About Bob Todrick Expertise I can answer questions on most areas of photography. Though fine-art nudes is my main focus, I can, as well answer most questions dealing with darkroom processes (including many alternative processes).
My expertise does not include digital.
Experience I have photographed since 1975. Among my clients have been a number of major retail department stores (the Bay, Eatons). I photographed for Canada's premier motorsports magazine for a number of years, and have done much portraiture and wedding photography.
In 1990 I gave up shooting professionally to concentrate on my fine-art work and have had numerous group and one person shows since.
Organizations Co-founder of the Group of Several.
Publications Numerous newspaper and print ads.
GRAPHIS photo annual.
Expert: Bob Todrick 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,
Personally I would purchase two filters, one for each size required. I've always found adapters to be a pain in the neck. For one thing they tend to be made of stainless steel, and often will damage the threads of good filters, which are often made of much softer brass.
As well I'd spring the little bit extra for the Hoya brand of filters. They have a very good reputation and can be found reasonably priced. Inexpensive filters are often single coated only, and as well can have optical imperfections.
It is no saving what-so-ever to spend hundreds on a camera body, the same on good lenses and then save $10 on a less than perfect filter.
Hope this helps.
