Seperi
> I plan to order a Canon Elan kit from B&H, which comes with a Canon 28-80
> zoom lens, and I will also purchase a longer zoom shortly. This equipment
> will be used for serious amateur nature photography.
>
> I'm posting this because I'm confused about how much to spend on filters.
> I've decided to buy either a skylight, or UV and also a circular polarizer
> to start.
>
> Looking a B&H's catalog I see I can spend from $12.95 (Tiffen) to $42.95
> (B&W Multicoated) for a UV, and from $34.50 (Hoya) to $118.95 (B&W) for the
> circular Polarizer. These are 58mm filters.
>
> I just don't know if I'd be wasting my money to put an expensive filter on
> a non-pro Canon lens. Can anyone give me an opinion, and maybe suggest
> which brand to buy? Thanks a lot.
Even for an expensive lens, Hoya quality is sufficient (avoid plastic-rimmed
versions, though whether MC or single-coated makes little difference to me).
The rims are reasonably thin (to avoid vignetting) and well-made; the glass
is flat enough to pass my tests (on fast long lenses, the hardest test, I can
detect no image degradation when adding the filter). I would avoid Tiffen
if possible (poor rim design, and a tendency to spontaneous fogging, IMO).
Nikkors are excellent also, but at a higher price. For me, the most expensive
brands are a waste of money (for most filter types).
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether