Got a fright when checking images

Steven Gourlay · #1 10-05-2009, 06:22 PM

I never took a laptop to Isle of Mull so did not have time to check the photos but on the 400mm photos i noticed a dirt sport and watch looks like stratches on the lens. Jesus i got a fright i checked about 10 photos and noticed they all had the mark, after checking my lens and shooting today the marks are no long showing, i honestly thought thats 1k down the toilet.

Im not going to get a 77mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter for the camera but when doing a search im finding that they are about £50 for a so called decent one. After reading a couple of forum posts i see they dont recommend the cheap ones for L lenses, does anyone use a polarizer filter on a 400mm L lens?

RuthG · #2 10-05-2009, 06:34 PM

I have a 500mm zoom lens and I have a UV filter on the front. It is cheap to replace the filter if/when necessary and it protects the lens well. When I bought the lens, it was suggested that any lens should have a UV attached for that very reason.

CertEdFriday · #3 10-05-2009, 09:54 PM

Hi Steven,
I use a 77mm Hoya Pro Digital Circular Polariser on my 400mm lens - It also fits my 200mm 2.8. A Polariser is great for removing reflections, adding contrast to a cloudy sky and enhancing colour on a bright sunny day - and yes, a good one is £60 upwards!

As for UV or Skylight filters - yes they keep the front element clean etc, but again you need a good quality coated one in order not to degrade the photos. Spend 1K plus on a lens and then stick a cheap filter on the front

Steven Gourlay · #4 10-05-2009, 11:06 PM

Cheers guys, thanks for your comments.

Steven Gourlay · #5 11-05-2009, 01:41 PM

Just ordered my Hoya 77mm PRO 1 Circular Polarizing Filter.

CertEdFriday · #6 11-05-2009, 09:53 PM

And how much are you going to have to pay may I ask?

Steven Gourlay · #7 11-05-2009, 10:54 PM

£69 including delivery.

Steven Gourlay · #8 12-05-2009, 11:19 AM

David Can you tell me if your filter keeps spining round and does not lock? It feels pretty secure but still moves round and does not seem to locK?

CertEdFriday · #9 12-05-2009, 01:28 PM

Hi Steven,

The filter is in fact two glass discs. The threaded (back half) screws into the lens and should be reasonably tight. This then leaves the front element to rotate in order to optimise the filter effect. To see this in action, remove the filter, hold it up against a blue sky - with a few clouds about and then hold the threaded section and then turn the front and you will see the effects. Or look at a reflection in glass - car windscreen for example. Turning the filter as just described you will see the effect on the reflection. As you turn the front element you will see the reflection reduce quite dramatically.

Hope this helps

Steven Gourlay · #10 12-05-2009, 01:36 PM

Thanks David a lot of help, ive just put it on not been able to get outside yet. No clouds in sight can you believe it?