Polarisers

[RichardGHawley]

I take a lot of landscapes on a Nikon D40X (Which may be upgraded to the new Nikon D7000 when it comes out).

I have the following lenses:
Tamron 10 to 24mm Ultra windeangle
Nikkor 18 to 55mm Zoom
Nikkor 70 to 300mm Zoom
Nikkor 55 to 200mm Zoom
Tamron 90mm Macro

The ones I use mostly for landscapes are the ultra wideangle, the 18 to 55mm and the 70 to 300mm, so there is at least three different lens diameters.

My problem is that I want to use a polariser(s) for my landscapes but I am not sure whether to buy three separate screw in circular polarisers or the largest square cokin P type circular polariser - cost is an issue but also ease of use when changing lenses etc. The problem is the ultra wideangle and finding a filter big enough - screw in I imagine is likely to be expensive.

Also I want to look at ND filters but not sure what to get there either.

Any tips on what other photographers are using would be welcome.

Thanks
Richard

 

[TinaC]

Sounds like you are looking for the square system rather than the screw in type. I use square NDs but only have one cpl on the one lens, so use a screw on.

I have used both together with dubious results, but I'm a novice.

More experienced folk will be along soon

 

[dalex_257]

My problem is that I want to use a polariser(s) for my landscapes but I am not sure whether to buy three separate screw in circular polarisers or the largest square cokin P type circular polariser

The square one may seem like a better choice considering the wide angles and the pricing... But you will need to make it turn independently of the ND grads which means using two filter holders with tandem adapter (Lee or Cokin - does not matter). The problem in doing this is that it will increase your chances if vignetting. In this case you need to use larger system (so if you use Cokin P now you probably will need to go one level up to their XPro or Lee 100mm filters).

I would personally try to get a CPL (or linear PL) of slightly larger diameter than your largest lens filter, find a really slim stepup ring and attach the filter with this. This should help with vignetting - then on top of it you can use your ND grads with whatever system you use (Cokin, Lee)

 

[RichardGHawley]

Thanks guys. I'll take a look at both

 

[ian-83]

If the 18-55 is the kit lens surely it's not suitable for using filters with as the end of the lens rotates as it focuses?