Novice lens/filter question?

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advnturer

Senior Member
I am just starting out in DSLR photography. I have a D3300 and just picked up a AF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED to use as my walk around lens. The majority of my photography is wildlife/landscape in and around Colorado. I am trying to determine the best filter(s) to add to my camera bag. prior to my new lens, I have been using a 35mm prime and a 18-140mm DX telephoto with inexpensive polarized filters, but after spending the $$$ on my new lens, I don't want to put a cheap filter that will get in the way of using a better lens.

What filter or filters would you recommend to use with this lens.

Dan

20150705-DSC_0233 1.jpg
 
M

Moab Man

Senior Member
JH Foto said:
You have just spent $$$ on a lens why would you want to put cheap glass in front of it ?
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Advnturer said in his post at the beginning...
advnturer said:
after spending the $$$ on my new lens, I don't want to put a cheap filter that will get in the way of using a better lens.
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Returning to the point of the original poster... We all have our brand favorites, but really any of the name brands will do you well. Often times, within a brand, they will have offer various levels all marked by cost. Buy the best you can afford, but buy from a brand name.
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
JH Foto said:
You miss understand my point, there is no need to have permanent filters on lenses, what is the point ?
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The point is if he marks the front element he has to pay for it not any one else,so depending on working environment a filter can be a good idea,i really don't like the you don't need one or you need one answers,every one needs to make there own mind up.
 
J

J-see

Senior Member
mikew said:
As you know expensive is a relative term,my expensive is pocket money to you:D
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It's for each to decide how much filter is worth each lens. There's little reason to use a 150$ protective filter on a 200$ lens. I myself only use them on my +1k lenses and take a gamble with the rest.
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
If the lens is the one with VR and takes a 77mm filter size, you might want to consider this Circular Polarizer by Hoya. I don't know if it will be discontinued, but it used to cost a lot more. If 77mm isn't the correct size, the other sizes are also offered for great prices. The 77mm costs only $48.80. Plus an advantage of this filter is that it offers a slim profile...which means it will work well for wide angle lenses. Vignetting is a concern when shooting wide angle so slim profile filters work better. Because it offers a slim profile, it isn't as easy to rotate, but slim profile filters are more difficult to find and are usually more expensive in price than non-slim filters. AND it has threads on the front which means you can add your lens cap to it when not shooting.

Hoya 77mm Circular Polarizing Pro 1Digital Multi-Coated XD77CRPL
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
LoL, the age old debate :) (again)! I use filters for effect only, to your question, I like B&W. Read a lot of reviews, some tend to cause slight color casts.
 
R

RON_RIP

Senior Member
Well, to clarify what I said, the only filters I use are circular polarizers and only for the effect that they provide in outdoor shooting. And I prefer the Hoyas, because they fall within my budget better.
 
J

JH Foto

Senior Member
I too use filters but for effect only, I would never in a million years leave one on a lens as a protective measure. As I said I have not damaged a lens in nearly 50 years of owning a camera.....
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
J-see said:
I can show you a nice scratch on my 35mm. That changed my mind about protecting my more expensive ones.
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This is why i say its up to the user,i got something sticky on my zoom the first day out with my D70 and it never completely cleaned off.

Look on ebay and see how much the value drops with a scratched front element,yes cheap filters are a no but some cost twice what each element in the lens costs,but we always get the emotive shout from some one about putting cheap glass in front of an expensive lens,i had a mate that boasted he never used condoms,he ended up at the clinic,its a lottery.
 
A

advnturer

Senior Member
thank you for an interesting discussion. Let me clarify my original question though.

I am asking for advice or even opinion of what filters I should include as starter items for my camera bag. I currently have a cheap ($20 carbonized/plastic) polarized that I plan to replace but also looking for advice or opinions for what other filters are good to have for wildlife and landscape photography. Is ND something useful or is it more specialty or advanced photography? Any others I need to consider?
 
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