Reddit mentions: The best camera lens filter accessories

Before you spend on polarizers I would suggest to try out one if you can. Go to a store and try to see diff brands. Do not skimp and slap a low end one specially if you have a L-glass or equivalent lens. You wont get the desired effect instead will be stuck with loss of sharpness, color distortion.

I had a chance to play with my friends hoya circular polarizer and then later with a B+W kaseman CPL. There is definitely a difference. But be realistic and know when the CPL will give you the best results (at right angles to incident light, removing reflections from smooth glass/water surface but not so much from metals etc).
After weeks of deliberation I invested on a 77mm B+W Kaseman CPL for ~$150 (http://www.amazon.com/Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Multi-Resistant-Coating/dp/B0000BZLAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345932327&sr=8-1&keywords=b%2Bw+77mm+circular+polarizer). It has solid built and great optical quality. If you rotate the front element you will feel the "swoosh" of the fine craftmanship. Another thing about good filters is that they d not bind to the lens filter thread since they are made of brass. But do check them out first at a retailer and compare diff brands by holding it up against reflections on glass surfaces or just pointing outside on bright sunny day. A good polarizer will make the sky noticeably dark and the clouds will pop out at a particular point of rotation and the effect would just go away if you rotate past that. Also try not to use them on wide lenses like 24mm or below you might get weird banding or darkened effects.

Get the largest diameter (77mm or higher) and use step down rings to fit all you lenses. It looks funny but works.

PS. rogue has pointed to a beautiful website that lists and tests a variety of brands. Read as much as you can. Remember that CPL is perhaps the only filter that cannot be simulated on photoshop.

> Can I use 3rd party battery's on the G7?

Yes, you can use third party BLC12 batteries with the G7. I recommend you get "decoded" batteries (such as these [Newmowas] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IU5G1ZK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IU5G1ZK&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20)) that show battery life remaining.

> Does the G7 have the same battery issue as the GH4?

What battery issue is the GH4 supposed to have?

> What ND filter would be best.

I use an [Opteka 77mm variable ND] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004R4949I/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004R4949I&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) with step up rings for my lenses.

Sadly, it has been discontinued, so, in its place I've been recommending the [$25.29 K&F Concept 77mm Slim Variable ND] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JL4IOOU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JL4IOOU&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20).

Very positively reviewed and a good value for your money.

You will need a [62mm to 77mm step up ring] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00448E2OE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00448E2OE&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) for your 14-140, a [58mm to 77mm ring] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083WYARG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0083WYARG&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) for the 12-35 or a [72mm to 77mm ring] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007W5B59G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007W5B59G&linkCode=as2&tag=battleforthew-20) for the 18-35.

Hope this is helpful and good luck!

Here are some options:

$8 reversal ring

$10 extension tubes, $40 if you want aperture control (I forgot you guys don't have aperture control rings...)

$40 bellows


Summary: With your current lens I'd say the $40 extension tubes are your best bet as they allow aperture control. Getting true macro sizes will be best with the bellows and the reversal ring however you will want a lens with an aperture ring so that you can stop down to extend your depth of field. If you are using a reversal ring it doesn't even have to be a canon lens, just buy a lens that you can thread onto your reversal ring... in fact, here's a really good setup:

$40 bellows + $7 reversing ring + $3 46-52mm or 49-52mm step up ring + $30 55mm takumar = $80

With this setup you can go all the way to 3x life size and have full aperture control. Just be sure to use it on a tripod, (and you'll probably want to light it with a flash) extreme macro shots are tricky!

You need an adapter for each size filter thread you have. So then you need to find a filter holder that has adapter rings for those sizes. I have never actually used one of those systems but at a glance they seem to be pretty pricey and meant for really nice filter glass. If you are not particularly worried about spending hundreds on filters it would probably be cheaper and easier to just get cheap Tiffen filters in the different sizes you need. Or get one of each type of filter in the largest size you need and just use simple filter adapter rings.

> $40 bellows + $7 reversing ring + $3 46-52mm or 49-52mm step up ring + $30 55mm takumar = $80

> With this setup you can go all the way to 3x life size and have full aperture control.

That isn't quite right. I mean, you can set the aperture on the Tak manually, but you'll have to focus first or the viewfinder will be too dark. It can't be set from the camera, as there is no linkage through the bellows.

Also, no need reverse the 55mm Tak. You could get to almost 3:1 without doing that, and it would be less hassle (just an m42 adapter for the bellows). You could also try sticking your current zoom on the end of it, without an adapter, provided it has an aperture ring. Zoom's are less predictable about working distance, so it would take some experimentation.

Tubes are easier, if they have aperture linkage. That should let you focus and meter with an open aperture, which makes the viewfinder bright enough. Do you have other lenses? Any primes? Primes generally work better for this. A 50mm lens on 50mm of tubes will get you to 1:1, the threshold for "true" macro. A shorter prime will get you more magnification, and a longer one will require more extension to achieve the same magnification (e.g. a 100mm lens will require 100mm extension to get 1:1). Remember that if you like this and want to go further, you can grab a second set of tubes and use some or all of them at the same time. You lose light and your effective aperture decreases with more extension though.

I'm rambling a bit, but if you have any other questions, fire away. Canon isn't my system, but I know most of the basics.

Ninja edit: IMPORTANT - does your camera meter properly with fully manual lenses? Entry level Nikons are gimped in this area, not sure about Canon. This would severely complicate things for you.

The nikon 77mm CPL goes for $149 on amazon and is really good.

Take a look at the B+W ND filter. I don't have it, but it is highly rated and B+W has a good name.

Here is the B+W graduated ND filter. Also good.

None so far. From my understanding you don't want to go above 1.4x, something to think about when it does come out.

I have seen people add glass to the front of the lens but cropping is usually better quality wise.
49-58mm stepup ring + Sony VCLHGD1758 1.7x Telephoto Conversion Lens

If you're up for a "unique" experience getting a mirror lens is an option to consider: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1003428-REG/bower_sly30063se_300mm_f_6_3_telephoto_digital.html

What I didn't realise at the time was that the genuine Cokin P-Series holder and adaptor rings weren't all that expensive. Even their filter sets are pretty cheap to be honest.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cokin-Full-ND-Filter-Kit/dp/B01HMWKXWS

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/5fn/Cokin-BPW400A-P-W-Holder-plus-Cat/B0000C5RR5

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cokin-BP-400-P-Filter-Holder/dp/B000L47COM

A couple of ideas: One would be to take two exposures and composite them (Photoshop). Another would be to use a graduated neutral density filter like this one. I have not used a filter like that but I know that's the principle they are intended for. That moon is probably several stops brighter than the ocean and I don't know if they make graduated ND filters that can handle that.

I like desitroll's suggestion of blocking the lens with an opaque card. (reminds me of dodging paper under the enlarger, ya, get offa my lawn) You can keep the card in motion to get a feathered edge along the horizon. If you were to try this you might get the exposure right for the moon first so you can see detail with a 1 second exposure, adjusting aperture and ISO to get that right. Then figure out the ocean's exposure, say it's 20 sec or so since aperture and ISO are stopped down for the moon. Snap the pic in bulb mode, after 1 second use the card and expose the ocean for the remainder of the time. I might be totally off on the times but I hope you get the idea.

I was recently compositing a couple of exposures in Photoshop, one for the foreground and another for the sky, and it's hard to get the horizon right. I don't want to manipulate the photo too much or it looks... manipulated. Here's the picture I am working on, fireflies and moonrise, along with the two original pics. I am a beginner and am learning how to use layer mask in Photoshop to make a blended transition. The layer mask uses shades of gray to determine what shows through. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Another idea would be to bracket the exposure, one for the moon, another for the sky, another couple for the ocean and let an HDR program sort it out.

I got the 82mm and it was about $150 from Adorama. As for step rings, I just picked up this full set up up/down rings on Amazon and they are great for the money:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JL4HGAI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I second getting an ND filter! It makes a huge difference in the video vs. cinematic look.

Variable NDs can be quite pricey, but [Polaroid makes some cheap but decent ones.]
(https://www.amazon.ca/Polaroid-Multi-Coated-Variable-ND2-ND2000-Neutral/dp/B00EO80UT0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479663085&sr=8-3&keywords=polAROID+VARIABLE+ND)
Check on your lens to see the diameter, which in turn will tell you [what size of filter to get.]
(http://image.dhgate.com/desc_983780604_00.jpg)
If you have several lenses of different diameter, I recommend buying the ND for the largest lens you have and simply getting a [step-up ring] (https://www.amazon.ca/Concept-Stepping-Adapter-Digital-30-26Mmm/dp/B00JL4KTWA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1479663286&sr=8-4&keywords=step-up+ring) to adapt it from one lens to another.

Thanks for the suggestion! Just a question though, which one would you choose? B+W or Sigma?

I would get a large 77mm filter and just buy step-down rings for your lens as needed. That way, if you ever want to upgrade your 18-55 you'll be able to keep using that 77mm filter.

The setup would look like this:

77mm ND Filter > screws onto this 77mm to 58mm step-down ring > screws onto your 18-55 lens.

So if you end up buying a new lens in the future, say the Canon 10-18, you can just buy a different 77mm to 67mm step down ring and use it with that new lens.

As for what filter to get, that depends. They can range anywhere from $50 (for a budget one) all the way to $400+ for a full filter system. The $30 ICE filter I linked does surprisingly well as an intro-budget ND filter if you just want dabble with its effects.

Keep in mind that it is possible to use a 67mm filter with both lenses if you buy a 55mm to 67mm step-up adapter, if you'd rather not have to spend the money to buy multiple sizes of filters. :)

Are there any commercial aspherical ND filter solutions for lenses such as the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F/2.8?

Seems based on my googling there are only DIY and hack jobs which I'm not too comfortable with. I've read about some stuff like this but I'm unsure if it will fit the lens above.

Thank you! This B+W circular polarizer gets you most of the way there--there's a lot of color hidden under glare.

I just read step up rings can be an issue as they can cause hazing or something if theres too much space between the filter and the lens. Cant remember where so dont have a link.

The "telescoping" step up ring I'm referring to is here; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concept-Stepping-Adapter-Step-Up-Step-Down/dp/B00JL4HGAI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550252189&sr=8-3&keywords=step+up+rings

Can you recommend a step up ring that would step up approx. 20mm from a Cannon 50mm EF to an EFS 18-135mm. I cant seem to find one that is a single layer. Only the multi-layer type in the link above.

I would suggest getting a single step-up ring (http://smile.amazon.com/Sensei-SUR5267-52-67mm-Step-Up-Ring/dp/B00AE1M4MC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405598031&sr=8-1&keywords=52+67+step+up) instead of stacking several of them. You'll get less (or, hopefully, no) vignetting using a single ring.

This is the official Cokin P size holder, you have to buy adapter rings to match your lenses separately but those are just as cheap. This is a copy one that comes with the holder, a load of adapter rings, GND/ND filters and a filter pouch, i can't say for sure if that would hold the welding glass but for £12 it's not a bad deal.

That's not a problem. You can use a 72-77mm step up ring adapter with the 77mm SLR magic filter.

Yes, apparently you can get a Kenko 0.5x Wide angle lens adapter to work on the Canon HG10 HD Cam.

http://youtu.be/_2Etx0UOY1A

You can buy this lens here: http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-0-5X-Angle-Camcorders-SGW-05/dp/B0000BZLTR

Hmm.. it seems it's a 37mm lens.. you'll need to buy this stop down filter adapter too.

http://www.amazon.com/Adorama-Step-Up-Adapter-Ring-Filter/dp/B0002YBX3M

You should probably search ebay or the elsewhere on internet for these items to get them cheaper.

There's a Canon WD-H43 (0.7x) lens which doesn't need the step down/up adapter, but it's probably more expensive.

You could also probably try the Digital Concepts 0.45X Professional 43mm Wide Angle HD Lens.

All of these things should screw into your filter ring in the front of your camera's lens.

Erm...?

I just use a step-up ring, hasn't left my Sigma 18-35 since the day I bought it actually. In fact, I buy all my filters in 77mm size because it fits a lot more lenses.

55-82 adaptor http://www.amazon.com/Sensei-55mm-Lens-Filter-Step-Up/dp/B00AE1MLYI

B+W's "Slim-Line" filters are previous-gen and aren't nearly that old - OP is looking for the XS-Pro line.

• Filter Holder
  
  
• Lens Adapter Ring with your filter thread diameter (here example with 77mm)

If your lenses have two different filter sizes, another option is step-up rings. You simply buy the larger of the two filter sizes, and then a step-up ring which allows you to mount the larger ring onto the smaller filter size. They look like this (they're not necessarily all this expensive, Breakthrough is just a more premium brand). The downside is the inability to use a lens hood on the smaller filter size lens since the filter will be in the way, but it's a bit less expensive than buying duplicate filters for every lens filter size you have.

Sorry, one more quick question. Would I need the Step Up or the Step Down?