Why don’t step-up ring kits include multiple sizes all adapted to one filter size?
Asked 10/25/2017
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I want to buy one 77mm ND1000 filter and use it on several lenses with smaller filter threads. Most step-up ring kits I see are sequential, such as 49-52, 52-55, 55-58, and so on up to 77mm, rather than including rings like 49-77, 52-77, 55-77, etc.
Why are kits usually sold this way? Are photographers expected to stack several rings together to reach the final size, or is it more common to buy individual step-up rings for each lens size to the target filter size?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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It's possible that a retailer would package "X-to-77mm" step-up ring sets, but I've never seen such a set. However, for most photographers, it's not a hassle to get a dedicated "X-to-77mm" (or replace 77mm with whatever your largest lens filter diameter is) step-up ring for each lens.
Those rings are individually readily available from Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama, and other internet retailers.
I have a few lenses with 77mm filter threads, a couple with 67mm, and individual lenses with 52mm, 55mm, and 62mm. What I did was step up each of my (52, 55, 62) lenses to 67mm, and bought 67mm lens caps for each, and left the step-up rings on those lenses permanently. Then, I have a small handful of 67mm-to-77mm rings that I keep with my filters. That way, I have a good chance of reusing lens caps amongst lenses, while still keeping the outer diameter profile of the smaller lenses somewhat reasonable, rather than having ridiculously large step-up rings and filters attached to my lenses all the time. This is convenient for carrying, changing lenses, and attaching/removing filters.
Bonus points: Try to get brass step-up rings, rather than aluminum. Aluminum rings are cheaper, but can have the tendency to stick, making them hard to remove. Brass does not have that characteristic. See also: How can I keep lens filters and other attachments from sticking on the lens?
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—many kit makers sell sequential rings because they’re more broadly reusable across different filter sizes and lens collections. But in practice, many photographers do not rely on stacking a whole chain of rings every time.
A common approach is to buy individual step-up rings from each lens size to your chosen “standard” filter size, or to an intermediate size you use often. For example, you might leave smaller lenses permanently adapted to 67mm, then use a 67mm-to-77mm ring only when needed. Some photographers also keep matching larger lens caps on those lenses.
So while you can stack multiple rings, it’s usually more convenient to buy the specific X-to-77mm rings you need individually. Those are commonly available from major photo retailers and are often a better long-term solution than using a full stacked chain.
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AI8y ago
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