any site that lists the lens's specs will give you the filter size for a lens. I'd suggest looking things up on the Canon website, or the-digital-picture.com. If you can find an image of the front of the lens, the filter size will also be written on it using the symbol ∅, as in ∅77mm.

[Preeb]

Originally Posted by ypurcaro

I am planning to get a ND Filter for my Canon wide angle lens 17-40 mm USM, but I don't know which one to get as far as the size wise. Do you have any suggestions? Please help. Thanks.

Are you referring to filter size or ND rating? Inkista gave you the size - that is marked on every lens, you just have to look somewhere around the filter mount ring.

As far as the rating (4, 6, 8, graduated, etc.), or darkness of the lens, that depends on your intended use.

[ypurcaro]

Originally Posted by Preeb

Are you referring to filter size or ND rating? Inkista gave you the size - that is marked on every lens, you just have to look somewhere around the filter mount ring.

As far as the rating (4, 6, 8, graduated, etc.), or darkness of the lens, that depends on your intended use.

I mean the filter size that fits the lens. I use it for protection and to take clearer and smoother image.

Thanks.

[ypurcaro]

Originally Posted by inkista

It takes a 77mm. Most of the Canon Ls do. Any site that lists the lens's specs will give you the filter size for a lens. I'd suggest looking things up on the Canon website, or the-digital-picture.com. If you can find an image of the front of the lens, the filter size will also be written on it using the symbol ∅, as in ∅77mm.

Thanks inkista. I went to Canon website, they don't have the ND Filter. But, Amazon has a lot with brands like Hoya.

So, I guess I need a filter that said 77 mm on it.

[OsmosisStudios]

You need a 77mm sized filter. Many companies make them. Make sure you take the time to buy a GOOD one. A good 77mm ND filter should cost well over $50.

[inkista]

Not sure I'd use an ND as protection all the time. The darkening factor could get in the way sometime.

Keep in mind, too, that the darkening factor can be described differently by nearly every manufacturer. The numbers are not universal. Be sure to read the description and see how many "stops" the ND filter darkens the image by. That will be universal. A stop is 1EV, which is a halving of the light.

Think of ND filters as sunglasses for your camera. The most common "protective" filters are clear and colorless--that's why UV filters are the most used lens for this purpose. A good UV filter will be multicoated. You should be able to see the coatings by looking at the filter from a side angle: you should see tints in the reflection of white light (most commonly magenta and green). Good multicoatings will substantially cut down on flare and increase clarity.

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by ypurcaro

I mean the filter size that fits the lens. I use it for protection and to take clearer and smoother image.

Thanks.

Are you sure it is an ND filter you want? An ND will cost you light (A stop or more) I believe I might select a UV for that (I do not use protective filers myself). Like wise I am not sure how an ND will give a "clearer" image? In days of old when we used film a UV would cut some of the haze but that is not applicable in digital. As for smother an ND will work to smooth moving water. I think you ar looking for a UV not an ND and I would hate for you to get the wrong one.

All that aside 77mm is the right size.

[zephod]

I think you are mistaken on which filter you are looking for. You probably want a UV filter for lens protection and that's a good idea with one caveat: If you buy a cheap piece of crap for lens protection you can and probably will degrading the quality of your lens. Just my .02.

D