Filter brand for 55-300mm

les9596 · 04-07-2010, 11:38 AM

So I just got my new 55-300, and I'm pretty happy with the pictures it takes, but I've run up against a problem - the lens hood won't fit over my Rodenstock filter!

Turns out the filter wall is too thick, and the 55-300 has virtually no size differential between the filter threads and the bayonet mount. For lens hood to fit over the filter, it must have a very thin ring around the glass. The user manual even mentions this, recommending "Pentax-brand" filters. Say what?

So what brand of filters are people using on their Pentax 55-300 and are they able to get the lens hood on and off while using them?

JeffJS · 04-07-2010, 12:04 PM

Can't help you with a specific brand or even with the lens but if you're using the Hood, why do you want a filter (unless it's a polarizer) on the lens?

Back in the day when I did put UV filters on my lenses, the Hoya Pro1 filters didn't interfere with putting the hoods on.

PFH · 04-07-2010, 12:33 PM

I´m using a Kenko UV filter on my 55-300, no problems with the hood.

imtheguy · 04-07-2010, 01:10 PM

...and I use a mix of Hoya and Quantaray filters for CPL, ND, close-focus and UV (to catch salt water spray).

les9596 · 04-07-2010, 01:48 PM

Thanks guys! Seems like every major brand is fine (except mine !!!) I've been meaning to try kenko filters anyway because of their pricing. This is the definitely the time!

Laurentiu Cristofor · 04-07-2010, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by imtheguy

...and I use a mix of Hoya and Quantaray filters for CPL, ND, close-focus and UV (to catch salt water spray).

I second the use of Quantaray's on the kit zooms.

bymy141 · 04-08-2010, 05:23 AM

Before buying I'd read this article and tests: UV filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com
Perhaps you will pay for a Hoya Pro1 after reading...

You can see that cheap filters can ruin your photos!

- Bert

les9596 · 04-08-2010, 07:49 AM

That was a very interesting article! Pretty objective testing method, too bad they couldn't really test easiness-to-clean with real dirt. I was amazed to see that it was the $40.00 Hoya that took top score.

I gotta say, that changes my opinion!

bymy141 · 04-08-2010, 07:59 AM

You're welcome

Laurentiu Cristofor · 04-08-2010, 03:08 PM

I read the lenstip article some time ago, but it can be misleading, because the results make more sense for film than for digital. On digital, cutting off UV does not matter as it did on film.

Looking at the lenstip results, the Hoya do appear to cut off UV better, but they are less good than B+W for letting light through - compare the graphs in the visible spectrum and you'll notice that B+W has better light transmission. Additionally, B+W filters can be cleaned more easily than Hoya's and they also scratch less easily. I purchased both brands initially, but from now on I'll only purchase B+W because Hoya are a pain to clean up.

04-07-2010, 11:38 AM	#1
les9596 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Everett, WA, USA Posts: 29	Filter brand for 55-300mm So I just got my new 55-300, and I'm pretty happy with the pictures it takes, but I've run up against a problem - the lens hood won't fit over my Rodenstock filter! Turns out the filter wall is too thick, and the 55-300 has virtually no size differential between the filter threads and the bayonet mount. For lens hood to fit over the filter, it must have a very thin ring around the glass. The user manual even mentions this, recommending "Pentax-brand" filters. Say what? So what brand of filters are people using on their Pentax 55-300 and are they able to get the lens hood on and off while using them?

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04-07-2010, 12:04 PM	#2
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Can't help you with a specific brand or even with the lens but if you're using the Hood, why do you want a filter (unless it's a polarizer) on the lens? Back in the day when I did put UV filters on my lenses, the Hoya Pro1 filters didn't interfere with putting the hoods on.

04-07-2010, 12:33 PM	#3
PFH Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 483	I´m using a Kenko UV filter on my 55-300, no problems with the hood.

04-07-2010, 01:10 PM	#4
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	...and I use a mix of Hoya and Quantaray filters for CPL, ND, close-focus and UV (to catch salt water spray).

04-07-2010, 01:48 PM	#5
les9596 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Everett, WA, USA Posts: 29 Original Poster	Thanks guys! Seems like every major brand is fine (except mine !!!) I've been meaning to try kenko filters anyway because of their pricing. This is the definitely the time!

04-07-2010, 06:07 PM	#6
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by imtheguy ...and I use a mix of Hoya and Quantaray filters for CPL, ND, close-focus and UV (to catch salt water spray). I second the use of Quantaray's on the kit zooms.

04-08-2010, 05:23 AM	#7
bymy141 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,563	Before buying I'd read this article and tests: UV filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com Perhaps you will pay for a Hoya Pro1 after reading... You can see that cheap filters can ruin your photos! - Bert

04-08-2010, 07:49 AM	#8
les9596 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Everett, WA, USA Posts: 29 Original Poster	That was a very interesting article! Pretty objective testing method, too bad they couldn't really test easiness-to-clean with real dirt. I was amazed to see that it was the $40.00 Hoya that took top score. I gotta say, that changes my opinion!

04-08-2010, 07:59 AM	#9
bymy141 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,563	You're welcome

04-08-2010, 03:08 PM	#10
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	I read the lenstip article some time ago, but it can be misleading, because the results make more sense for film than for digital. On digital, cutting off UV does not matter as it did on film. Looking at the lenstip results, the Hoya do appear to cut off UV better, but they are less good than B+W for letting light through - compare the graphs in the visible spectrum and you'll notice that B+W has better light transmission. Additionally, B+W filters can be cleaned more easily than Hoya's and they also scratch less easily. I purchased both brands initially, but from now on I'll only purchase B+W because Hoya are a pain to clean up.