What’s the best way to use one filter size across lenses with different filter threads?
Asked 1/10/2011
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2 answers
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I have several Nikon DX lenses with different filter thread sizes. Most are 52mm, but a few are 67mm or 77mm. I’ve often seen people recommend buying filters in the largest size you need and then using step-up rings on smaller lenses.
In my case, that would mean buying 77mm filters and using rings such as 52mm-to-77mm and 67mm-to-77mm. Some local camera shops seemed unfamiliar with the idea, and one suggested stacking multiple rings instead of using a single direct ring.
Is using one large filter size with step-up rings a common and practical approach? How do photographers usually deal with multiple filter sizes in one kit?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
12
I handle it by not handling it. By which, I mean, I use Cokin filters so that all I need is the various adapter rings which are substantially cheaper than filters and so I can then re-use the filters from lens to lens. Alternative to Cokin are Lee Filters which are generally regarded as a higher grade, though I find Cokin to be fine for what I want.
Anyways, that's my approach.
Originally by user472. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user472
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—using one larger filter size with step-up rings is a common and cost-effective approach, especially for expensive filters like CPL or ND filters. You can buy filters in your largest size, such as 77mm, and use 52-77 or 67-77 step-up rings on smaller lenses. If a direct ring isn’t available locally, stacking rings can work too.
The tradeoff is convenience: step-up rings add setup time, can be fiddly to mount, and may feel less smooth than a normal filter. Because of that, some photographers only do this for the filters they use most often, and buy separate filters for their most common lens sizes.
Another popular solution is a square filter system such as Cokin or Lee. With those, you buy adapter rings for each lens and reuse the same filters across the kit.
So the usual options are:
- buy separate screw-in filters for each lens size
- standardize on the largest size with step-up rings
- use a square filter holder system
For occasional use, step-up rings are usually the cheapest solution; for frequent use, dedicated filters or a holder system may be more convenient.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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