ND filter size

[Nick B.]

A question about the diameter of ND filters that I plan to use for long exposure nature photos. It gets expensive to buy different sized sets of ND filters for each lens I might use. An alternative approach would be to buy a larger filter (77mm or 82mm) and then buy step-up rings to use the filters of other size lenses (e.g. 67 or 72mm lens diameter).

Are there any disadvantages to doing this (ignoring the initially higher cost of the larger filters)? I wondered about potential vignetting with the step-up ring.

 

[StephenP]

The lens that I use ND's with the most is the Nikon 18-35mm which has 77mm threads so I purchased all 77mm filters even the Cir-Pol. I then have two step-down rings that I use with the 70-300mm and 24-85mm lenses with no issues. I do have a Cir-Pol for my 50mm. I think you will find that those who use round ND filters if needed, use step-down rings. I think it's also one of the reasons a lot go with the square filter systems like Lee etc. Now that I added the 200-500mm I'm grateful that I won't need extra filters.

 

[DRwyoming]

Are there any disadvantages to doing this (ignoring the initially higher cost of the larger filters)? I wondered about potential vignetting with the step-up ring

No optical disadvantages using a large filter and step up rings for the smaller diameter lenses. If anything it reduces the chances of vignetting on the lenses where you'll use step up rings. I find it a slightly bigger hassle in the field to fish out the proper step up ring and then the filter, just more moving parts. But overall it's a pretty good way to go and can be a cost effective solution if you have several different diameter lenses for both polarizers and ND filters.

 

[BillW]

It may make it hard or not possible to use the smaller diameter lens’s lens hood.

 

[Warren D]

I've been doing that since the film days. As said above, the only downside would be the lens hood might not fit. I have several threaded lens hoods for the largest filters but don't know if they are still available.

 

[DRwyoming]

I have several threaded lens hoods for the largest filters but don't know if they are still available.

I also use threaded aluminum lens hoods to fit my filters. These are still available new from places like Amazon and eBay threaded to screw right onto the front threads on most filters. I find these very convenient when using circular polarizers if I want some front element shading from a hood but still want to rotate the filter and have one to fit my 105mm AF-S micro lens (fairly short hood which gives some shading but works well for macro lighting) and one for my 77mm filters.

Here's an example of one of these threaded lens hoods that can go straight on a filter but they make them in different diameters and different lengths for wide angle vs longer focal length lenses: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R32HGRP/?tag=backcogaller-20

 

[KimM]

I also use threaded aluminum lens hoods to fit my filters. These are still available new from places like Amazon and eBay threaded to screw right onto the front threads on most filters. I find these very convenient when using circular polarizers if I want some front element shading from a hood but still want to rotate the filter and have one to fit my 105mm AF-S micro lens (fairly short hood which gives some shading but works well for macro lighting) and one for my 77mm filters.

Here's an example of one of these threaded lens hoods that can go straight on a filter but they make them in different diameters and different lengths for wide angle vs longer focal length lenses: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R32HGRP/?tag=backcogaller-20

This is awesome! I have never heard of these. When I do water falls, I always use a polarizer unless I need a 6 stop for shutter speed control. Because the hoods were such a pain, I left them in the car but worried a bit about protecting the front if it fell. And occasionally could have used the shade. They aren't that expensive. Thank you!