Screw in Filters.

[Craig Sperring]

Hi all...

I have been thinking about getting some filter sets like Polarising filtes, star bursts etc.
The thing is do i go for the cokin fit or do i go on for the screw in to the lens fit?

I know that with the screw in fit you can practically only use one filter at a time ( i know you can, on some makes, screw filter to filter) but to be honest i would only really be using one at a time.

Has anyone had any experience with screw in to the lens fit?

Thank you in advance...
Craig

 

[Pete Askew]

I think a mix would be best. I would buy a screw-in circular polariser for the most common thread you have and I would invest in a good one if you can (eg, B+W - B + W Filters - Filters for Digital and Analog Photography). But for graduated neutral density and effects filters I would go with a Cokin-style holder. My preference is for Lee filters (LEE Filters - Masters of light) but I use them on a mixture of formats, along with their hood system, and they get used for technical imaging (mainly colour correction and straight ND) so earn their keep. With the appropriate holder you can stack filters easily like this. While you can also screw on multiple filters, depending on the focal length of the lens, you can cause some vignetting of the image. I wouldn't spend a lot on things like star-burst etc as I suspect you will tire of the effect quite quickly and only use it occasionally. Graduated neutral density filters would be useful and maybe even some graduated colour filters would be good to have.

 

[Craig Sperring]

Hi Pete,
I see what your saying
I don't have any filters as of yet as my photography has mainly been portraiture but i think its time i splashed out a bit and got some standard filters in the kit bag.

I think a ND Grad, Polariser, Star Burst (for that one off shot), etc. etc.

I think i may opt for like you suggest a mixture of both.
Time to hit some websites and see what i can pick up!

Thank you for your great advice pete.
Very much appreciated.
Craig

 

[Adam Lewis]

I know it's not exactly what you're after, but for the experience of them, I use those macro screw in filters, I think I've got a +1, +2, +4 and a +10 diopter , (I use the +4 for the lego shots). I however do but cheap things and only buy branded if its essential, and the 4 filters were £12 I think in total, and then screw into each other.
I have however ordered branded in the past and couldn't find much of a difference for price.
One thing to be wary of, is missing the threads, on a number of times I've been spinning my filters round on the glass of my lens ...

I've also got a (cheapy) UV filter screwed into a (cheapy) lens hood, simply to use as a waterproofer in the rain .

Obviously the problem with cheap stuff is cheap glass, but obviously for my purposes, it doesn't matter too much.
But I will say that if these filters were going to be something used a lot, i'd definitely buy some more expensive glass.

Hope this is some help (though it isnt really applicable to your needsl)
Adam

 

[Craig Sperring]

Hi Adam,
Thank you for the great advice.
I'll certainly take that onboard!

I think i will do it in stages, polarising filter first i think and maybe a star burst for the christmas period.
The problem i can see with this though is the fact i may have to get the cokin stylee fit as i would prob want to use these both at the same time.

Thank you again for the sound advice which i have taken onboard.
Craig