"Bob P" <somewhere@overtherainbow.com> wrote in message news:MSXSa.23923$BM.7420460@newssrv26.news.prodigy.com...

> "David Ruether" <rpn1@no-junk.cornell.edu> wrote in message

> news:bfheb4$oo1$1@news01.cit.cornell.edu...

> > "Chino Cherokee" <tifosoOUT@comcast.net> wrote in message

> news:LjCdnQs4V--hnYGiXTWJgA@comcast.com...

> > > I'd like to buy a new set of sky/uv filters for my lenses. I currently

> have

> > > a hodge-podge of used filters. Mostly Tiffen and Hoya, but a couple of

> > > Nikon filters, etc.

> > > I'm looking for 52 mm round.

> > >

> > > From what I've seen/read/heard, I'd rank the 'optical quality' of

> filters:

> > > (Best to worst)

> > > 1. Singh-Ray

> > > 2. B & W

> > > 3. Hoya

> > > 4. Tiffen

> > I would rate the first three (plus Nikkor) about the same, with the

> > Tiffen well below the others...

> This brings up a question. Several people have recommended Nikon filters,

> and I use Canon filters (because I usually buy them when I buy a lens for my

> Elan-7e). Do Nikon and Canon actually manufacture their filters, or are

> they made by a 3rd party and branded for them?

>

> BobP

I think Nikon makes their own; I don't know about Canon, but I would

be surprised if they were not made by Canon; Sony filters appear to

be Tiffen rebranded (and WAY overpriced...;-). I generally recommend

Hoya single-coated metal-rimmed versions as the best buy in good-quality

filters (though some samples can be defective - as with anything, check

upon purchase) - these have good enough rims, glass, and coating for

most purposes, and cost less than "fancy" filters with no particular practical

advantages, and are generally better than Tiffen filters (though I buy these

to get filter types not offered by others - and put the glass in better rims

[and then try to remember they are actually Tiffen, so may need cleaning

before use to remove the "self-fogging"...] ).

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com