Stacking Filters: Is It OK? - Photography QnA at BetterPhoto.com

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Amber Stephens
BetterPhoto Member

member since: 7/11/2005

Stacking Filters: Is It OK?


	Lake Cumberland 2 1/100, f/7.1, ISO 100, 28mm, Circular Polarizer © Amber Stephens Canon EOS Digital ...

Can you use more than one filter at one time? In this photo, I only used a circular polarizer to enhance the water, but the lake and trees still show up hazy (it was a very hot and humid day). Could I have used the UV filter at the same time? If so, which should go on first--or does it matter?

7/31/2006 7:53:45 AM

Bob Fately

member since: 4/11/2001

Amber, there's no rule that says you can't use multiple filters, but there are some potential issues to consider:
First, there is a chance for more flare to occur, as each fulter adds two air/glass interfaces.
Second is the (minor) chance of increasing optical distortion - if you use top-quality filters like B+W, then you should be OK, but less-expensive filters may not be as perfectly flat and thus can cause some distortion on their own. Adding more filters just multiplies the effect.
Third is the possibility of vignetting - that is, having the corners go dark because the filter rings themselves extend far enough to get caught in the picture. Now this is only an issue when you use very wide-angle lenses (like 24mm or less on a 35mm film camera), so if you're using normal or tele lenses or have a DSLR with a crop factor this is very unlikely.
If you do decide on multiple filters, I'd put the polarizer on top.

7/31/2006 9:58:08 AM

Samuel Smith
BetterPhoto Member

member since: 1/21/2004

different time of day would be nice?
look for the light, not the filters>

7/31/2006 8:36:45 PM

anonymous A.

member since: 9/19/2005

It's not only OK, Amber, it's normal. Cokin style filter holders come with multiple slots just so you can add several filters at the same time. And while Bob's points are quite valid, it is a very good idea to leave a UV filter permanently in place. Scratches or other damage to the front element of your lens are a major expense, but a UV filter is (relatively) cheap to replace. Any other filter can then be placed on top of the UV.

8/1/2006 11:56:32 PM

Amber Stephens
BetterPhoto Member

member since: 7/11/2005

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond. I am a teacher and just got back into school, so I haven't had a chance to respond to your answers. Thanks so much!

8/20/2006 8:25:41 AM

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BetterPhoto Q&A Category: New Questions

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Category: New Questions