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06/04/2014 03:20:35 PM · #1 |
I realize now that I need a good polarizing filter but I have a couple of questions that maybe you smart folks can help me with.
Can I buy just one nice polarizing filter sized to fit my largest lens and then buy a stepdown ring kit and use that same filter on all my lenses? Or does the mechanics of a polarizing filter now work correctly when used with stepdown rings?
Also if it will work with stepdown rings is there a limit to the number of rings that will work? I realize that too many rings will protrude out from the lens and might cause problems with wide angle lenses but regardless of that issue is there a point in which a smaller filter sized lens won't work on a polarizer made for a larger lens?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated. |
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06/04/2014 03:45:20 PM · #2 |
You can do that...but I wouldn't go from 77mm to 49mm or anything like that. But 77 to 62, sure. It will be awkward, and you definitely won't be using a lens hood.
Also, as you noted, the further away from the lens the polarizer is, the more likely you are to have vignetting. But also, more potential reflections between the polarizer and the lens. So I wouldn't use too many step down rings.
I recommend B+W MRC filters...more money, but really worth it. Well made, and uses the best glass. (Heliopan too, which is made by Zeiss, but they make B+W filters look inexpensive.)
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06/04/2014 04:08:01 PM · #3 |
| The filter question is indeed polarising. I'll come down on the no side. Or was that yes? It's not in the middle. |
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06/04/2014 04:09:27 PM · #4 |
| Yes, one polarizer and step down rings will work fine. There's no reason to use more than one step-down ring. They're very cheap, and you'll just need one for each size you need (77mm to 72mm or whatever). It's just a hollow metal ring to adapt the filter thread size and doesn't affect the polarizer itself in any way. You could use a huge polarizer on a small lens, but it would be silly to do so since a decent polarizer for that smaller lens is probably $50 or less. I have high end Heliopan, B+W and Hoya filters, and frankly I couldn't tell the difference between them. |
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06/04/2014 04:12:44 PM · #5 |
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06/04/2014 04:45:18 PM · #6 |
To add to what Shannon said, I normally just leave the step ring attached to the (smaller) lens and use the larger lens cap size. That way, I never have to go digging for the step-down ring. I only do this for moderate steps, e.g 67 to 77.
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06/04/2014 04:51:29 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
I normally just leave the step ring attached to the (smaller) lens and use the larger lens cap size. That way, I never have to go digging for the step-down ring. |
Same here. BTW, if the size(s) you need happens to be 62-77mm, 72-77mm or 52-72mm, let me know. I got those from a filter purchase years ago, and they're useless to me. You're welcome to them for cost of shipping. |
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06/04/2014 11:50:30 PM · #8 |
| Make sure you purchase a CIRCULAR polariser, not by shape but by type. |
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06/04/2014 11:59:33 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by kiwinick:
Make sure you purchase a CIRCULAR polariser, not by shape but by type. |
I think a linear polarizer will work if you are not using the auto-focus feature -- it can interfere with that function.
I have used a linear and circular polarizer together as a variable neutral-density filter. |
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