I just purchased an elan 7e and 28-90 lens. I have just a few questions about filters. I realize that in people and closeup shots there is little difference between a UV filter and a Skylight, but what about scenic shots where you are looking miles in one direction. What about snow shots? Will the skylight compensate for the blue? What is the best brand for high quality pictures? I want to buy a graduated filter as well. The only things I have seen though use sheet filters that mount onto the front of the lens. Can I use this type with an auto focus len? I would think the filter would turn with the lens when it focused and mess up the shot. Any help you could give me would be most appreciated. P.S. sorry if I got longwinded.

-- shadowman (mshadow818@msn.com), January 22, 2002

Answers

The questions you ask are general photography questions, and this is an EOS specific forum. Have you had a look at photo.net's section on filters?

http:// www.photo.net/photo/filters

It has some reasonable advice and I think answers most of your questions. I have some general advice for people on a budget at:

http:// www.teladesign.com/photo/filters.html

As for auto focus lenses, some lenses have rotating ends and some do not. In the case of the former you focus first.

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), January 22, 2002.

Skylight and/or UV filters primary function is to protect the lens. Since you want to protect a $100 lens, how much do you really want to spend on the filter?

I like Hoya super multi coated UV filters, but I guess the standard single coated Hoya filters would be fine and cheaper. Tiffen filters are also OK and somewhat cheaper.

If you shoot print film, I would not worry about excess blue, or the need to use a warming filter.

Cokin P filter holders can be set up so that you can hold the filter in place, while your AF lens rotates. I have not tried this since none of my glass have rotating front elements.

-- kenneth katz (socks@bestweb.net), January 22, 2002.