Filter Storage….What do you do?

[Larry S.]

Lens filters have been accumulating in my gear bags over the years. I’ve tried various organization and storage strategies but nothing seems to suit my needs. When I go somewhere to shoot I know what filters to take for the lenses to be used so that’s not the issue. It’s when they’re all gathered at home in one place, shelf, case, etc.. Filters have increased in size, purpose, labelling, etc. and new function come along as well, such as NDs.

I’ve been hanging on to the 52mm’s from the 60’s for B&W, Skylight 1A&1B, color tinted…etc. The manufacture’s cases are all different.. Hoya is different than B&H and different than Pro-Master or Nikon…. To add to the frustration, one mfg, K&F Concept, sent a 52mm polarizer in a plastic case designed for 77mm+ … It’s their one size fits all remedy…

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I thought grouping by size was the most logical, ie all 77’s, etc. together with a rubber band around them and a posti-note. That meant going through the 77’s looking for the ND or polarizer, etc. Grouping by purpose was another idea… How many polarizers do I need in the same size? Just one.

I’m not inclined to abandon filters altogether as some would suggest. UV and Skylight filters are really not needed with digital cameras to manage colors. But they do protect the lenses and I will use them near beaches and other situations where debris could hit the lens. How others manage their filter storage might be helpful…..

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[dorthzyx]

I resorted to a mid size, rarely used, camera bag to store filters and filter wrenches. Like you said I can selectively bring the ones I may need when going out but it's nice to have them in a dependable/easy to remember and find place when not in use. I also keep the extension tubes and step up rings in there.

 

[DougC]

A desk drawer.

 

[Woodpecker]

The filters I won't carry with me are in the orginal box sitting in drawer.
For the filters I regularly use including adapters, I use a Lowepro Filter Pouch I probably own for ages now. But in my case this is pretty stupid simple anyway, as the only filters I carry are UV filters as protection for extremely windy conditions in sandy environment or at the seaside (salt water spray). Other than that, the only thing I carry is one good and slim 82mm CPOL and three step rings to be able to use it on my other lenses with smaller filter threads.

 

[Larry S.]

I resorted to a mid size, rarely used, camera bag to store filters and filter wrenches. Like you said I can selectively bring the ones I may need when going out but it's nice to have them in a dependable/easy to remember and find place when not in use. I also keep the extension tubes and step up rings in there.

That’s a good idea to consider… I do have extension rings, etc…thanks!

 

[ButlerKid]

I only buy filters that I'm likely to use somewhat frequently: CPL, ND 5 and 10 for my 14-24 and 24-70 f2.8 lenses. I use extension rings so minimize the number of filters I buy or carry around. These days I rarely use a CPL. The NDs are handy for shooting water, so then I take them along IF I know I'm likely to photograph water. I don't live or shoot near the ocean or sand and have no use for UV, Skylights, etc.

 

[Larry S.]

I only buy filters that I'm likely to use somewhat frequently: CPL, ND 5 and 10 for my 14-24 and 24-70 f2.8 lenses. I use extension rings so minimize the number of filters I buy or carry around. These days I rarely use a CPL. The NDs are handy for shooting water, so then I take them along IF I know I'm likely to photograph water. I don't live or shoot near the ocean or sand and have no use for UV, Skylights, etc.

Thanks Karen…..time to downsize obviously.

 

[Jaylabj]

Here's my solution, I always liked the old Kodak Filter Bank for series 5 filters, so I scaled it up and 3D printed one

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for 77mm 72mm and 48mm astronomy filters.
Each filter position has complient fingers to keep the filter safely retained yet easily withdrawn and replaced. No more juggling the top, bottom, filter and lens!

 

[Calson]

With digital cameras all I need is a CPL, a variable ND for long exposures or video, and a UV to protect the front element when there is wind blown sand or water. Nikon goes with a 77mm filter size for a great many of its lenses and this means needing 3 filters for them. With the super tele I use a drop in filter which is a CPL which does double duty as a ND filter.

I use filter wallets and have filters organized by use, wildlife, landscape, and video. I like to use backpacks and shoulder bags that have outer pockets that can hold a filter wallet so I can avoid having to open the main compartment to select a different filter.

 

[Larry S.]

Here's my solution, I always liked the old Kodak Filter Bank for series 5 filters, so I scaled it up and 3D printed one View attachment 80165View attachment 80166View attachment 80167for 77mm 72mm and 48mm astronomy filters.
Each filter position has complient fingers to keep the filter safely retained yet easily withdrawn and replaced. No more juggling the top, bottom, filter and lens!

Wow! What a great way to sort your filter inventory! Grandson has an upscale 3D printer and is always looking for something to make…. thanks!

 

[Larry S.]

With digital cameras all I need is a CPL, a variable ND for long exposures or video, and a UV to protect the front element when there is wind blown sand or water. Nikon goes with a 77mm filter size for a great many of its lenses and this means needing 3 filters for them. With the super tele I use a drop in filter which is a CPL which does double duty as a ND filter.

I use filter wallets and have filters organized by use, wildlife, landscape, and video. I like to use backpacks and shoulder bags that have outer pockets that can hold a filter wallet so I can avoid having to open the main compartment to select a different filter.

Doesn’t the filter wallet (which I initially thought of) just have slip in pockets for the filter and not the protective plastic case?

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

Doesn’t the filter wallet (which I initially thought of) just have slip in pockets for the filter and not the protective plastic case?

Larry like this Kase one?

 

[Larry S.]

Larry like this Kase one?

First time I’ve seen that. Compact, secure and protective… I’m looking at this as a transport option…thanks!