1 Large filter or many smaller ones

K

Kastro

Well-known member
Hello All,

I was wondering if there were any disadvantages to having 1 large filter and using step up rings vs a filter for each size lens that I have. I was considering - http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Anodized-49-52mm-52-55mm-55-58mm/dp/B001G445Q4 and then getting 77mm filters. I'd probably want to get some filters for WA (or whatever I find as the min before vignetting) instead of using the step ups. So that way I could just get UV/Skylight fighters to protect the lens, but wouldn't have to spend a lot more for ND's or polarizers for each size.

I'd just like some opinions on my thought process to see if that makes sense or not. Or if there is some other option I should consider, like Matteboxes 'n such (knowing thats a bit pricey).

Thanks ahead of time :)
 
One filter size to rule them all. That's the way to go.

I use 77mm filters on all my lenses, with step-up rings, and have never had any issues whatsoever.
 
Large filters and step-up rings are definitely the way to go. I also went with 77mm and I don't regret it even though the decision played a minor role in my decision to buy the 17-40 f/4 (77mm) over the 16-35 f/2.8 (82mm).
 
Your link is for various step-up ring combinations. What you'll want to buy are step-up rings that go from your lens' filter sizes to 77mm (or whatever size you choose). They are very cheap on Ebay.

I've also found Canon-like hoods that are made for particular lenses on Ebay for a fraction of the price Canon charges. But if you just want a 77mm hood, you can get a rubber hood or a petal hood. However, vignetting may occur because the hood was not made for the lens with which it's being used.
 
Jordan_S said:
Your link is for various step-up ring combinations. What you'll want to buy are step-up rings that go from your lens' filter sizes to 77mm (or whatever size you choose). They are very cheap on Ebay.

I've also found Canon-like hoods that are made for particular lenses on Ebay for a fraction of the price Canon charges. But if you just want a 77mm hood, you can get a rubber hood or a petal hood. However, vignetting may occur because the hood was not made for the lens with which it's being used.
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I figured if i got the pack of rings it would adapt to the various lens threads I have and I could just remove the smaller ones when I dont need it. That way I dont have to buy a ring each time I get a new lens. Hopefully that is correct.

@ hoods, I guess rubber would suffice. I figure i'd just need a little shade for now.
 
+1 on the 77mm filter and step up rings.

You mention UV or skylight filter. I would recommend a multi coated UV filter. I picked up one made by Horseman (you can often find these re-branded as rodenstock for around 10% more)
 
I've been shooting commercial stills professionally for about 18 years, video for 4 or so... one thing you really don't need is a UV filter - even very old lenses have enough coating to make UV unnecessary (IMHO of course...) What you do want to consider is a polarizer; it's a much more effective version of what a "uv filter" claims to do.

I'd also make a strong case for going with a matte box and square filters - though if money is tight, the step-up system can work; I just find that a huge hassle when you're on the clock or trying to work fast.
 
makes sense.. For now I'll settle with the step-up untill I've acquired enough to fund a matte box setup. Thanks for all the advice so far.
 
Depending on what types of filters your looking for, and if rotating them isnt a big deal (for circular polarizers, gradients, etc.) I would go for a mattebox. Check out the Indiematte mattebox at indisystem. Its only $350, or check out the proaim ones, they are a bit more expensive, but they will eliminate lens flares, hold your one size fits all filters, and they will (for better or for worse) make your rig look a lot more professional to prospective clients.
 
twotonepunkkid said:
Depending on what types of filters your looking for, and if rotating them isnt a big deal (for circular polarizers, gradients, etc.) I would go for a mattebox. Check out the Indiematte mattebox at indisystem. Its only $350, or check out the proaim ones, they are a bit more expensive, but they will eliminate lens flares, hold your one size fits all filters, and they will (for better or for worse) make your rig look a lot more professional to prospective clients.
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Keep in mind this gets you into pricey filter territory; I tested some really cheap circular eBay chinese NDs & grads (with Canon DSLR video) and I really didn't see a loss of sharpness - I didn't do test charts or anything - for stills you may see some issues. I've spent something like $600 on 4x4 filters this year, and still only have a polarizer, a few levels of ND, and a grad or two. Add the matte box and you're in for a grand already.

For now I have an Indian matte box (Cine City style) and it's decent - it does have a rotating filter stage and a static one, so you should be able to find an affordable box that rotates. No swing-away, and the flags are a little funky - not a super-positive lock-onto the main hood, and the big top flag won't stay "up" unless the sides are in place. If you get one, you'll find the main hood section is all you need most of the time.

That also means purchasing a rod system (I really wouldn't go with the screws-on-your-lens style, kind of defeats the reason you'd get away from various filter sizes). If you're just starting out or money is tight, try a couple cheap circular filters and do some tests for sharpness/distortion. You probably don't want to sink a fortune into circular filters if you're serious about going 4x4 someday. And there's plenty of used name-brand stuff out there to.
 
I'm starting to realize that in bright sunny exteriors I will always need a strong ND to avoid changing my shutter, but I wouldn't like to stop using a polarizer.

Is there anything small and practical that allows two regular filters to be stacked toguether? I wouldn't like to get a big mattebox... just a little thing would be awesome. Put the ND inside and the polarizer on the outside.

Any side effects? Flaring, unable to use hoods?
 
step up rings. if you have a B camera you may want to consider buying 2 and step up rings so you can use both on two cameras. for instance most of my lenses are 52mm, 72mm, 77mm, 67mm, and 58mm lenses, so i bought 67-77, 72-77 step up rings and 77mm filters as well as 52-58 step up ring and 58mm filters so i can use them all at once if im clever with which lens is on which camera.

also have 4x4 filters for the matteboxes but obviously they are different.
 
Iudex said:
I'm starting to realize that in bright sunny exteriors I will always need a strong ND to avoid changing my shutter, but I wouldn't like to stop using a polarizer.

Is there anything small and practical that allows two regular filters to be stacked toguether? I wouldn't like to get a big mattebox... just a little thing would be awesome. Put the ND inside and the polarizer on the outside.

Any side effects? Flaring, unable to use hoods?
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Look at the Lee or Cokin filter holders and systems. Lee holders use standard 4x4 filters, which as mentioned are more expensive but the good ones will serve you as long as you're using some kind of camera. The Cokin system has it's own unique size - you can get cheap or good filters for it, but may have a harder time getting rid of exxpensive cokin sized filters later compared to 4x4s.
 
Those look nice but I guess I won't be able to use hoods...

Do crazy filter factor standard screw circular polarizer filters exist? 3 and 6 stops reduction, for example.
 
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