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Filter recommendations for Fujinon GF lenses?

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Painter19

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Hello again, I’ve gotten so much helpful info here recently I’m hoping to hear the thoughts of others on filters for the Fujinon gf 32-64mm f4, and gf 100-200mm lenses I have to use with my Fujifilm 50s II .

I had in mind UV filters for each lens to use as lens protectors . I’m also thinking about a ND filter or 2 or 3? for each lens, and perhaps a polarizer? I don’t know if a filter holder that I could use on both lenses, or separate sets of screw-in filters for each lens would be best? I’m also wondering if the front lens caps for each lens will fit over screw-in filters like the UV filter?

Aside from those questions I’d appreciate any recommendations as to specific brands, or model #’s of filters . Thanks for any thoughts. I’ll just add I’ll be shooting landscape mostly . A good amount of that will be in the desert, lots of skies, some surf on occasion, some shooting in snow, etc..
 
Last edited:
Painter19 said:
Hello again, I’ve gotten so much helpful info here recently I’m hoping to hear the thoughts of others on filters for the Fujinon gf 32-64mm f4, and gf 100-200mm lenses I have to use with my Fujifilm 50s II .

I had in mind UV filters for each lens to use as lens protectors . I’m also thinking about a ND filter or 2 or 3? for each lens, and perhaps a polarizer? I don’t know if a filter holder that I could use on both lenses, or separate sets of screw-in filters for each lens would be best? I’m also wondering if the front lens caps for each lens will fit over screw-in filters like the UV filter?

Aside from those questions I’d appreciate any recommendations as to specific brands, or model #’s of filters . Thanks for any thoughts. I’ll just add I’ll be shooting landscape mostly . A good amount of that will be in the desert, lots of skies, some surf on occasion, some shooting in snow, etc..
Click to expand...
I’m not a fan of finger filters, but if you need good filters, start your search with Breakthrough.
 
I don't use any filters to protect my lenses. I use lens caps and hoods for protecting the glass.

The only filters I use are polarizers. I have Marumi Exus, B+W, Heliopan, and a new one called Polar Pro Quartzline which seems to be quite good.

Many people swear by Breakthrough Photography filters.
 
Kase Filters also get good reviews. They have magnetic circular filters which I think I might try out, and a magnetic combination circular/150x100mm system so that you can add a GD filter.

Yes, the lens caps fit over screw-in filters.
 
JimKasson said:
Painter19 said:
Hello again, I’ve gotten so much helpful info here recently I’m hoping to hear the thoughts of others on filters for the Fujinon gf 32-64mm f4, and gf 100-200mm lenses I have to use with my Fujifilm 50s II .

I had in mind UV filters for each lens to use as lens protectors . I’m also thinking about a ND filter or 2 or 3? for each lens, and perhaps a polarizer? I don’t know if a filter holder that I could use on both lenses, or separate sets of screw-in filters for each lens would be best? I’m also wondering if the front lens caps for each lens will fit over screw-in filters like the UV filter?

Aside from those questions I’d appreciate any recommendations as to specific brands, or model #’s of filters . Thanks for any thoughts. I’ll just add I’ll be shooting landscape mostly . A good amount of that will be in the desert, lots of skies, some surf on occasion, some shooting in snow, etc..
Click to expand...
I’m not a fan of finger filters, but if you need good filters, start your search with Breakthrough.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that. I will check them out.
 
Rob de Loe said:
I don't use any filters to protect my lenses. I use lens caps and hoods for protecting the glass.

The only filters I use are polarizers. I have Marumi Exus, B+W, Heliopan, and a new one called Polar Pro Quartzline which seems to be quite good.

Many people swear by Breakthrough Photography filters.
Click to expand...
Thanks that info!
 
Theia said:
Kase Filters also get good reviews. They have magnetic circular filters which I think I might try out, and a magnetic combination circular/150x100mm system so that you can add a GD filter.

Yes, the lens caps fit over screw-in filters.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the Kase info. Thanks also about the caps!
 
I do use a protection filter on each of my lenses. I'm very often in salty, sandy places, sometimes with so much wind blown salty moisture in the air that I pull the camera out, take a hasty photo and replace it back in the bag as quickly as I can. I've been known to lick tiny crystals of salt off the front of the (protected) lens on rare occasions.

So yeah, Hoya HD Protector filters for me all around and permanently installed. I did a few with/without comparisons some time ago and concluded that if there was a difference (debatable) it certainly wasn't enough for me to concern myself over, others may disagree.

I also have and use ND filters in 3, 6 and 10 stops and a circular polarizer, all Hoya. I use filters for the biggest thread diameter needed and step up rings for any smaller thread lenses. I don't use hoods at all, I prefer to use my hand when needed.

Yes, your lens caps will fit right onto a screw in filter in the same way as usual. Step up rings will almost always get in the way of however a hood mounts and the two are rarely compatible.
 
Another vote for kase. I’ve got the 82mm circular magnetic which includes a cpl, 3 nd filters and I got a circular Nd grad. These work well on those lenses as I have them as well.

I also use this same set on my X-T3 kit, you just need appropriate step up rings to go from lens filter thread to the 82mm magnetic ring

they also do a 77mm set I believe
 
UV filters are not normally needed, but they are good to have for when you need to shoot in some specific situations, like e.g. near sea spray.

Polarisers are a must.

I find graduated neutral density filters very useful too (and contrary to popular lore, screw-ins are fine, if of the soft-edge type), even though admittedly you can often simulate their effect in post quite well.

As to brands, I have tried many over the years, and in my opinion the simple answer is that B+W mrc-nano filters are the best.

In my recent experience, though, URTH filters (the nano-coated ones marketed as "+") are equally good, and half the price.

Marco
 
Last edited:
JimKasson said:
Painter19 said:
Hello again, I’ve gotten so much helpful info here recently I’m hoping to hear the thoughts of others on filters for the Fujinon gf 32-64mm f4, and gf 100-200mm lenses I have to use with my Fujifilm 50s II .

I had in mind UV filters for each lens to use as lens protectors . I’m also thinking about a ND filter or 2 or 3? for each lens, and perhaps a polarizer? I don’t know if a filter holder that I could use on both lenses, or separate sets of screw-in filters for each lens would be best? I’m also wondering if the front lens caps for each lens will fit over screw-in filters like the UV filter?

Aside from those questions I’d appreciate any recommendations as to specific brands, or model #’s of filters . Thanks for any thoughts. I’ll just add I’ll be shooting landscape mostly . A good amount of that will be in the desert, lots of skies, some surf on occasion, some shooting in snow, etc..
Click to expand...
I’m not a fan of finger filters, but if you need good filters, start your search with Breakthrough.
Click to expand...
 
Michael Floyd said:
I do use a protection filter on each of my lenses. I'm very often in salty, sandy places, sometimes with so much wind blown salty moisture in the air that I pull the camera out, take a hasty photo and replace it back in the bag as quickly as I can. I've been known to lick tiny crystals of salt off the front of the (protected) lens on rare occasions.

So yeah, Hoya HD Protector filters for me all around and permanently installed. I did a few with/without comparisons some time ago and concluded that if there was a difference (debatable) it certainly wasn't enough for me to concern myself over, others may disagree.

I also have and use ND filters in 3, 6 and 10 stops and a circular polarizer, all Hoya. I use filters for the biggest thread diameter needed and step up rings for any smaller thread lenses. I don't use hoods at all, I prefer to use my hand when needed.

Yes, your lens caps will fit right onto a screw in filter in the same way as usual. Step up rings will almost always get in the way of however a hood mounts and the two are rarely compatible.
Click to expand...
Thank you, Michael for that wealth of information. It’s very much appreciated,
 
AndyGordon said:
Another vote for kase. I’ve got the 82mm circular magnetic which includes a cpl, 3 nd filters and I got a circular Nd grad. These work well on those lenses as I have them as well.

I also use this same set on my X-T3 kit, you just need appropriate step up rings to go from lens filter thread to the 82mm magnetic ring

they also do a 77mm set I believe
Click to expand...
Thank you, Andy. I will check those items out.
 
marco1974 said:
UV filters are not normally needed, but they are good to have for when you need to shoot in some specific situations, like e.g. near sea spray.

Polarisers are a must.

I find graduated neutral density filters very useful too (and contrary to popular lore, screw-ins are fine, if of the soft-edge type), even though admittedly you can often simulate their effect in post quite well.

As to brands, I have tried many over the years, and in my opinion the simple answer is that B+W mrc-nano filters are the best.

In my recent experience, though, URTH filters (the nano-coated ones marketed as "+") are equally good, and half the price.

Marco
Click to expand...
Thank you, Marco for your guidance. I will look into all that you mentioned. It’s wonderful to be able to have the views of experienced photographers like yourself. It’s very helpful !
 
Last edited:
spilla said:
JimKasson said:
Painter19 said:
Hello again, I’ve gotten so much helpful info here recently I’m hoping to hear the thoughts of others on filters for the Fujinon gf 32-64mm f4, and gf 100-200mm lenses I have to use with my Fujifilm 50s II .

I had in mind UV filters for each lens to use as lens protectors . I’m also thinking about a ND filter or 2 or 3? for each lens, and perhaps a polarizer? I don’t know if a filter holder that I could use on both lenses, or separate sets of screw-in filters for each lens would be best? I’m also wondering if the front lens caps for each lens will fit over screw-in filters like the UV filter?

Aside from those questions I’d appreciate any recommendations as to specific brands, or model #’s of filters . Thanks for any thoughts. I’ll just add I’ll be shooting landscape mostly . A good amount of that will be in the desert, lots of skies, some surf on occasion, some shooting in snow, etc..
Click to expand...
I’m not a fan of finger filters, but if you need good filters, start your search with Breakthrough.
Click to expand...
I also recommend Breakthrough, they’re great products. The NDs are very color neutral, and they’re well built.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Good to hear!
 
Fuji make their own protective filters. I use those.
 
petreluk said:
Fuji make their own protective filters. I use those.
Click to expand...
Oh really? I was wondering about that. I’ve looked in the past but couldn't find anything.

Ok, thanks! I found them online on the Fujifilm site and elsewhere. Can you please give me your thoughts about them ?
 
Last edited:
Of the protective filters I've used over the years on GF and other lenses (Canon RF, Leica M):

Breakthrough – Top quality. Never buy from their "official" Amazon store. I got two filters in a row that had been replaced – one was a fake and another was a different brand filter entirely. Always order direct from their website, and you may have to wait months for some filters types and sizes to come back into stock.

Zeiss T* UV – same quality as breakthrough but with aluminum rings instead of brass. I prefer brass, but I like the T* coating so I use them almost exclusively

B+W MRC Nano – I stopped using these as I confirmed that for some lenses they could have a negative impact on corner performance versus no filter or versus the Zeiss T* UV filter. These were genuine B+W filters from Adorama and B&H purchased over different time periods, so I ruled out it being a bad batch. I have no idea why – perhaps the nano coating can do strange things to the light ray angles with some lenses. I doubt it's because of the glass quality itself. In any case, I stopped using them completely as I didn't want to have to test every lens with them.

Leica UV – Not that any sane person would use these, but since I'm not sane, I've bought them for my Leica M lenses before. They use aluminum rings that can get easily stuck/jammed (versus Zeiss UV's aluminum rings which just tend to never get super tight). I have had these negatively impact corner performance on some Leica M lenses.

Like others, I have to use protective filters due to the environments I shoot in.

For polarization for digital cameras, I use Heliopan linear polarizers. No need to use circular polarizers and have to deal with the strange angles of darkening you can get. With a linear filter, you simply are dialing in the strength of the effect by rotating the filter.
 
highdesertmesa said:
Of the protective filters I've used over the years on GF and other lenses (Canon RF, Leica M):

Breakthrough – Top quality. Never buy from their "official" Amazon store. I got two filters in a row that had been replaced – one was a fake and another was a different brand filter entirely. Always order direct from their website, and you may have to wait months for some filters types and sizes to come back into stock.
Click to expand...
The knurling on the Breakthrough filters is also a cut above that on others. It's much easier to get leverage on the Breakthrough filters.
highdesertmesa said:
Zeiss T* UV – same quality as breakthrough but with aluminum rings instead of brass. I prefer brass, but I like the T* coating so I use them almost exclusively
Click to expand...
I've used them, and I like coating, but if Breakthrough doesn't make what I'm loking for, I prefer Heliopan.
highdesertmesa said:
B+W MRC Nano – I stopped using these as I confirmed that for some lenses they could have a negative impact on corner performance versus no filter or versus the Zeiss T* UV filter. These were genuine B+W filters from Adorama and B&H purchased over different time periods, so I ruled out it being a bad batch. I have no idea why – perhaps the nano coating can do strange things to the light ray angles with some lenses. I doubt it's because of the glass quality itself. In any case, I stopped using them completely as I didn't want to have to test every lens with them.

Leica UV – Not that any sane person would use these, but since I'm not sane, I've bought them for my Leica M lenses before. They use aluminum rings that can get easily stuck/jammed (versus Zeiss UV's aluminum rings which just tend to never get super tight). I have had these negatively impact corner performance on some Leica M lenses.

Like others, I have to use protective filters due to the environments I shoot in.

For polarization for digital cameras, I use Heliopan linear polarizers.
Click to expand...
Me, too.
highdesertmesa said:
No need to use circular polarizers and have to deal with the strange angles of darkening you can get. With a linear filter, you simply are dialing in the strength of the effect by rotating the filter.
Click to expand...
I use mostly Heliopan IR filters.
 
JimKasson said:
highdesertmesa said:
Of the protective filters I've used over the years on GF and other lenses (Canon RF, Leica M):

Breakthrough – Top quality. Never buy from their "official" Amazon store. I got two filters in a row that had been replaced – one was a fake and another was a different brand filter entirely. Always order direct from their website, and you may have to wait months for some filters types and sizes to come back into stock.
Click to expand...
The knurling on the Breakthrough filters is also a cut above that on others. It's much easier to get leverage on the Breakthrough filters.
Click to expand...
B+W recently updated their entire filter line to add the knurling. Have you had a chance to compare them? I've not bought one of the new B+W filters yet.
JimKasson said:
JimKasson said:
Zeiss T* UV – same quality as breakthrough but with aluminum rings instead of brass. I prefer brass, but I like the T* coating so I use them almost exclusively
Click to expand...
I've used them, and I like coating, but if Breakthrough doesn't make what I'm loking for, I prefer Heliopan.
Click to expand...
I like Heliopan a lot, but I wish they would update their entire line to have thinner rings with knurling. They seem slow to react to the market, much like Zeiss. I guess in fairness, B+W has been the only one so far to react to the Breakthrough filter advances. Tiffen and all the others are still standing still.
JimKasson said:
JimKasson said:
B+W MRC Nano – I stopped using these as I confirmed that for some lenses they could have a negative impact on corner performance versus no filter or versus the Zeiss T* UV filter. These were genuine B+W filters from Adorama and B&H purchased over different time periods, so I ruled out it being a bad batch. I have no idea why – perhaps the nano coating can do strange things to the light ray angles with some lenses. I doubt it's because of the glass quality itself. In any case, I stopped using them completely as I didn't want to have to test every lens with them.

Leica UV – Not that any sane person would use these, but since I'm not sane, I've bought them for my Leica M lenses before. They use aluminum rings that can get easily stuck/jammed (versus Zeiss UV's aluminum rings which just tend to never get super tight). I have had these negatively impact corner performance on some Leica M lenses.

Like others, I have to use protective filters due to the environments I shoot in.

For polarization for digital cameras, I use Heliopan linear polarizers.
Click to expand...
Me, too.
JimKasson said:
No need to use circular polarizers and have to deal with the strange angles of darkening you can get. With a linear filter, you simply are dialing in the strength of the effect by rotating the filter.
Click to expand...
I use mostly Heliopan IR filters.
Click to expand...
 
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