Filters

I recently bought a Nikon D60 with the kit lens (18-55mm) and an additional Nikon lens 55-200mm). I've done some research and decided to get a circular polarizer.

So to my question.......Should I get the filter to fit my kit lens or the longer lens? I like to shoot a lot of landscapes as well as my kids doing various activities. Can I get the larger polarizer (58mm) and still use it in any way with the 52mm lens? I've read some filters can be held but I forget why that is done.

Any ideas?

I would think that you would be using it mainly for landscapes, so I would say get it for the 18-55. You can always get another one later.

Always buy for your largest lens. Then you buy a reducer ring to fit the smaller lenses. You cannot use a smaller filter on a larger lens. And always buy the best one you can afford.
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Terry Gelgen
D50
18-55ED
Nikkor 70-300VR ED
Nikkor 105mm Macro VR ED

Both lenses take the 52mm filters. I don't know why you are considering a 58mm filter?

You have some choices. You can buy a 52mm CPL. It will fit both lenses.

Or, if you think you will buy a lens with a larger filter thread later, then buy the CPL with that thread size (67 or 77 is common) and get a step-up ring. This is a ring that goes on the filter threads on you lens. Then the CPL threads into that. Obviously, if you step up a lot (52 to 77 say) then it looks kind of ungainly on the end of you lens. But it works and saves you from having to buy two or more CPLs.

In a few very rare instances a step up ring and a CPL will add too much length to the lens and the additions shade the lens giving vignetting. For that reason, many buy the slim CPL. This is mostly a problem with ultra wide angles from what I gather.

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Catallaxy

Interesting set of answers. I dont have my camera or lenses with me but when I went into the camera shop the other day they told me I needed two different sizes (they even looked it up). Obviously, I'll have to check on it.

Thanks to all who gave me some info.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and the AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED (same for the non-VR version) take a 52mm filter.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2176/AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-18-55mm-f%252F3.5-5.6G-VR.html

http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2166/AF-S-DX-VR-Zoom-NIKKOR-55-200mm-f%252F4-5.6G-IF-ED.html

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While amateurs change the camera’s settings; many Pro’s prefer to change the light.

Brooks
http://bmiddleton.smugmug.com/

Short version:

Certain filters are just more expensive and it will help cut down on what you have to carry.

I keep a multi-coated protective filter on every lens regardless. That said you have three options

1. buy effect filters in every size

2. buy a step up ring so the largest lens diameter filter fits all lenses. So a 67mm filter fits on a 52 mm lens.

3. buy a step down ring so smaller filters (52mm fits on a 67 mm) fit larger diameter filters.

Option 1 or 2 is best. Option 3 is less desirable because placing a 52 mm ND or polarizer (whatever) filter on a larger diameter lens has a greater chance of vignetting. vignetting is darkening of the corners of the frame cause by stacking too many filters or just any accessory the lens sees.

It is best to place a larger filter used for effects. You can have multiple step-up rings on each lens and even buy a larger lens cap to fit if needed. Just one way to do it.

All in all I have no need for a 2.8 fast lens in the near future so no need to buy 77 mm filters just 67 mm. I have a 52 - 67 step up for the Nikon 35 mm 1.8.

I was under the impression that both those lenses used the same filter size. If not, buy the filter for the larger lens and a step up ring to mount it on the smaller lens.

About the polarizer: get a good quality, multi-coated filter. You don't have to buy top-of-the-line, but don't cheap out on this one. A polarizer is an incredibly useful filter and you will find yourself using it often.
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pschatz100
It's not how many pixels you have... but how you use them.

Both the 18-55 & 55-200 are 52 mm filter size per Nikon's web site. It does not matter which version of each lens (VR or not)

Thanks all. I called my wife earlier and she grabbed my gear to confirm. I'm glad I checked here before buying after been given incorrect info.