Filters - Help!

[wanderingwolf]

I am planning on buying a 70-200 f2.8 II, 16-35 f2.8 II, 50mm f1.4, 24-105 f4 and 24-70 f2.8 (I won't buy both lenses, but just haven't picked between the 24-105/24-70 yet), but I've read that I need special filters for each one. I looked on B&H and there are a ton of different filters I can buy. I've heard that the B&H ones are the best...but there are a couple different varieties and I'm not clear on the differences between each. Does anyone have any recommendations on which ones I should purchase, or avoid? I am mainly interested in doing sports, portrait, nature, and wedding photography....however, if there are other different filters I should buy to add a more artistic flare, I would be open to those as well.

Thanks!

[Zuuyi]

I'm just marking this topic because I'm also interested in filters.

[wickidwombat]

this thread covered it pretty extensively quite recently
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php/topic,2413.0.html

start reading there

also if you get all those lenses i would not bother with the 24-70 f2.8 as all the other lenses cover what it does and then some. If you are using a FF body say 5DII you would be better off putting the money saved from a 24-70 into the new 7D2 when it comes out and have 2 bodys especially needed for weddings you can then have the 16-35 on the crop (effective coverage 25mm to 56mm) And the 70-200 on the FF then you have it all covered at f2.8 with awesome glass. Thats just my thoughts on the process anyway

[PeterJ]

Once you've read a few threads like that and worked out what kind of filters you want the only remaining thing to consider is the size. All your lenses need a 77mm filter, apart from the 16-35 f2.8 II which needs a larger 82mm filter. If you're just looking for protection and weather sealing most people stick with a UV filter, even though as I understand it most DSLR cameras aren't very sensitive to UV so it doesn't make much difference to the image.

That's probably why the B&H list looks so bewildering, there's around half a dozen common filter sizes so you could start by searching for 77mm filters to narrow things down a bit and and then look around at what particular kinds of filters achieve. Circular polarizing and ND (neutral density) are worth taking a look into, but unlike a UV filter aren't something you'd leave on all the time.

Edit - I missed the 50mm f1.4, that's a 58mm filter size.

[Dylan777]

I was in your situation few months ago, since I started buying some "L" lenses. I asked the same question and took great advices from CRs members. I ended up with 3 B+W filters.

For me...I like B+W - 77mm #007M Protection Clear MRC (Multi-Resistant Coating) Filter most. Guess what...that was a RIGHT decision. B&W filters are much more solid and SO CLEAR.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=B%2BW+-+77mm+%23007M+Protection+Clear+MRC+%28Multi-Resistant+Coating%29+Filter&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

[handsomerob]

+1 for B+W filters. They are the best.

[sammy]

+2 for B+W. I use their UV filters, I hadn't heard of the clear filter before but will take a look for my next lens purchase.

[RC]

All my lens have B&W UV filters.  They are always on my lens for simply lens protection (obviously they come off if I'm using a ND or polarizer).  I realize I'm probably in the minority here.  Also, in the case of my 16-35, its to complete the weather sealing.  Whatever you do, don't skimp on filters--a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

[m3tek44]

+3 B+W filters.  All my lens has B+W filter on them and you can see which lens I have..... They are smooth as silk.  Only downside is they are little more $$ but I personally think you get what you pay for.   

Good luck!

[awinphoto]

Just be sure you get the right B+W filter... remember they have the low end $20-30 UV filters as well as mid grade and high end... I'll let you guys debate to you're blue in the face the effects and different effects a single UV filter does and if it really is only good for protection only (especially in the digital age)...  I'd gander perhaps the top of the line Hoya's and Tiffens and B+W's would be pretty damn close, but it's the low end and the plethora of low end's that give each a bad name...

[Mendolera]

+4 fow B+W.. not only is the glass and coatings better quality but even the threading onto the canon lens seem that much better..

That being said i have a Tiffen CP for my 24-105 and its very nice

[cheeseheadsaint]

just ordered the 70-200mm f2.8 is yesterday and i ordered the 77mm B+W UV protective filter MRC.

(and copying and pasting what i said on a different filter thread -not the one linked in this thread)

 When I first got into photography, I tried to research as much as I could and one thing was filters. I read about Tiffen, to Hoya to B+W and pricy Heliopan. In the end I went with B+W because I didn't want to compromise the image quality or budget any more than I needed to. I didn't go with Hoya because I read that they were harder to clean and their aluminum ring sometimes make it hard to take on and off. B+W and I think Heliopan use brass rings.

But no matter what filter you get, make sure you it has multi-coating. B+W has both non multi-coated and multi-coated. double check! (almost made this mistake)

and the only reason i took uv over the clear protective filter was because UV was cheaper.

[RC]

Just be sure you get the right B+W filter... remember they have the low end $20-30 UV filters as well as mid grade and high end....

 Good point, B&W MRC 010M

http://www.amazon.com/77mm-Clear-Haze-Multi-Resistant-Coating/dp/B0000BZLBQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3SW0O1B96GVII&colid=2HR5MX1GAD73F

https://www.schneideroptics.com/Ecommerce/CatalogSubCategoryDisplay.aspx?CID=57

...I'd recommend a B+W MRC or Nano coat...

Thank N.

[neuroanatomist]

I use B+W MRC UV filters on all of my lenses.

[JR]

I use B+W MRC UV filters on all of my lenses.

+1.  You cant go wrong with B+W filters.