UV Filter...what to get?

S

soulesschild

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Feb 18, 2007
Messages
6,176
Hey guys, before we start the whole debate on the use of UV filters, I'm gonna say that I'm going to the beach to take some beach/water shots. So I'd like a UV filter as to not own my lense (though not expensive) with water/sand.

I currently own a 18-55mm and a 55-200mm lense on the nikon and I want some UV filters. I'm not sure what exactly all the numbers mean

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-Defini...?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224230052&sr=1-12

What exactly does the 67mm mean? And why is it SO cheap compared to other filters? There's a nikon one for like 70 bucks, a sigma one for like 50ish. And this one's like 10 bucks....o_O?
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
67mm is the width of the filter. If you buy a filter that is too small or too big for your lens, it won't fit. As for the cost, it has to do with the quality of the glass and any coatings they apply to it. Higher-quality UV filters will transmit more light (i.e: 99% instead of 97%) and their coatings will help to reduce lens flares and internal reflections. Some are more durable or easier to clean, etc.
 
If you are taking beach/water/sky pics you may want to also think about a circular polarizer.

My advice to you is to start with a cheaper Hoya UV or CP filter, no need for a more expensive thin one which are needed on expensive glass. The main purpose most people use the UV is just for protection anyway.

The circular polarizer can make a big difference on outside pics as well, and are not too expensive but still more than regular UV.
 
For beach shots I would get a cheap Hoya CPL to cut down on the reflections of the ocean and saturate the sky. Also as for a UV filter, I would actually get a decent one. Maybe a used B+W just because crappy UV filter can degrade image quality.
 
Any personal recommendations? I saw a few Hoya's and stuff on amazon but wasn't sure which width to get that would fit the nikon lenses :[ Yes I'm a total newb :[
 
Look on the lens or the hood if it has one there will be a number on with a o with a line through it. That is the filter size. If it is the 18-55 kit lens then the filter size is 52mm BTW. I would still get the Circular Polarizer over the UV it is much more useful. I use Hoya or B+W filters myself. For lens protection I use the Nikon clears they are multicoated to kill reflection.
 
Joves said:
Look on the lens or the hood if it has one there will be a number on with a o with a line through it. That is the filter size. If it is the 18-55 kit lens then the filter size is 52mm BTW. I would still get the Circular Polarizer over the UV it is much more useful. I use Hoya or B+W filters myself. For lens protection I use the Nikon clears they are multicoated to kill reflection.
Click to expand...

http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-52MM-Cir...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224285118&sr=8-2

That one for the 18-55mm? Would it fit well on the 55-200mm?
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Well then they both use the same filter size. If you look inside the lens cap it will tell you the diameter
 
soulesschild said:
http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-52MM-Cir...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1224285118&sr=8-2

That one for the 18-55mm? Would it fit well on the 55-200mm?
Click to expand...

No it would not.

You need 58mm for both. If you are going to be removing and putting a UV filter on both then don't bother getting one get two and leave them on permanently. If its a CPL get one 58mm one and you should be good, but take off the UV before putting in the CPL.

I'd just get lens hoods to protect your glass, but since these are kit lenses, a UV filter isn't going to affect them very much.

OH one other point. Don't spend a lot of money on the UV filters for these lenses, it's not worth it.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top