Best filters for Nikon lenses?

[ufodisko]

Hello,

I'm about to get a new Nikon D5300 with 2 lenses: 18-55mm and 50mm f/1.4

Never before did I buy a filter so I have no idea how they work, if each lens has a specific filter due to diameter or anything like that.

For example, would these work on my lenses?

http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/banner-77mm-neutral-density-nd32-filter-7258510/i/

http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/hoya-52mm-polarizing-circular-filter-4657303/i/

http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/digital-boy-52mm-uv-lens-filter-with-52mm-lens-hood-and-52mm-lens-cap-filter-kit-protector-for-canon-nikon-d3100-d5100-6374018/i/

 

[kanewolf]

It looks like both lens uses 52mm DIAMETER filters. They screw on the front of the lens. The best reason to have a filter on the lens is that it is REPLACEABLE. If you have a UV filter on your lens, and something causes a scratch it is on the filter and not the lens. You are out $15 for a new filter and not $150 or more for a new lens.

The 72mm filter you linked (neutral density) would not fit either of the lenses you listed.

I recommend you get a UV filter for EACH lens (qty 2) and leave them on as protection for the front of the lens.

 

[ufodisko]

Thank you very much for the clarification.

So the solution is to stick with 52mm filters and the priority is for the UV filters for protections. That, I will definitely do.

But I'm looking for other things too like Neutral Density that would help me get better pictures at sunset or even during mid day.
Any tips on that?

EDIT: and out of the two 52mm UV filters I've linked, which one is better?

 

[kanewolf]

Thank you very much for the clarification.

So the solution is to stick with 52mm filters and the priority is for the UV filters for protections. That, I will definitely do.

But I'm looking for other things too like Neutral Density that would help me get better pictures at sunset or even during mid day.
Any tips on that?

EDIT: and out of the two 52mm UV filters I've linked, which one is better?

I only see a link to one UV filter. I usually get Hoya. The UV filter link you provided is a kit which has a lens hood and lens cap. If you are buying NEW non-gray-market lenses, those type things should be included with the lens.

A neutral density filter could help IF you are in a situation that is TOO bright. If you wanted to take a 30 second exposure during the mid day and you had already set the f-stop to minimum (f-32) and the ISO to minimum (ISO 25) and the longest exposure the camera would take is 15 seconds to be properly exposed. You could add neutral density filter(s) until you got the exposure you wanted. OR if you wanted a shallow depth of field (f-1.4 on your 50mm) but wanted a long exposure, you could add neutral density. It is a very specialized filter and I don't even own one.

A polarizer CAN help on a bright day. Just like polarizing sunglasses, a polarizing filter will cut reflections.

But for either of these, master the basics of the camera FIRST. Understand what changing the f-stop does (and why). Understand how YOU can control the camera, take it out of program (or auto) mode and use aperture (or shutter speed) priority. Understand when to bracket (and what bracketing is). Know how to change the metering mode of the camera. Multi-point metering isn't always best.

 

[ufodisko]

I used to have a Nikon D80 a few years ago, I've been out of touch with photography for 2-3 years now.
I have a decent understanding of the camera, shutter speed, aperture, HDR, bracketing... I used to use my cam on manual mode always.

I'm too excited to get back into it so I'm gonna delve deep into it and as you said master my camera first.

However since I'm getting it all together I thought I'd throw in a couple of filters just to give it a try.
Basically since I'm getting new camera (18-55 included) and a new lens (50mm 1.4f) the protection filter comes with it so I'm gonna go for 1 ND filter as a try out.

Can you please explain to me what's the difference between these 2 filters and which one is best suited for me?
http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/camlink-nd4-filter-52-mm-black-cl-52nd4-7353726/i/
http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/tianya-fader-nd-from-nd2-to-nd400-52mm-variable-neutral-density-filter-with-nano-coating-4794882/i/

 

[kanewolf]

I used to have a Nikon D80 a few years ago, I've been out of touch with photography for 2-3 years now.
I have a decent understanding of the camera, shutter speed, aperture, HDR, bracketing... I used to use my cam on manual mode always.

I'm too excited to get back into it so I'm gonna delve deep into it and as you said master my camera first.

However since I'm getting it all together I thought I'd throw in a couple of filters just to give it a try.
Basically since I'm getting new camera (18-55 included) and a new lens (50mm 1.4f) the protection filter comes with it so I'm gonna go for 1 ND filter as a try out.

Can you please explain to me what's the difference between these 2 filters and which one is best suited for me?
http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/camlink-nd4-filter-52-mm-black-cl-52nd4-7353726/i/
http/uae.souq.com/ae-en/tianya-fader-nd-from-nd2-to-nd400-52mm-variable-neutral-density-filter-with-nano-coating-4794882/i/

One filter, the ND4 is a fixed (I think 2 f-stops) neutral density. The other one is a variable -- think of two polarized sunglasses, as you rotate them relative to each other the completely block the light.

I would get a polarizer first. I have not had a need for an ND filter ...