Filter choises

Michael T

Michael T

Well-known member
Hi guys, if money is not the issue and quality rules, is Hoya or B&W filters any better

than Tiffen. There more expensive but that does not always mean better quality. I dont

believe in any filters if there not needed but I understand they are sometimes so I want

the best the first time. I'm going to buy a set of ND and circular polarizer because I

shoot outside some but most of my shooting will be headshots at medium closeups

range so is there a filter that one would use to enhance for inside well lit close up work?

Oh I just bought my HVX200 and so far love it.

Thanks
 
B+W and Heliopan are made from German Schott glass. Hoya and Tiffen are no doubt equally good glass. As long as the glass is truly flat and encased in a solidly made metal frame (that won't distort) then theoretically it will be no different.

But (and only from my experience as a commercial still photographer) the coating on the glass surface is important. The German filters are very expensive if they are multi-coated. Hoya's coatings (HMC) are really good (don't have a lot of experience with Tiffen).

Coating will reduce flare considerably (which is why lenses are coated) and it's probably not a good idea to put a non-coated filter (adding another glass element) on a high quality coated lens.

As far as "not believing in any filters if not needed" you might consider a good multi-coated UV or Skylight (very slight warming) filter on the lens to protect the lens itself from dirt, damage, etc.. A lot cheaper to replace a filter than the front element of a lens.

Just my opinion.
 
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