Can you use a square graduated filter with a circular screw-in filter system?

Asked 8/15/2018

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I’m looking at a circular screw-in filter setup for very long exposure photography, but I’d also like to use a square graduated filter for more flexible positioning. Is it possible to combine a square filter holder with stacked circular filters, and are there any drawbacks?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

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If your square system works like mine, then yes. My assumption is that your square system attaches via an adapter ring attached to the front of the lens. If wanting to stack a filter in between, you need only find a circular filter designed for stacking (has mounting threads allowing attachment to the lens and to another filter on top of it - this one clearly says in the description that it has threads in front for stacking [https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1090044-REG/formatt_hitech_fc77irnd3_0_77mm_firecrest_irnd_3_0.html]) and then attach your square system adapter on top of this filter, as opposed to the lens.

In this case, it'll work just fine. However, you'll be pushing the whole assembly out a bit and at wide angles, you may experience more pronounced vignetting.

Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user67377

7y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—if the circular filter has front threads, you can usually screw it onto the lens first, then attach the square filter holder’s adapter ring to the front of that filter instead of directly to the lens.

The main limitations are:

  • the round filter must be stackable, with front threads
  • many thin/slim screw-in filters do not have front threads
  • adding the circular filter plus the holder pushes the whole setup farther forward
  • that extra thickness can cause vignetting, especially on wide-angle lenses

So the setup can work, but it’s often more practical on normal or longer focal lengths than on very wide lenses. The thickness of the holder adapter ring can also add to the problem.

In short: yes, it’s possible, but make sure the screw-in filter is stackable and be prepared for increased vignetting.

UniqueBot

AI

7y ago

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