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Hi everyone,

Bit of a n00b question, but thought I'd better be safe than sorry! After seeing Leigh and Vince's excellent IR work in the last couple of weeks, I'm thinking of buying an IR filter, most probably the Hoya R72. I have a dilemma though: the 72 mm version is $141.90 from Vanbar, whereas the 77 mm flavour is a whopping $283.80! Step-down rings, on the other hand, are cheap.

So my question is: how much of a compromise is having a 72 mm filter and step down ring on a 77 mm diameter lens (of which I currently have only one, but will probably have more down the track)? I assume it will vignette a bit at the wide end and not be much of a problem at the telephoto end? Or am I better off just buying once and splashing out for the 77 mm one? Expensive experiment!

Cheers!

3 words:

Import! Import! Import!

Step-down ring is a bad idea....why compromise quality when you have the 70-200 VROOOM eh?

True, I think I just need to convince myself that the extra $$$ is worth it! Import eh? Hmm, any ideas where you can import these cheaper? B&H and Adorama are more expensive than here.

Thanks for your reply!

Yes the picture quality and all but why not get a stepdown ring and borrow a 72mm UV or skylight filter from someone and see how it affects picture quality in regards to vignette.

I could be wrong but the 70-200mm is a full frame lens? So the picture circle “COULD” be ok?

This way you could end up saving $100US?

Trent, http://www.mainlinephoto.com.au have sales from time to time. Never bought anything there, but if you want something it is near to my place and I can pick it up and bring it to a minimeet. They are the B&W importer

No, don't ever try this solution, you'll be disappointed.

72mm filter on 77mm lens is bad, won't help guys!

Birddog114 wrote:No, don't ever try this solution, you'll be disappointed.

72mm filter on 77mm lens is bad, won't help guys!

Normally I agree and take your advice, but for a $200US filter? I was thinking (I could be very wrong) why not try?

That is why I suggest just buying a 77-72mm stepdown ring (I presume no one has this) and borrowing a UV or skylight 72mm filter.

i presume if it works for UV it should work for R72?

This way you can ebay the ring and at the end of the day if it does not work and you lose maybe a few dollars. And a few weeks.

AND if it does work save a $100US if it works.

ipv6ready wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:No, don't ever try this solution, you'll be disappointed.

72mm filter on 77mm lens is bad, won't help guys!

Normally I agree and take your advice, but for a $200US filter? I was thinking (I could be very wrong) why not try?

That is why I suggest just buying a 77-72mm stepdown ring (I presume no one has this) and borrowing 72mm filter.

This way you can ebay the ring and at the end of the day if it does not work and you lose maybe a few dollars. And a few weeks.

AND if it does work save a $100US if it works.

Before I posted, I took out the 72-77 step down ring and tried on couple lenses with 77mm, I'm not happy.
MCWB, pop in I loan you the step ring, experiment it yourself and post your impressions to the board.

I had another think about it, and almost any lens I have lust for these days comes in 77 mm filter thread, vs my one current 72 mm, the 24-120 VR. In that light it seems silly not to go for the 77 mm. Thanks for your discussion guys, and I agree IPv6ready, no harm in trying these things!

Glen wrote:Trent, http://www.mainlinephoto.com.au have sales from time to time. Never bought anything there, but if you want something it is near to my place and I can pick it up and bring it to a minimeet. They are the B&W importer

Thanks for the link Mr Meatyard! Unfortunately they have no 77 mm ones in stock, they all went out last week on special order. ~2 week wait now, which sadly is no good to me. Appreciate your offer though, thanks!

Thanks very much for testing it out Birdy, I'll take your word on it. Vanbar only have one 77 mm Hoya R72 in Aus; just need to decide whether to order it or not now. Never thought I'd encounter filter lust!

MCWB,
What are you trying to achieve with this type of filter? Just for fun?
They are not cheap and how often do you use them?
I tried before but did not suit my taste and never buy again.
The money, I spent on these filters, I better buy some other toys.

Edit: The R72 is US$283.00 - RM90 is US$453.00 + shipping.

Birddog114 wrote:Just for fun? They are not cheap and how often do you use them?

All my gear is for fun.

You're exactly right though. Are you reading my mind or something, because that's exactly what's going through my head now! I probably would have impulse-bought the 72 mm, but the extra cost of the 77 mm means I have to think about it. I'll have the opportunity to do a lot of landscape photography in Europe in the next couple of months though, so I might get a fair bit of use out of it there...

In terms of price, Vanbar have one R72 for A$283; not so interested in the R90. B+W are slightly cheaper, but no stock...