Filters

[grey4]

I need no convincing I need a filter, they've saved me in instances of a drop, however do I really need to pay the premium for the B+W Filters? Has anyone had a positive experience with a less expensive filter? 53$ for a 58mm filter just seems a bit steep.

 

[Don Haines]

Hold that cheap filter in front of you, angle it a bit, and then look through. Repeat the test with a quality multicoated filter.... the choice will be obvious.

 

[mpphoto]

I initially went with Hoya filters because they have a decent reputation and were less expensive than B+W. Periodically, I found the Hoyas hard to clean. I saw reviews and comments online from people having the same experience.

I decided to try a more-costly B+W filter and actually did find it easier to clean than a Hoya. I've stuck with B+W since then for UV filters. However, I still buy Hoya ND filters and polarizers. I don't use those often enough to justify the higher cost of B+W.

Based on B&H's pricing, it appears you are looking at the XS-Pro version for $53. I don't know if you need that. Lots of people use the regular MRC version, which is $34.50.

 

[Quasimodo]

If it is only for protection, I have used Kenko Pro 1 digital, and I think they are great. I have tried to shoot with and without to see if there are any quality differences, but I have not found any.

I am actually waiting for one now, as I on a trip to Oxford a couple of weeks ago killed my first filter ever I was putting my bag down carefully at the airport, and somehow the camera had turned in the bag, so the lens (Sigma 35/1.4 Art) was facing down. I heard a crack sound. Opening it right away, I saw that I had broken it, but the glass on the filterwas intact (thus not scraping the front element) but had large cracks, like a V. I am really happy that I used protective glass, and will continue to do so