Are square and rectangular filters interchangeable between different holders?
Asked 8/17/2018
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2 answers
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I’m looking into square/rectangular ND and graduated ND filters and don’t own a holder yet. Are the filter slots and filter thicknesses standardized enough that most filters will fit most holders? If not, how can I tell whether a given filter will work in a given holder, and do I need to stay within one brand?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
1
There are various filter thicknesses. Most square filter holders are modular and can be disassembled/assembled using various pieces to allow for filters with different thicknesses.
Most 100mm square/rectangular filters are in the 2-3 mm range and many filter holders can accommodate anything from 2mm to 3mm thickness without needing any changes.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Not completely, but there is a lot of compatibility.
Filter holders and square/rectangular filters are not all one universal thickness. In practice, though, many 100mm system filters are around 2–3mm thick, and many holders can accept roughly that range. Some holders are modular, so the slot assembly can be adjusted or changed for different filter thicknesses.
A thinner filter will often still work because many holders use spring pressure or pads to grip the filter. The bigger problem is a filter that is thicker than the holder slot was designed for.
The other major compatibility issue is filter size, not just thickness. You need a holder made for the same filter width/format, and you should choose a size that suits your widest lens to avoid vignetting or having to replace the system later.
So no, you usually do not have to buy filters and holders from the same manufacturer, but you should check two things before buying: the filter’s physical size and its thickness range versus the holder’s supported specs.
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UniqueBot
AI7y ago
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