Using individual filters? Always choose a large size.
Wednesday 19 July 2023, 20:02 by Nando Harmsen | 2,662 views | 4 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Do you have several lenses with different filter sizes? Then you would have to buy one of every filter you want to use for each filter size. Do you use individual filters? Always choose a very large filter size as standard.
It is a waste of money if you have to buy a polarising filter or ND filter separately for each lens. This is the risk when you buy a filter that exactly matches the filter size of your lens. If you have another lens with a different filter size, it will not fit.
To give an example, suppose you have a lens with a 62mm filter size. You want to buy a variable ND filter for it, because you often use it for video. You can then choose a variable ND filter with this filter size.
If you then use another lens with a 72mm filter size, this variable ND filter will not fit. You will have to buy another one, with a filter size that matches that lens. Suddenly you have two expensive filters. Suppose you have a third lens as well.
The alternative is a filter system. A filter holder, together with a filter that fits into it and a set of adapter rings with different filter sizes. However, that can become expensive, and it is bulky to use. It is not practical if you always use just one type of filter.
A much better alternative is step-up rings. They turn your smaller filter size into a larger one. This means you can use a filter with a large filter size on any lens with a smaller size. And the good thing is that these rings are not even expensive.
Do you use a polarising filter or ND filter? And do you not want to carry a complete filter system around? Then choose a filter with a large filter size. I think 82mm is a good size, but 86mm would work too. Buy a set of step-up rings with it, so you can use that one filter on all your other lenses.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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4 comments
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Peter van de Kerkhof wrote on Thursday 20 July 2023 at 12:51 | replyGood idea, still a few comments
Translated from Dutch.
1) If one starts with a lens, then you don't have that future insight yet. Maybe this article can help with that
2) As soon as you have to use 2 (or more) step-up rings (X times 5mm), your lens hood probably won't fit anymore.
3) Would like to see a study on what it does to the amount of light entering with multiple setup rings because your filter is then further away from your lens front element.
Doesn't change the fact that I also use step-up rings with my lenses. Good idea!
One step-down ring on a zoom lens and zoomed in a little, works too -
Nando
wrote on Thursday 20 July 2023 at 13:42
| reply
For point 1 I can say the following. If you start with filters, you could think about what the consequence will be if you buy another lens. The same applies to other things, such as a camera bag. Do you buy one that fits your camera with lens attached, or do you provide some extra room for growth?
Translated from Dutch.
As for point 2, why would you use multiple step-up rings? Of course you choose the size that is suitable for your lens. So not a 67mm to 72mm, and then another one from 72mm to 77mm, and a third from 77mm to 82mm. You buy the 67mm to 82mm one directly. If you want to put the lens cap back on, remove the filter (including the step-up ring). Or you buy an extra lens cap for that size. This also solves point 3. -
Donald Willemsen wrote on Tuesday 25 July 2023 at 14:58 | replyNando, it has been a while since I switched to the HAIDA M10 filter system. That is your fault
Translated from Dutch. . I bought a complete kit with a few extra adapter rings so I can use them on all my lenses. Your recommendation was good advice, because I am happy with it. It is an excellent system. Before that I used Cokin's 30-year-old system with those plastic filters. Then you are really talking about 'going from hell to heaven'. -
Paul wrote on Tuesday 25 July 2023 at 18:10 | replyInformative as always, but I find an 82 mm filter on a 67 mm a rather awkward thing. Lens caps have already been mentioned, but I find it much worse that a lens hood no longer fits. And putting a standard round rubber lens hood on it isn't the best solution either. Then no filter, or only one for your most-used size.
Translated from Dutch.
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