Filter system vs individuals

Hi all

A couple of days ago I persuaded (hypnotised maybe?) myself that the rumoured Canadian prices increases to Pentax lenses might arrive in the UK and ordered a DA* 50-135 from SRS.

The plan is that it will compliment my 18-55 II kit lens for the moment and eventually I will get 2 new lenses to cover focal lengths from ultra-wide (10/12/14mm) up to 50mm, replacing the kit lens.

I have a polarising filter for my kit lens and now need a second for the 50-135. So the question is, do I invest in a filter kit which will work with both lenses now and all 3 later? Or do I buy individual filters?

I've heard that the Cokin system filters are acrylic not glass, I guess that would mean a drop in quality. Also are there any compromises in using a "one-size-fits-all" system?

To be honest I'll only ever be using polarising and neutral density filters.

Any advice gratefully appreciated, thanks!

The cost and convenience of the Cokin system are very attractive, especially when you consider how much three separate polarisers would be.

Unless you are a professional, or expect to use filters a great deal, I would be inclined to go for the Cokins. They may not be quite as good as the best, but for occasional use they are fine.

Remember you will need the P series.

G

I agree with this.

Personally I use Cokin filters but I don't use them all the time. Lee Filters are one of the best makes for glass filters, but are, as you know, expensive.
Cokin are really good as long as you protect them from scratches and keep them in their cases when not using them.

Paul

Yes, I've used the Cokin P series. Have used filters from Cokin, Kood, and HiTech. All pretty much the same.

ND Grads in this size do tend to suffer from a slight magenta cast (easily corrected in Photoshop of course). I have a Kood polariser that was very cost effect (bought from www.srbfilm.co.uk ) Works as well as any polariser I've ever used!

AFAIK, the Pentax AF system is not fazed by linear polarisers either - so you can take your pick of circular or cheaper linear.

Matt

Thanks for the advice so far.

On occasions I do/will use polarising filters a lot - I'm lucky enough to visit the South of France several times a year. The filter might stay on the camera every day for a week...

Even in the UK, I live close to the sea and quite often put the polariser on.

Maybe individual glass would be worth it in my situation.

One thing to bear in mind that if you go super wide the p series arn't big enough and you get vignetting.The p series are only designed to go as wide as 20mm i think.

I've used a few lenses over the past few years and got sick of buying polarizers for each one so now i just buy stepping rings to save the money.But it's something you can't take to far probably about 5mm to 8mm wider than the filter thread.

Good point. I overlooked the bit about going down to 10mm.

G

Square plastic filters are more fiddly to fit and less easy to clean.

You can get decent quality conventional polarisers and NDs at reasonable prices if you shop around. Try eBay for a start.

A stepping ring can save money when you are able to use a larger filter on a smaller lens. This might even help prevent vignetting in some cases.

It depends on what kind of filter also.
I've the Z-pro from cokin with 3 GNDs, I wouldn't want to trade them for a fixed horizon that you get with screw-in GNDs.

For the screw in filters a step-down ring like Pete said is a great idea.
You buy a large filter and use rings to make them fit on the lens.
I've being told the 67mm is the best size since it fits half of the DA* lenses and also fits well with a step down ring on the other ones.

Hi all,

Apologies for being silent for the past few months - business commitments have kept me away from cameras and filter questions since April.

Thanks for all the advice, it's been very helpful to me which has created a couple more questions.

I think I've been lucky enough to secure Amazon UK's last DA*16-50 at the 'old' price (this is Amazon's own stock - not an Asian import) - not an intended purchase until 2010-11 but with the price increases it seemed a good opportunity. Based on your posts I think a glass filter will be the way to go but the questions are:

1) Will a 77mm filter with 67 - 77mm step ring work OK on the DA*50-135 or will the extra 10mm cause problems attaching the len hood?

2) Will a normal depth 77mm filter (e.g. standard Hoya filter) work OK with the DA*16-50 at wide-angle or will a slimline filter be necessary to avoid vignetting?

Thanks

Martin

Do you happen to know the numbers for next week's lottery, or even just the street price of the K-7?

Dan

Sorry to disappoint Dan - never had more than 2 numbers correct in the Lottery (no that I play any more than a couple of times a year)

It wasn't even that good a guess about the lens prices as I was 3 months early. Just pretty obvious that something would happen: prices were rising abroad (signaling Pentax's strategy) and GBP was going down the pan compared to USD.

Hope you've got all the kit you need for a while also.

I have. Well, lenses anyway.

Dan

Yes, I could do with a spare battery or two - maybe the K10/K20 battery grip also but not sure how useful it would be.

I was thinking more along the lines of a K-7.

Spare batteries are dirt cheap, if you're happy with a third party one. The grip for me is essential.

Dan