Filters

L

Lor

Well-known member
It seemed that the 4"x4" or 4"x5.6" for matte box filers are double or triple the cost of a regular lens filter e.g. 52mm, 58mm, and 77mm. It turns out that if I buy three sets of ND filters 2x, 6x, and 8x, it would cost about $200 for 52mm, 58mm, and 77mm lens. Does this sounds like a better route to go?

What's the difference, or if there is any significant advantages of the regular ND glass filter versus HT (high transmission) and Multi Coated glass by Tiffen? I'm shooting with HD camera, do I need an HT or multi coated glass? Or is this just a comercial/advertisement hype?
 
Hi Lor,

What you are looking at in 4x4 and 4x5.6 are generally true professional filters made for the film industry by the likes of Tiffen and Schneider. General these types of filters are made of White Crystal Glass and manufactured to very exact specifications. Also remember that a 4"x4" filter is quite large when compared to a circular 52 or 58mm filter. They are really made for professional film and video production. You can also get screw on filters in the same brands, but you will pay a premium due to the quality of the product.

On the opposite side the have the like of Hoya, Cokin, B&W plus a varity of other brands which make a range of filters of varing qualities and coatings. Generally made for the boom in 35mm and medium format still photography and to the more recent digital still and video camera's.

What is the difference. Well as stated, Schneider use White Crystal Glass for their filters for the most part.

Advantages of regular ND over HT and Multi Coated filters. The better the coating of the filter the better the light transmission factor. In other words the higher the transmission rate (100%) passes throught the filter and through the lens. Now you never get the 100%, but the better qualty coating HMC, etc the better light transmission quality of the filter. Its a bit like the old adage "You get what you pay for".

That isn't to say that there is anything wrong with those brands, the likes of Hoya and some other brands that escape me do a very good job for amount you pay.

And no it is not commercial advertising hype. The other thing to remember is that experience in the industry as well. You could easily use a Hoya HMC filter on projects as you start to learn, and as you gain experience you will choose different types of filters to add to your kit as your knowledge grows.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top