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View Full Version : Cheap Filters?


DeathRazR
Oct 21st, 2009, 07:33 PM
A store tried to sell me a filter yesterday for $60. I wasn't sold because a piece of plastic to protect my lens cost $60? Are there 3rd party filters that are atleast in a reasonable range? $10-20?

kennyluo
Oct 21st, 2009, 07:52 PM
A store tried to sell me a filter yesterday for $60. I wasn't sold because a piece of plastic to protect my lens cost $60? Are there 3rd party filters that are atleast in a reasonable range? $10-20?

try ebay... filters sell a lot less on ebay

retail makes huge profit off these accessories, of course they wanna sell that to u =P

Composter
Oct 21st, 2009, 07:57 PM
just remember unless the filter is absolutely needed, the more you have between you and object the less result you'll get.

skyblue12
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:03 PM
photography is not a cheap hobby, dont use crappy filters.

B0000rt
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:10 PM
This is a great place for filters for cheap

http://maxsaver.net/

chernabog
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:28 PM
This is a great place for filters for cheap

http://maxsaver.net/

Are these guys legit? Their prices seem a little too good.

Lulz
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:33 PM
I once bought from Maxsaver. The filter came in condition that the glass wasvery wobbly and eventuall fell off it's bayonet.

OP, what lens is this for?

gotak
Oct 21st, 2009, 08:57 PM
Are these guys legit? Their prices seem a little too good.

They are legit and well known. I just picked up 2 67mm filters off them last week. They sell the exact same thing as everyone else but because they are based in asia they can get it to you lower cost cause their own overhead is lower. Also, they'll ship it to you in a way that avoids the 13% "living, breathing, always goes up" fee ;)

Btw cheap filters will screw up your pictures. I had a bad UV filter (why I needed to get something from maxsaver) which caused ghosting on my images.

Qbit
Oct 21st, 2009, 10:39 PM
Use filters if you need the effect that the filter provides (IR, polarizing, graduated ND). They're not really needed for protection if you're not completely careless.

The only time I'd say filters are actually useful for protection are at places where there's a lot of stuff in the air that could get on to your lens. Spray at the beach, dusty construction sites, etc.

Cheap filters will degrade images, cause more flare, lower contrast, and much more. It'd probably be $40-50 for a decent UV filter. Assuming you're not buying a monstrous size like 77mm or something lol

Oni-kun
Oct 21st, 2009, 10:52 PM
This is a great place for filters for cheap

http://maxsaver.net/

+1. I've bought a Hoya filter from them before. It was fine and legit. No problems.

VMalska
Oct 21st, 2009, 10:55 PM
Unless you are buying something "special", I don't see why you would be paying 60 bucks for a filter. I use regular UV filters (52mm, 58mm, 67mm) and I've never paid above 50 for a filter...although the 67s do push it close.

gotak
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:00 PM
Unless you are buying something "special", I don't see why you would be paying 60 bucks for a filter. I use regular UV filters (52mm, 58mm, 67mm) and I've never paid above 50 for a filter...although the 67s do push it close.

Agreed up to a point. There's more to it then just repair and replacement cost. For some people it's worth the peace of mind.

For me of course the 70-200 2.8 IS gets a filter. The nifty fifty has nothing LOL but the Tamron 17-50 still has a filter because I use this lens the most and it being out of commission would be pretty annoying. That's how it is for me because I can be a but of a klutz at times. For other people who glide through life without accidents it would be a waste of money.

And here's why you pay for what you get: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3978875791_339d97af2d_b.jpg

The green ghosting/reflection off the 4 letter word machine lights is caused by the cheap UV filter (came with the lens) I had on. I took it off but then realize in the crowd it was more likely for things to happen to the lens so I put it back on. I went and ordered a decent UV filter off maxsaver the next day.

Qube
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:07 PM
Check out my posts on this thread: http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/lens-fliters-786660/3/

I only use Super HMC now if any.

Oni-kun
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:16 PM
I am using Super HMC as well.

VMalska
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:17 PM
Agreed up to a point. There's more to it then just repair and replacement cost. For some people it's worth the peace of mind.

For me of course the 70-200 2.8 IS gets a filter. The nifty fifty has nothing LOL but the Tamron 17-50 still has a filter because I use this lens the most and it being out of commission would be pretty annoying. That's how it is for me because I can be a but of a klutz at times. For other people who glide through life without accidents it would be a waste of money.

And here's why you pay for what you get: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3978875791_339d97af2d_b.jpg

The green ghosting/reflection off the 4 letter word machine lights is caused by the cheap UV filter (came with the lens) I had on. I took it off but then realize in the crowd it was more likely for things to happen to the lens so I put it back on. I went and ordered a decent UV filter off maxsaver the next day.

Good filters ftw =). For my Sony, some lenses deserve Carl Zeiss filters...some get good UV filters...the others get nothing. The others namely being cheap Minolta lenses that I find EVERYWHERE. I can't afford to shell out 20 bucks for a filter for every $5 lens...or every $.10 lens...lol gotta love those mass 1 dollar AS IS sales by Henry's...it's possible to actually get something good =)

chernabog
Oct 21st, 2009, 11:24 PM
I really do hope they are legit. Just ordered a B+W CPL for $90 that sells at Vistek for $220!

zoomzoom
Oct 22nd, 2009, 12:44 AM
I've ordered from them before and I've got another order placed with them last week.... I order their B+W filters and so far so good.

KorruptioN
Oct 22nd, 2009, 09:05 AM
The green ghosting/reflection off the 4 letter word machine lights is caused by the cheap UV filter (came with the lens) I had on. I took it off but then realize in the crowd it was more likely for things to happen to the lens so I put it back on.

I think putting the hood on (depending on how deep it is) helps too.

chernabog
Nov 3rd, 2009, 06:39 PM
I just got my B+W CPL from these guys. It looks legit, is there anyway I can be sure, things to look for?

gotak
Nov 4th, 2009, 09:59 AM
Just shoot if you don't see any problems it's of no concern.

Many people have said it's not a scam why are you still wondering?

chernabog
Nov 4th, 2009, 06:13 PM
Let's just say that I'm a firm believer in if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. I've been burned before. I know guys have vouched for them but I was just looking for some reassurance. Trust me, I'm very happy to get a $220 filter for $90 and will probably order more stuff from these guys. Just wanted to make 100% certain, that's all.

Kasakato
Nov 4th, 2009, 08:20 PM
Let's just say that I'm a firm believer in if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. I've been burned before. I know guys have vouched for them but I was just looking for some reassurance. Trust me, I'm very happy to get a $220 filter for $90 and will probably order more stuff from these guys. Just wanted to make 100% certain, that's all.

Do you think it really costs $90+ to manufacture, market, develop, and distribute the filter? $220 simply means we are getting ripped off; $90 is more realistic.