AboutJohn and Chris Expertise We are both professional photographers, with over 15 years experience. We can answer questions about photography, as well as questions about cameras from the 60s to 90s. (extensive 35mm, quite a bit of other formats.) Please, no darkroom questions.
Expert: John and Chris Date: 7/23/2004 Subject: circ polarizer
Question Hi,
How are you? I am thinking of buying a circular polarizer filter for my camera. I am an amateur photographer who has never used filters before. I was wondering if you could help me with your experience and ides. My questions:
1. I have a 62mm diameter and a 58 mm diameter cheap Nikon lenses. Would you get two cheaper filters (one for each lens) or would it make more sense to get a 62 mm filter and an adapter for the 58 mm lens? Adapters are sometimes pretty expensive, too.
2. What Brands to prefer? The cheapest one is Sunpack. A bit more expesive are Crystal Optics and Hoya. Should I worry about Sunpack being too low quality. I am a student and price is not unimportant to me (although I would not like to sacrifice picture quality).
3. Do you happen to know a good source for filters? I think some internet sites offer the best price.
Thank you very much,
Eric
Answer Eric,
1. Adapters are not expensive. $7 bucks.... tops.
2. There "ain't no such thing as a free lunch". You buy a cheap filter, you are giving up quality. I'd personally go for the HOYA.
3. Sorry, I don't give shopping advice, except to say I suggest you buy locally. Support your hometown shops so they'll be there when you need them.
