Advise on lens filters

[SlowInternet]

As I am a real newbie with photography I need some advise on lens filters. I have just bought myself a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. Now apparently it is good to use a filter to protect the lens and so on.

What brand of filters are the "good" ones and which brands should I avoid ?

Any other info on filters will be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

[undesign]

There's a couple of threads on this topic -

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/324683-UV-Filters

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/277181-Filter-Advice

In short, one half of photographers swear by UV filters (for protection), the other half don't. My take is that it degrades the quality of light, I'd rather use a lens hood, I never use UV filters (with the possible exception of shooting in windy, dusty circumstances). My sense is that the no-UV filter brigade is growing.

With regards to other filters, there a few to check out - CPL (circular polarizing filter), graduated ND (neutral density filters) and plain ND filters. At least these are the ones I have. Here's a link to a site that explains them -

http://www.freephotoresources.com/lens-filters-explained-a-bit-more-2/

 

[SlowInternet]

There's a couple of threads on this topic -

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/324683-UV-Filters

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/277181-Filter-Advice

In short, one half of photographers swear by UV filters (for protection), the other half don't. My take is that it degrades the quality of light, I'd rather use a lens hood, I never use UV filters (with the possible exception of shooting in windy, dusty circumstances). My sense is that the no-UV filter brigade is growing.

With regards to other filters, there a few to check out - CPL (circular polarizing filter), graduated ND (neutral density filters) and plain ND filters. At least these are the ones I have. Here's a link to a site that explains them -

http://www.freephotoresources.com/lens-filters-explained-a-bit-more-2/

I forgot to do a search. Thank you for the advise and links. It seems a lens hood is the answer.

 

[koffiejunkie]

I think your money is better spent on a hood. It provides much better protection to your lens.

 

[SlowInternet]

I think your money is better spent on a hood. It provides much better protection to your lens.

Thanks ! I did not know it but it actually comes with a hood. Must say the response from Orms was great and their price much lower than anybody else. Now I have to go and take some photos.

 

[hilton]

I agree with the bit about not needing a UV filter except when in dusty conditions like at the beach.

 

[koffiejunkie]

I'm not saying use a hood instead of a filter. I'm just saying, spend your money on a hood first. I use filters on (most of) my lenses, but not without a hood.

 

[bwana]

I agree with the bit about not needing a UV filter except when in dusty conditions like at the beach.

I can live with that.