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Hi,
Do you guys use UV filters at all? I've read that it's not important.

Also, how much difference does a good (expensive) circular polarizing filter make in your photos. I got a DSLR camera, so it's a big investment, and I don't want to waste it by buying a cheap filter. At the same time, if it doesn't make a noticeable difference, I would rather not spend the money. Too often I fall into the trap of going all the way instead of just using what works...

I have a Canon T1i/500D.

Thanks!

Hi,

Just to get this out of they way....please place a meaningful location into your profile as it is a condition of membership...refer to FAQ or the pink box at the top of the page...

Welcome to DSLRusers!

There is currently a discussion on UV filters http://dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=37285 that may help you with your first question. But in a nutshell...UV (protection) filters are a double edged sword...protect but affect image quality...so if you decide to use them get good ones...esp if you have good lenses (kit lenses are a bit of a waste of time and money buying top grade filters for)

Circular Polariser filters are a completely different beast, they are one of the things that PhotoShop cannot replicate. They are expensive, but if you are going to be shooting in bright conditions and glare will be a problem then it is a worthy investment. C-Pols also help to saturate colours as well. Here you will be torn between getting a filter to fit your current lenses or buying a bigger 77mm filter (more exy) and get adaptor rings to suit smaller lenses.

I would advise, have a read of the other thread regarding protection filters...decide what you want to do. As for a C-Pol...get one when you need one.

May I ask, which lens kit did you get with the 500D?

Roger on the location - didn't know.

I have a 18-55mm EF-S with IS. It's the standard one that comes with the 500D.

So, in an effort to balance saving and spending, I'm leaning on this lens for $42:
Hoya 58 mm PRO1 DIGITAL Circular Polarizer Filter DMC

Great to see that we have another American on this website..if you have not realised we are mainly Australian based (so keep in mind prices will be a bit different).

The Pro1 filters are very good, probably more than I would bother with for the 18-55IS but then again buying a bit too much is better than buying something cheaper and buying again.

aim54x wrote:The Pro1 filters are very good, probably more than I would bother with for the 18-55IS but then again buying a bit too much is better than buying something cheaper and buying again.

As a fellow Canon-ite to Oreo, and also holder of this lens, I too have a Hoya Pro1 C-Pol that I use. It's good value. That said, I've also recently picked up a Kenko one (67mm) for my 17-85 that is as good as (or better) than the Hoya, and cheaper too!

Given that both are owned by Tokina, there are differing opinions on whether they are of the same construction/calibre. I have both, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend either...

Would a slim filter be needed for the wider end at 18mm on that lens?

I've been looking at CPL's for my 10-22mm and i've been told i need to buy a slim filter.

Wink wrote:Would a slim filter be needed for the wider end at 18mm on that lens?

Yes.

I've been looking at CPL's for my 10-22mm and i've been told i need to buy a slim filter.

That is good advice.

Wink wrote:Would a slim filter be needed for the wider end at 18mm on that lens?

I've been looking at CPL's for my 10-22mm and i've been told i need to buy a slim filter.

I have found the Pro1 series of these to be said, "slim" filters. Much more so than the that standard ones (Hoya Green/Purple Series). Again, I have both Pro1 and the "other" kind...

Slim filters are a must...if you are going to be spending money to buy a C-Pol then definitely get a good quality (and slim one). Hoya Pro1D and Ultra series filters are slim...as are the Marumi DHG C-Pols

Thanks for the info.
HVStar.net seem to be popular for filters.

The list of stuff i need just never seems to end.