 BetterPhoto Member |
Filter Quality I have a S9000 which lens is 58mm in diameter. I'll probably buy a Canon EOS30D sometime in the future. If I buy a filter for my S9000, say a polarizing filter, I'm guessing the chances are good that it won't fit on any Canon lenses I'll get. So what are my options? Re-buying the filter wouldn't be so bad if they didn't cost a lot... That being said, do filters cost a lot? Is there much quality difference between them?
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robert G. Fately |
Matthew, since different lenses may have different front diameters and require different filters, your first thought should be what lens(es) you will probably want to use with the Canon. If you think you will be buying the new gear rlatively soon, then one approach could be to get a filter that will eventually fit the Canon lens and for now get a so-called "step-up" ring - this is basically an adapter that will allow you to use a, say, 62M diameter filter on a 58MM threaded lens front. You will need to get a circular polarizing filter (basically the only type made today, but before the age of auto-focus cameras the polarizers were linear - these might interfere with the auto-focus mechanism nowadays). Prices can very widely; ostensibly the better brands (B+W, heliopan) use better glass than the less costly ones (Hoya, Tiffen) and also usually have brass rings rather than plastic. Then there are some specialty polarizers that can add a warning touch (Singh-Ray, Moose Peterson) which cost a bit more. You can shop a bit online to get a sense of pricing - B&H Photo in New York is well stocked and highly reputable - they're at www.bhphotovideo.com. Hope that helps...
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BetterPhoto Member |
I went to a local camera store and asked the clerk the same question. He recommended the same. I also asked when would I want to use a circular polarizing filter. I've heard of these boards that it's great for reducing glare, et al, like when you're shooting through a window; however, the clerk said you should only use one when out on the water or when shooting buildings. Which is which?
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robert G. Fately |
A polarizing filter can reduce glare, be it from a water surface or a window. The effect depends on the angle of the light source (sun) to the subject to you, along with the orientation of the filter itself. That is, polarizing filters have rigns that allow you to rotate them after they are screwed onto the lens front. If you put your camera on a tripod and rotate the polarizer with the camera held still, you will see the effect it can give. Since it darkens the sky, the clouds "pop" more against a deeper hue of blue. Again, this depends on where the sun is relative to where you are aiming, but you can experiment. Likewise, if you aim at a window surface and rotate the filter you can see the glare subside - perhaps not completely but often quite a bit. In general, polarizers can help to saturate colors when the lighting is bright, particularly outdoors, as well as reduce glare (which in turn makes contrast better).
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