sigma 10-20mm....which filters?

[daveyboy]

Hi all,
I have just bought a sigma 10-20mm lens and I am now looking for filters for it.I think the best filter to go for first would be a graduated one which will bring more detail to the clouds in my landscape shots?What do you all think?Which filters do you all recommend??I am on a tight budget so the lower the price the better!Thanks in advance for any advice,cheers
Dave

[GerryNick2]

Hi Dave

I am assuming you are shooting digital as opposed to film in which case you should not need a vast array of filters given that most effects can be created using Raw conversion and photo editing software.With digital in camera processing there is no longer a need for light balancing and colour correction filters

My first purchase would be a Ultraviolet filter to reduce haze effects and protect the lense element from scratching. I have these permanently in place on all my lenses.

Next on the list would be a Polarizing filter (circular) for reducing reflections and darkening blue skies. Some software programs attempt to mimic this filter but it is considered by most that polarization cannot be replicated by software.

Personally I rarely use Neutral Graduation filters these days tending to use software post shoot if necessary. However, a grad filter used at time of shooting will preserve more tonal data if positioned so that it covers the brighter part of the frame. They come in a number of strengths, i.e. NDO.3 will darken by 1 f stop, NDO.6 by 2 f stops.

Filters can be exspensive for good quality, have a look on ebay shops.

Hope this is of some help.

Gerry

[daveyboy]

Thanks for your advice Gerry.I think I will take it and get a polarizer filter.Cheers,
Dave

[eeyore]

be aware that wide angle lenses are very prone to vignetting , particularly if they have a convex front - like the 12-24, not sure if the 10-20 does or not.

i would recomend that you avoid stacking filters and if you cabn afford it invest in either a cokin p or lee filters square filter system which are less prone to it than screw ons

[Oy]

Originally Posted by eeyore

be aware that wide angle lenses are very prone to vignetting , particularly if they have a convex front - like the 12-24, not sure if the 10-20 does or not.

It does.

i would recomend that you avoid stacking filters and if you cabn afford it invest in either a cokin p or lee filters square filter system which are less prone to it than screw ons

I use the Cokin P series - with wide angle holder - no vignetting at 10mm with a single filter. I haven't tried stacking them.

[GerryNick2]

Good point about the vignetting on wide angles, pays to shop around and look out for the slim versions now appearing on the market.

I use a Hoya Super 58mm circular polarizer on my Canon EF-S 10-22mm and have not experienced any problems. Same applies to the Hoya HMC UV filter.

Given the cost of circular polarizer filters it would be wise to try one out first, try your local dealer. Alternatively if you get one from a reputable online dealer you can always send it back under the 10 day rule. Warehouse express are very good, have in the past made mistakes on choice of product and they have made a refund or exchanged with no questions asked.

Gerry

[daveyboy]

Thanks for all your input guys,I will go for Cokin P series I think....thanks again!Cheers,
Dave

[delros1]

Originally Posted by daveyboy

Hi all,
I have just bought a sigma 10-20mm lens and I am now looking for filters for it.I think the best filter to go for first would be a graduated one which will bring more detail to the clouds in my landscape shots?What do you all think?Which filters do you all recommend??I am on a tight budget so the lower the price the better!Thanks in advance for any advice,cheers
Dave

after useing the sigma 10-20mm lens my self,i have found the cokin x-prow960 kit invaluable when i use the lens for landscapes,because there is so much sky in the photos.ps it worth have some lint free gloves, as the filters are130mm wide,and it helps to keep anyfinger prints off.

[northscape]

Cokin Z or the Lee ND grads will work fine with a 10-20mm Lens.

[gobbiner]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

I use a Hoya Super 58mm circular polarizer on my Canon EF-S 10-22mm and have not experienced any problems. Same applies to the Hoya HMC UV filter.
Gerry

58mm On a 10-22 i think you got that one wrong Gerry