Can you use ND filters on ultra-wide lenses with a bulbous front element?

Asked 1/29/2012

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I'm considering lenses like the Samyang/Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 and 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, which have a built-in petal hood and a protruding front element. Since they don't appear to accept normal front screw-in filters, is there any practical way to use filters—especially ND filters—on lenses like these? If so, what kind of filter setup is typically used?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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By default, you are unable to place filters in front of those ultra-wide angle or fisheye lenses. However, there are third party accessories designed to tackle just this issue:

  • Fotodiox Pro. Filter Adapter (145mm)
  • Lucroit Hitech Filter Systems

Originally by user4320. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4320

14y ago

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

Usually, no standard front screw-in filters can be fitted to ultra-wide or fisheye lenses with a bulbous front element and fixed petal hood. The main issues are the lack of filter threads and the extremely wide angle of view, which makes normal-sized filters vignette.

If you want to use ND filters, the typical solution is a specialized third-party oversized filter holder system made for these lenses. Community examples mentioned include Fotodiox Pro adapters and Lucroit/Hitech systems. These use very large filters placed far enough forward to avoid clipping the frame.

Some lenses also use rear or drop-in filters, but that depends on the lens design and is not standard for these models.

So the practical answer is: you generally cannot use ordinary front filters, but you may be able to use a dedicated large-format adapter/holder system designed specifically for bulbous ultra-wide lenses.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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