Filters - How do I tell ......

[Kathy Leonard]

As filters seem to be in sizes such as 52mm, 58mm etc, where should I be looking to find out what size I need.

I currently only have the lens that came with the camera as a kit, it's a Canon EOS 450D with an 18-55mm lens, & am looking around for both a UV & Polarised filter. I've found this no easy task as some places say the 52mm is the one I want and others the 58mm, so I've been advised to look at what it says on the lens. Yeah right... at the moment that's like entering the twilight zone.. lol.

If someone could tell me where I'm to look, and how to recognise the size I need, it would be very much appreciated... Us beginners sure do have a lot to learn...

K

[PhilipHowe]

Kathy, bring the lense with you tonight!

Filter diameter for a particular lens is commonly identified on the lens face by the ligature "ø". For example, a lens marking may indicate "ø 55mm."

Hope that helps.

[Paul Jones]

This website gives more info....

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutori ... ilters.htm

See the last section - NOTES ON CHOOSING A FILTER SIZE FOR A CAMERA LENS

[kevinlowe]

Hi Kathy,

I've got the 400D with the 18-55mm kit lens, and mine takes a 58mm. The size (on mine) is on the front of the lens. As Paul says, it's the number next to the "ø" symbol.

[John]

With digital photography it's debateable whether we need any filters as all the effects can be covered by the camera or in Photoshop. The polariser is an exception and there is still a case for using these where needed.

UV filters for lens protection may be an idea if there's salt spray around, but otherwise when there's an impact they can shatter and damage the front element of the lens.

The best lens protector is the lens hood, especially plastic ones that will absorb some energy under impact.

[Paul Jones]

I currently only have the lens that came with the camera as a kit, it's a Canon EOS 450D with an 18-55mm lens, & am looking around for both a UV & Polarised filter.

John makes a valid point.

Kathy - what has made you think that you need a polariser and UV filter? Do you know what a polariser does?

[Kathy Leonard]

Reasoning is planning a trip with son as he wants to have a go at photos of water .. not sure when it's going to be but a couple of cheap filters to experiment with wont hurt. He's got this thing at the mo where he's after trying to photograph the elements... & when he comes up to visit it's a bit of fun. With luck the weather will be dry, the sun will put in an appearance.. just for effect, and I won't need thermals to step out the door...

[Des]

Hi Kathy,
If you are going to take Water shots pick a day when the sun will not shine.
Des.

[jonbeeza]

Pity I did not know this before I bought My polariser and other little bits. When I told the fella in Jessops that my images were not that good, he said a polariser will sort out the problem. Pity he did not simply tell me to alter the camera setting, but there again I should have read the manual

[PhilipHowe]

Jon,

I have a UV filter permanently attached to all of my lenses and I always use a lens hood. I also always use a CPL filter where I can, as I like the increase in contrast. For all studio shots with studio lights, I almost always use my CPL to increase the contrast and I feel it gives a better seperation between the model and a backdrop.

I did once have a cheap UV filter (couple of quid online) and it gave all the photos a creamy contrast, not quite yellow. A Hoya branded one sorted that out.

It may be rubbish, but then again some people won't walk under ladders.

I'm not a landscape photographer, but have used my CPL to try and photograph water and it was ok.

[Kathy Leonard]

Thanks all... help is always appreciated.