X-A1 ND Filters question

Teodor87 wrote:

Hello, I'm eager to receive my X-A1, that should be delivered by Jan 22nd. Meanwhile i am looking to buy some accessories and filters (ND).

I see many 58mm filters for sale on ebay but i am not sure what their quality is. What good quality non-fuji filters would you recommend(if any)? I don't want to spend ~$70 on a filter

This is the deal with filters and why you want good quality that is preferably designated as multi-coated.

When light passes through the filter it scatters the coatings help to reduce or eliminate it. Cheap filters can make things worse so much so you should not bother with the filter at all.

With that said, go and buy your $5 filter whatever, and if you like the results so be it, discussion ended.

If not, the worse is you are out little money though your $70 filter is now a $75 filter because you bought the same filter twice.

Photography if you are serious or want to get more involved as a hobby is very expensive.

Another way to look at this is to do more research. For example, the Fuji X100s or T have a built in ND filter eliminating the need to have to buy a separate filter, though you can piggy back it for more ND effect.

Take the $600 whatever you spent on your camera plus another $100 for filters you now have a $700 camera. For $150 more you can still buy a new X100s and maybe a used one for the same cost as the XA-1 (forget how much it costs).

You have to research, decide what is a must have and play the numbers.

The answer may be buy a $5 filter and live with it or spend more and get better product. I will attest that filters are a loss leader, meaning they have a HUGE markup since camera stores make virtually no profit from the camera or lens. Bags, filters, batteries, cleaning supplies etc is where more profit margin lies. But, why have your photography suffer unless it just does not matter.

*You do not have to buy Fuji branded filters.

*Buy multi-coated filters from Hoya, B&W or Heliopan. Tiffen is ok and they have more effect type filters.

*Always buy a multi-coated filter when you can, BUT be 100% certain if the filter has front threads or not. Not a deal breaker unless you need to stack filters or use a lens cap.

***If you buy on Ebay no matter a $5 item or $500 item it will behoove you to check the seller rating and understand any shipping fees. The filter can be $5 and shipping can be $20 making it a $25 filter, BE CAREFUl with the fine print.