What size filters should I get?

andyvo · 11-22-2013, 01:29 PM

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Hey all,

I shoot with a Pentax K-5 and own some 77mm ND filters which I find invaluable. I have a Sigma 50mm 1.4 which has a 77mm thread and use step-up rings for my other lenses as they are all 67mm or less.

My question is having sold my Sigma 50mm 1.4 to fund the purchase of a DA* 50-135mm, will I be needing 77mm filters anymore? It seems since the entire Pentax range of DSLR cameras is APS-C, Pentax lenses are rarely larger than 67mm. I have three 67mm lenses now. Selling my 77mm filters and getting some 67mm ones would save me the hassle of using step-up rings and let me regain the use of my lens hoods.

Do you think this is a good move or should I stick my 77mm filters?

Cheers

Adam · 11-22-2013, 01:36 PM

Originally posted by andyvo

Hey all,

I shoot with a Pentax K-5 and own some 77mm ND filters which I find invaluable. I have a Sigma 50mm 1.4 which has a 77mm thread and use step-up rings for my other lenses as they are all 67mm or less.

My question is having sold my Sigma 50mm 1.4 to fund the purchase of a DA* 50-135mm, will I be needing 77mm filters anymore? It seems since the entire Pentax range of DSLR cameras is APS-C, Pentax lenses are rarely larger than 67mm. I have three 67mm lenses now. Selling my 77mm filters and getting some 67mm ones would save me the hassle of using step-up rings and let me regain the use of my lens hoods.

Do you think this is a good move or should I stick my 77mm filters?

Cheers

If you don't have any 77mm lenses then there's no reason to hang on to your 77mm filters unless you plan on getting some soon, but honestly I'd recommend getting the appropriate filter size for each of your lenses.

BTW, there are several current Pentax lenses with a 77mm filter thread, including the 12-24mm, 16-50mm, 14mm, 200mm, and 300mm.

pdo · 11-22-2013, 01:37 PM

The DA* 16-50mm uses 77mm filter. I would keep it if you plan to buy that lens in the future. Otherwise sell it to purchase 67mm and 49mm filter..most Pentax primes uses size 49mm..

aoeu · 11-22-2013, 01:40 PM

Hoods are fitted to lenses. Step up rings introduce a new problem.

Some of my lenses are used both on film and crop sensor DSLR. Some have two hoods.

I have CPL filters in most sizes.

My collection of ND and ND Grad filters is still spotty.

I do not sell filters with the exception of duplicates.

andyvo · 11-22-2013, 01:43 PM

Thanks for the quick replies guys. It seems 77mm mostly makes an appearance with ultra wides and tele primes unlike with Canikon where their standard lenses have 77mm threads. I can't see myself purchasing a tele prime anytime soon but I have some interest in ultra wides and even then I've had my eye on a couple with 67mm threads.

I might try my luck at trading them down

As for the DA* 16-50mm. It seems like an ok lens but I have a Tamron 17-50mm. They're $300 new now for those who don't mind going grey market. What a bargain.

**TER-OR** · 11-22-2013, 02:15 PM

The Sigma 28mm f1.8mm macro also has a 77mm ring. It's a big lens, and 77mm filters aren't cheap...I'd probably hang onto it for a little while.

Kozlok · 11-22-2013, 02:17 PM

Originally posted by andyvo

They're $300 new now for those who don't mind going grey market.

Where?

andyvo · 11-22-2013, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by Kozlok

Where?

$305 on eBay with free postage.
NEW Tamron AF 17 50mm F 2 8 XR DI II LD IF Lens FOR Pentax Mount A16P 4960371004730 | eBay

or

$319 from DigitalRev with free postage.
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical Lens for Sale

narual · 11-22-2013, 09:47 PM

Used filters never seem to sell for anything, so keep them in case you need them later. Check your local camera shop's used bin for filters… I made my 50-135 happy with a nice BW 67mm UV filter that sells for about $50-70 new for $5 at mine. The only filter I've spent more than $15 on there was a 55mm neodymium one for about $25 (the 67mm one I bought new on amazon, I forget the price there).

I've gotten used UV and polarizing for every size lens I own, neodymium/enhancing/intensifying for 49/55, and a couple of 80a filters there and I don't think I've hit the $100 mark yet. Most of them were under $5, several of them are B+W, the rest are mostly hoya and tiffen.

andyvo · 11-23-2013, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by narual

Used filters never seem to sell for anything, so keep them in case you need them later. Check your local camera shop's used bin for filters… I made my 50-135 happy with a nice BW 67mm UV filter that sells for about $50-70 new for $5 at mine. The only filter I've spent more than $15 on there was a 55mm neodymium one for about $25 (the 67mm one I bought new on amazon, I forget the price there).

I've gotten used UV and polarizing for every size lens I own, neodymium/enhancing/intensifying for 49/55, and a couple of 80a filters there and I don't think I've hit the $100 mark yet. Most of them were under $5, several of them are B+W, the rest are mostly hoya and tiffen.

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely see if I can find some second hand ones. Still not sure whether I should get solid ND filters like I have in 77mm or a nice variable one. But I guess that a whole new can of worms and I'm going to have to do some more research :P.

11-22-2013, 01:29 PM	#1
andyvo New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6	What size filters should I get? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hey all, I shoot with a Pentax K-5 and own some 77mm ND filters which I find invaluable. I have a Sigma 50mm 1.4 which has a 77mm thread and use step-up rings for my other lenses as they are all 67mm or less. My question is having sold my Sigma 50mm 1.4 to fund the purchase of a DA* 50-135mm, will I be needing 77mm filters anymore? It seems since the entire Pentax range of DSLR cameras is APS-C, Pentax lenses are rarely larger than 67mm. I have three 67mm lenses now. Selling my 77mm filters and getting some 67mm ones would save me the hassle of using step-up rings and let me regain the use of my lens hoods. Do you think this is a good move or should I stick my 77mm filters? Cheers

11-22-2013, 01:36 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by andyvo Hey all, I shoot with a Pentax K-5 and own some 77mm ND filters which I find invaluable. I have a Sigma 50mm 1.4 which has a 77mm thread and use step-up rings for my other lenses as they are all 67mm or less. My question is having sold my Sigma 50mm 1.4 to fund the purchase of a DA* 50-135mm, will I be needing 77mm filters anymore? It seems since the entire Pentax range of DSLR cameras is APS-C, Pentax lenses are rarely larger than 67mm. I have three 67mm lenses now. Selling my 77mm filters and getting some 67mm ones would save me the hassle of using step-up rings and let me regain the use of my lens hoods. Do you think this is a good move or should I stick my 77mm filters? Cheers If you don't have any 77mm lenses then there's no reason to hang on to your 77mm filters unless you plan on getting some soon, but honestly I'd recommend getting the appropriate filter size for each of your lenses. BTW, there are several current Pentax lenses with a 77mm filter thread, including the 12-24mm, 16-50mm, 14mm, 200mm, and 300mm. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-22-2013, 01:43 PM	#5
andyvo New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6 Original Poster	Thanks for the quick replies guys. It seems 77mm mostly makes an appearance with ultra wides and tele primes unlike with Canikon where their standard lenses have 77mm threads. I can't see myself purchasing a tele prime anytime soon but I have some interest in ultra wides and even then I've had my eye on a couple with 67mm threads. I might try my luck at trading them down As for the DA* 16-50mm. It seems like an ok lens but I have a Tamron 17-50mm. They're $300 new now for those who don't mind going grey market. What a bargain. Last edited by andyvo; 11-22-2013 at 01:52 PM.

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11-22-2013, 01:37 PM	#3
pdo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Westminster CA Posts: 264	The DA* 16-50mm uses 77mm filter. I would keep it if you plan to buy that lens in the future. Otherwise sell it to purchase 67mm and 49mm filter..most Pentax primes uses size 49mm..

11-22-2013, 01:40 PM	#4
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	Hoods are fitted to lenses. Step up rings introduce a new problem. Some of my lenses are used both on film and crop sensor DSLR. Some have two hoods. I have CPL filters in most sizes. My collection of ND and ND Grad filters is still spotty. I do not sell filters with the exception of duplicates.

11-22-2013, 02:15 PM	#6
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	The Sigma 28mm f1.8mm macro also has a 77mm ring. It's a big lens, and 77mm filters aren't cheap...I'd probably hang onto it for a little while.

11-22-2013, 02:17 PM	#7
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Originally posted by andyvo They're $300 new now for those who don't mind going grey market. Where?

11-22-2013, 02:32 PM	#8
andyvo New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kozlok Where? $305 on eBay with free postage. NEW Tamron AF 17 50mm F 2 8 XR DI II LD IF Lens FOR Pentax Mount A16P 4960371004730 \| eBay or $319 from DigitalRev with free postage. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical Lens for Sale

11-22-2013, 09:47 PM	#9
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Used filters never seem to sell for anything, so keep them in case you need them later. Check your local camera shop's used bin for filters… I made my 50-135 happy with a nice BW 67mm UV filter that sells for about $50-70 new for $5 at mine. The only filter I've spent more than $15 on there was a 55mm neodymium one for about $25 (the 67mm one I bought new on amazon, I forget the price there). I've gotten used UV and polarizing for every size lens I own, neodymium/enhancing/intensifying for 49/55, and a couple of 80a filters there and I don't think I've hit the $100 mark yet. Most of them were under $5, several of them are B+W, the rest are mostly hoya and tiffen.

11-23-2013, 02:26 PM	#10
andyvo New Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6 Original Poster	Originally posted by narual Used filters never seem to sell for anything, so keep them in case you need them later. Check your local camera shop's used bin for filters… I made my 50-135 happy with a nice BW 67mm UV filter that sells for about $50-70 new for $5 at mine. The only filter I've spent more than $15 on there was a 55mm neodymium one for about $25 (the 67mm one I bought new on amazon, I forget the price there). I've gotten used UV and polarizing for every size lens I own, neodymium/enhancing/intensifying for 49/55, and a couple of 80a filters there and I don't think I've hit the $100 mark yet. Most of them were under $5, several of them are B+W, the rest are mostly hoya and tiffen. Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely see if I can find some second hand ones. Still not sure whether I should get solid ND filters like I have in 77mm or a nice variable one. But I guess that a whole new can of worms and I'm going to have to do some more research :P.