The best lenses of all camera brands...

inSANe DIEGO · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

...are the ones that work!

Okay, now that I got that out of the way... I've been noticing a lot lately (on and off the forum) that common questions people ask are, "What lens is better? Is this lens any good? etc..." It's perfectly fine to be asking these questions because most quality lenses can cost more than a DLSR body alone.

HOWEVER, if you find yourself asking, "What lens is better than one of comparable "size" that I may already have", ask yourself this. "Do I have a polarizer?" Specifically a Circular Polarizer (CP). I've seen many shots on here that could use a polarizing filter to set them off and a few that are begging for one. Before going out and shopping for a "duplicate" $1K+ lens in hopes of getting better images consider getting a circular polarizer. The cost (average seems to be about $60) is a fraction of the cost of a new lens and the difference in image wow factor can be HUGE.

I recommend sticking with the better known name brands such as B+W, Tiffen, and Hoya. Spend the extra on a filter that is multicoated. Make sure the filter has a ring that allows it to spin and make sure it has thread on BOTH sides to allow you to attach other filters, screw on hoods, etc. Some even have a line on the ring that makes it simple to operate- just rotate the ring so the line is pointing toward the sun. I've heard that Ritz and Calumet filters are both made by Hoya. While I haven't tested nor found any test results on those filters, keep in mind that Hoya does make a bottom of the barrel line of filters and I'd recommend staying away from those as they are not multicoated, etc. So.. which filters do the chains use to put their names on and sell at a "discount"? Your guess is as good as mine, but somebody has to make $$$ somewhere, right.

One trick I have found to be nice is to buy a filter the size of your biggest lens. In my case that's a 67mm thread dia. Then buy stepping rings to adapt that filter to your smaller lenses. In my case I have a 52mm to 67mm ring. This allows you to purchase only one set of filters to use with all of your lenses.

So how big of a difference can/does a CP make? The shots below were taken in the morning before work just seconds apart.

Another plus to having a CP is that it knocks the exposure down 2 stops (from what I've read online though I think it's more like 2/3 of a stop). That can mean opening up to a lower f-number for a shallower depth of field. To go even more open you can add a neutral density filter (ND), but that's a topic for another thread!!!

Go SHOOT!!!

Lburk · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

I was recently shooting in Balboa Park. While doing so I started speaking with a gentleman who apparently owns a photography company. He had 2 shooters there working a large wedding and a Rolls-Royce that formerly belonged to the late Walter Payton. The first words out of his mouth to me were, "Where's your polarizer?" This got my brother and I talking to him for a little while. I can't remember his name (but funny I remember the car, go figure) to save my life, but those 10 minutes made a difference in my photos today with the polarizer. He also echoed what I was taught early on, "Make the best photo up front, not with photoshop. Use PS to ehance ot modify scenes but make the photo count." I now have CP's to fit all of my lenses. Now with all of that said...

What kind of filters are being used by this group. Screw on, drop-in...? I would be interested to know because I am seriously considering abandoning screw in type filters for the drop-in type.

Ty · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Great topic and great examples. The only time I shoot without a polarizer is if I'm shooting indoors and need the extra light. Spend the money on good filters - you will regret it if you don't. For those attending the lens workshop next weekend, we'll be covering this topic. I even have polarizers for my point and shoot camera which fortunately has a thread for filters on the lens. The majority of my filters are B+W.

Ody · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

I recently invested in a CP. It's spurred me to try different things in photography. It adds a bit of excitement to outdoor photographic opportunities.

*Nick Ruiz* · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

I think Im using HOYA but will double check later. After using Ty's B&W CP Im not even sure why I skimped out on that purchase. Here we have $1,200+ Lenses and do it for the best photo quality possible and then we go and stick on a cheap excuse of a filter downgrading our investments. Ebay here I come.....

inSANe DIEGO · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

LBurk- I've only had experience with screw type filters.

Ody- If you catch the light just right a CP has an xray camera-like effect!!

inSANe DIEGO · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Ruiz

I think Im using HOYA but will double check later. After using Ty's B&W CP Im not even sure why I skimped out on that purchase. Here we have $1,200+ Lenses and do it for the best photo quality possible and then we go and stick on a cheap excuse of a filter downgrading our investments. Ebay here I come.....

My example shots were taken with a Hoya multicoated CP. Even with it being close to their top of the line filter, I can still see some image degradation. It's minor (still less than the difference between consumer and pro glass), but since I figured out how to spot it, I see it in many of my shots that are similar. Overall, it's better than not having one. From now on for me it's B+W when I run out of other things to purchase or if replacements are needed.

*Nick Ruiz* · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by inSANe DIEGO

Ody- If you catch the light just right a CP has an xray camera-like effect!!

Note to self "Do not wear thin clothes near John when he's using a CP"

inSANe DIEGO · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

Too late.

Don't worry, it's not a big deal.

Ty · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008

John...not a big deal? Don't say that to Nick...he has low self esteem as is...

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