Filters- worth it?

[woodywoodford]

So just got my first camera (Fuji X-M1) and am considering adding a 3 pack of filters (UV, ND and Polarizer). Are these worth it, or are they kind of a thing of the past with digital photography? I've heard both opinions around the innertubes.

Specifically looking at http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/hoya-hoya-58mm-filter-kit-hy051912-hy051912/10180835.aspx?path=a97bf5ae1a6e5001dd5b17a551ddfae6en02, and my main goal is to take some nice scenic photography (mountains), photo's in Europe when I go, but mostly just to get more pictures of "lifes memories"...or whatever you'd call that.

[quick_scar]

I run a filter all the time, but more for lens protection then anything. Much easier to replace a filter if I fuck up and somehow scratch it then a whole lens.

[taemo]

UV filters are a sham, its only use on digital cameras is to protect the lens but if your lens comes with a hood, might as well use that.

also, if your lens is weather sealed, you need to put a UV filter on the front for it to be fully weather sealed.

I personally never use a UV filter, but if you're still a beginner or are worried that your lens might get damaged, get one.

A circular polarizer can be very useful for scenic shots as it can darken the sky, remove reflection from the water, improve color saturation and foliage.

You don't need an ND filter right away, it's main purpose is to allow you to shoot at a larger aperture stop in bright light, but can also help you on drag down your shutter to get that water flowing effect which will require you to have your camera on a tripod.


for your travel need, just buy a circular polarizer and maybe a UV if you're paranoid about your lens

[Mitsu3000gt]

UV filters do nothing on a digital camera, and they are high margin, which is why every camera store tries to sell you one with your new camera or lens. The camera lenses themselves, and even the sensors themselves in most cases have UV coatings. UV filters are more for film cameras, and in some cases can introduce unpleasant color casts in your digital images. If you are looking for a protective filter, what you want is a neutral color filter, like the Nikon NC or something like a Hoya Protector. Also, always use your lens hood, that is your first line of protection.

I use NC filters on all my expensive lenses. I especially like the Nikon ones (usable on any brand of course) since they allow use of lens caps and other screw-on filters.

Just don't cheap out on filters, "cheap" ones have a noticeable impact on IQ, where good ones do not.

For ND filters, I like B&W. I like 6-stop ND filters, since DSLR's can still AF through them (not sure about the Fuji), but lots of guys like to go all out with the 10-stop ND filters.

The ND filter in the Hoya kit you linked to is only a 3-stop, which isn't much.

For Polarizers, I like Nikon ones since every other brand I've tried does not allow for use of a lens cap, and there is absolutely zero noticeable image quality degradation.

For most filters, B&H is still your best bet IMO:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300497-REG/Nikon_2236_58mm_Circular_Polarizer_Glass.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752878-REG/B_W_1066163_58mm_106_Solid_Neutral.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/121295-REG/Nikon_2483_58mm_Clear_NC_Glass.html

[kobe tai]

^^^ haha and here I am using a $3 China filters on most of my lenses. At least they do some cool flares sometimes. :(

[blitz]

Originally posted by kobe tai
^^^ haha and here I am using a $3 China filters on most of my lenses. At least they do some cool flares sometimes. :(

The light and flare in your photos is awesome, I'd consider stacking another $3 filter :rofl:

I only use filters if I'm going to be in an abrasive environment, like wind and sand. Other than that IMO they run more risk of damaging your lens than anything else (weak thin filter breaking and scratching the strong front element). Lens hoods FTW!

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/12/575812.jpg

[woodywoodford]

Yeah, I was kind of thinking the circ polarizer is all I really need. Maybe an ND if I want to try some long exposures but I'm not in any rush on that. Thanks all.

[msommers]

Front elements are pretty resistant these days. And a hood can do wonders for protection. I don't use a filter unless I'm in the desert. In Africa I just used my polarizer. Even then sand and dust gets in everywhere it's almost futile to really get anal amount cleanliness!

Good filters are very expensive but so is your lens. Makes me wonder if the repair cost vs. a protection filter are worth it. Especially if the filter ends up damaging the front element anyways...

A good polarizer can last a really longtime pending a disaster so IMO it's worth spending a good amount on a 77mm. Same with an ND filter. The amount of stops will depend on its intended use.

[taemo]

so here's a perfect example of why you need a filter/hood sometimes, was reaching for my camera on the side table, camera slipped from my hand and fell 2ft.. dent :banghead:
http://s4.postimg.org/gnpl4dadl/photo.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/gnpl4dadl/)
now I cant screw in a filter anymore.
my plan is to buy a 52-77mm step up ring and glue it on the side since my filters are 77mm anyway