Filter query (from a confused bloke)

I'd like to buy some red, yellow, green and orange filters (52mm). But I can't decide between B+W and Heliopan brand. Which ones last longer and of better quality? Or should I go for Lee?

Also should I get the deep, medium/normal or light ones? I mostly do landscapes with lot flat lands, trees, and shadows, rivers and country sides and occasionally portraits of my beautiful wife. They're so confusing!

Very detailed test, but for UV filters:
http://www.lenstip.com/113.1-article-UV_filters_test.html
Or: google "Filter test Hoya Heliopan", read...
I concur with some of the posters that B+W is built seriously, but:
"As a rule I feel that if one is spending 25% of the cost of the lens on a filter for the lens one is very much overpriced or one is very much underpriced. You decide."

These filters should last forever. At least for their filtration characteristics. Both manufacturers obtain their glass from the same manufacturer: Schott.
There are not much filter glass manufacturers anyway.


See here too:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

All my glass filters are Hoya, however in practice I use Cokinn filters because I'd need too many different sizes with glass filters. Never had a problem.

IAn

Coated filters are the way to go, especially if you work in the field without a compendium or lens hood often.

I like the B+H and Heliopan filters for their brass rings, which (though making them a bit heavier) do not ever get stuck on the lens threads. Since you're looking for 52mm filters, Nikkor filters are really great as well and in brass rings and often come up used. Hoya HMC filters are my second choice.

Check eBay and other used equipment sites for good filters at better prices. I bought all of mine used for a fraction of the retail. 52mm is a common size and easy to find a selection in. My basic kit consists of yellow #8, green #11, orange #15, red #25 and a polarizer. I carry an 80B or a #44 gel with me as well most of the time. You should be able to pick up five filters in the 52mm size fairly cheaply.

Best,

Doremus

Thanks Bernard. But as you said that review is about UV filters, which I'm not planning to buy.

So far here is what I know:
(1) Both manf. use Schott glasses for their b&w contrast filters
(2) Both use brass frames

If you and others have experience of using both B+W and Heliopan (G, R, Y, O) filters, please share them. What about Lee?

Thanks

PS1: Thanks AgX, Ian, Doremus. I'll read it soon.
PS2: Can you guys give me some links of good deals from eb*7y and other places? The only thing I bought myself from ebay was a small copper plate to put on top my laptop gpu unit!

For landscapes I use three yellows faint, medium, deep...

For people it depends on person and make up...

If you drop the camera with a filter the lens filter ring may survive.

For landscapes a pola filter is another option even for mono.

I use a mix of B&W, Heliopan and several Hoya. All work fine, are well made and will last for ever with normal care. ( I believe that Hoya made own-brand filters, and even some lenses for some of the Japanese camera makers? ). I've no experience of Lee, though I believe they are more expensive and perhaps aimed more towards professionals and movie makers ?

I have bought many filters though Ebay with no problems, despite its reputation....just search for what you need....e,g, "B&W 49mm orange", or "Hoya 52mm" and you should get lots of listings. Check that the seller has a good Feedback rating, read the description carefully for any faults, and whether the item is new or used, and I'm sure you'll be fine.

TBH, I don't find a huge difference between "light, medium and dark" filters in practical use....I'd suggest trying a medium yellow or yellow-green as a start for landscape use.....maybe don't worry yourself with dozens of different sorts until you've thoroughly tested just one or two.

Another thing. You mention "green" among your potential purchases. IMO it should be yellow-green, nice for landscapes (with grass and trees, not in the US Southwest). Of course, tastes and opinions may vary.

Ashfaque said:

I'd like to buy some red, yellow, green and orange filters (52mm). But I can't decide between B+W and Heliopan brand. Which ones last longer and of better quality? Or should I go for Lee?

Also should I get the deep, medium/normal or light ones? I mostly do landscapes with lot flat lands, trees, and shadows, rivers and country sides and occasionally portraits of my beautiful wife. They're so confusing!

Click to expand...

I'd go for medium strength Heliopans.They are the best value for the money.B&Ws are excellent and have that reputation but are overpriced.Heliopans are underrated

railwayman3 said:

TBH, I don't find a huge difference between "light, medium and dark" filters in practical use....I'd suggest trying a medium yellow or yellow-green as a start for landscape use.....maybe don't worry yourself with dozens of different sorts until you've thoroughly tested just one or two.

Click to expand...

Confirmed but I shoot four times unfiltered and with each filter and proof print four, to pick one.
An orange is way over the top...

Thanks everyone. Hopefully I will get something appropriate very soon without breaking my monthly limit.