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I'm thinking of buying a 12-24 lens, the main reason for not getting the Sigma lens was the fact that you can't use filters with it.
I went to the Sigma website http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses ... avigator=1
And they say that you can put a circular polariser on it (half way down the page next to the photo of the canoe). I know you can use gelatin filters on the back but I didn't think that you can get gelatin circular polarisers.
Can someone who owns one confirm this?

Gelatin filter! Just please forget it!
Yes, the Sigma can use the gelatin filter, but are you going to pay few hundred bucks for it?
If that's the case then go for Nikon
Most of Sigma 12-24 owners never thinking of buying gelatin filter

Neither would I birddog, but what I was trying to find out is if the circular polariser they talk about in the website is a regular one or gelatin, as I said I didn't think you can get them in gelatin so maybe there is a thread in the front of the lens?

phillipb wrote:Neither would I birddog, but what I was trying to find out is if the circular polariser they talk about in the website is a regular one or gelatin, as I said I didn't think you can get them in gelatin so maybe there is a thread in the front of the lens?

Negative, no thread in the front., confirmed.

Birddog114 wrote:Yes, the Sigma can use the gelatin filter, but are you going to pay few hundred bucks for it?

Are they really too expensive? You can buy Cokin set of Gelatine filters and cut them to the size of Sigma's rear slot, I assume

It seem that I'm not the only one puzzled by this, I found this thread at photonet
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fet ... _id=00Bh4B
Still no definite answer.

Hlop wrote:

Birddog114 wrote:Yes, the Sigma can use the gelatin filter, but are you going to pay few hundred bucks for it?

Are they really too expensive? You can buy Cokin set of Gelatine filters and cut them to the size of Sigma's rear slot, I assume

Gelatin filter requires Gelatin holder, and some holders cost similar to the lens, the cheap one is coupa hundred Aussie plastic, how can you stick it in the rear slot?
So far with Sigma, I didn't see any type of holder or gelatin filter for this 12-24.

I've sent email to Sigma's customer service - let's see what they are going to tell us.

I'm also thinking if it's possible to mount Cokin universal ring to the front of Sigma 12-24

Birddog114 wrote:Gelatin filter requires Gelatin holder, and some holders cost similar to the lens, the cheap one is coupa hundred Aussie plastic, how can you stick it in the rear slot?
So far with Sigma, I didn't see any type of holder or gelatin filter for this 12-24.

What manual says is just cut gelatine filter and slide it in, so, rear slot is filter holder.

Do you have Sigma in stock? Have a look to its back

I have this lens and there is a slot on the rear of the lens for the filter. It comes with a template for cutting the filters. It is about as big as your thumb nail so I imagine it would be a PITA to use.

The lens cap holder has a thread so maybe a screw in on the front. This would cause vignetting though.

Cheers
Dean

OK, I have the Sigma 12-24 in front of me, and the holder is a little square at the rear mount, yes you can buy the gelatin filter and stick in it but you have to buy a sheet and cut it to size, then you need a tweezer to insert or remove. That why people don't want to play around with it and you have to remove the lens off the body when you want to change the filter.

Deano wrote:I have this lens and there is a slot on the rear of the lens for the filter. It comes with a template for cutting the filters. It is about as big as your thumb nail so I imagine it would be a PITA to use.

The lens cap holder has a thread so maybe a screw in on the front. This would cause vignetting though.

Cheers
Dean

Yes, exactly what Deano said, your finger won't do justice with the gelatin CPL filter when it's at the small size.

Deano wrote:I have this lens and there is a slot on the rear of the lens for the filter. It comes with a template for cutting the filters. It is about as big as your thumb nail so I imagine it would be a PITA to use.

The lens cap holder has a thread so maybe a screw in on the front. This would cause vignetting though.

Cheers
Dean

Apparently this is not a big problem with APS-C but definetly with 135mm or full size sensores.

And i can find no CPL gelatin filter sheet on B&H or Adorama, only few other type of gelatin filter btw.

Yes the lens cap has threads but that will vignetting at widest range cos the filter sits far from the front glass.
And in its manual, it mentioned "Filters cannot be mounted on the front of the lens"

phillipb wrote:Apparently this is not a big problem with APS-C but definetly with 135mm or full size sensores.

Phillip,

I think it may be a prob even with the D70 FoV crop. I leant my lens to Mudder and he didn't realise the cap holder was to be removed and got some vignetting.

Cheers
Dean

I was thinking about this lens this morning and wondered about filters. So it's not possible to put on a stupid size stepping ring and put a cpl on that way?
Wondered if that would reduce vignetting at wider angles.

kipper wrote:I was thinking about this lens this morning and wondered about filters. So it's not possible to put on a stupid size stepping ring and put a cpl on that way?
Wondered if that would reduce vignetting at wider angles.

How can you mount the stepping ring on the lens hood, and it will hit the glass.

I have this lens. At 12mm the lens cap holder is clearly visible in images. I doubt you can permanently attach a filter sucessfully for 12mm use. I have heard people hold a filter in front but personally I cant be bothered. If you really want filters go for the nikon.

Now you can see why my avatar, shot with sigma 12-24 was shot at night. (joke)

No argument kipper - I am with Glen (and I have the Sigma 12-24 too) if you want to use filters go for the Nikon. Up-to-date I have had no need for a front filter on the 12-24 as I can rework in PS if I need to - and so far I have had no need

sirhc55 wrote:No argument kipper - I am with Glen (and I have the Sigma 12-24 too) if you want to use filters go for the Nikon. Up-to-date I have had no need for a front filter on the 12-24 as I can rework in PS if I need to - and so far I have had no need

I am a proud owner of Sigma 12-24 too and I like it but I have to disagree with Chris. At least, in some aspects. Sometimes it's great to have a CPL or grad. ND. I doubt that I can achive the same results in PS. Chris as a pro might be able to handle it but not me

I'm with you Mikhail, as much as I would like this lens, I think I would miss the CPL, and since I can't afford the nikon, after seeing this photo, http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/view? ... ard=browse I think I'll spend my money on the sigma 105 2.8 macro instead.

I'm off to PM Birddog.

phillipb wrote:I'm with you Mikhail, as much as I would like this lens, I think I would miss the CPL, and since I can't afford the nikon, after seeing this photo, http://www.photosig.com/go/photos/view? ... ard=browse I think I'll spend my money on the sigma 105 2.8 macro instead.

I'm off to PM Birddog.

Phillip you won’t be disappointed with the Sigma 105 macro it’s a great lens

Hlop wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:No argument kipper - I am with Glen (and I have the Sigma 12-24 too) if you want to use filters go for the Nikon. Up-to-date I have had no need for a front filter on the 12-24 as I can rework in PS if I need to - and so far I have had no need

I am a proud owner of Sigma 12-24 too and I like it but I have to disagree with Chris. At least, in some aspects. Sometimes it's great to have a CPL or grad. ND. I doubt that I can achive the same results in PS. Chris as a pro might be able to handle it but not me

Mikhail - you can always use a rear ND filter but I do agree that the CPL is a problem if you need it.