djwixx wrote:kabir75 wrote:Well, if i do decide to buy the UV filters, what specifications should i be looking for both the lenses? I searched bhphotovideo.com and see that B+W has 49mm and 52mm filters...? I will need the filters for the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S DX AND the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens.
Thanks!
I believe both those lenses are 52mm. If you look at the back of the lens cap it will tell you the filter thread size. B & W make superb filters so you can't go wrong, as long as you don't mind spending the money. Look for a good quality micro fiber cloth so you can keep them clean.
B&W are excellent filters for the price, but pricey they are. Tiffen and Hoya are often the choice of the day to day shooter. Basically you want to find a good quality glass filter that's coated. I agree that your lenses are 52mm front diameter. If you search
B&H under filters 52mm you can see everything they have. Generally the top end will have solid mounts, better glass, and will be coated to reduce glare, flare and reflections, and increase light transmittance. Cheaper, means low quality glass (plastic), cheap mounts, and no coatings. The two places to look for lens size are the back of the cap, and if you do not have the cap usually the last number on the makers plate which follows a "o" with a "/" through it is the lens front diameter. It's on the bottom of many Nikon lenses.
For more info you can throw Photographic filters at google. There are some good article out there regarding quality and cost. I can't link to them because I'm away from my home computer. Finally, one school of thought is that with digital imaging and post processing, it's less necessary to use a UV or haze filter anymore. A coated clear glass filter is supossedly sufficient for lens protection.
OK one last thing, I use the same brand of filter on all my lenses that need their own filter. I also buy one filter of the largest diameter require dby my gear and use step down rings to avoid the need for multiple expensive filters like circular polarizers, and full neutral densities. You might keep this in mind since Nikon is making many of their DX lenses in 67mm, and all the pro caliber stuff is 77mm. Other manufacturers will use different diameters.