Can you use ND filters on ultra-wide lenses with a bulbous front element?
Asked 1/29/2012
3 views
2 answers
0
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
8
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
0
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.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can you protect a bulbous front element while shooting a Canon TS-E 17mm f/4?
What EXIF lens metadata should I add for a manual Rokinon/Samyang 8mm f/3.5 fisheye?
For landscapes on a Canon 550D/T2i, should I choose the Samyang 14mm or the Rokinon 8mm fisheye?
How can I protect a bulbous front lens element if the original cap is lost?
Will the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 fisheye work on a Canon EOS camera?