So I've finally accumulated a nice little collection of lenses. I was wondering what you guys do regarding choosing a filter size. Anyone here just buy separate filters for each lens? If not, how do you choose which filter size to go with? I my filter sizes are 37mm, 46mm, 49mm, 55mm, 58mm. And even then I'm not sure which of these lenses I will be keeping around. Should I just get step up rings to 58mm? Chances are I wont be keeping that lens (the 40-150mm). I've had it for 2 months now and haven't shot a single picture with it. Or any other size relatively more common/cheaper?
For the cost (eBay) just buy a selection of step up filters to your largest filter size. I'll put in a note that for DSLRs the filter size for pro lenses generally is 77mm... Just a though. Otis what I have done.
The downside of using a common filter size is that a 58mm filter on a 37mm lens is a big piece of glass, so it may be best to choose two common filter sizes over such a broad range of diameters. Also bear in mind that if your larger lenses are adapted film lenses you can afford to use a step-down ring up to 3 sizes smaller in some cases and use smaller filters without vignetting.
I agree with this. My common sizes are 49mm (I like this size for my pancakes), 67mm (good for most High-Grade lenses), and 77mm (good for most top-pro lenses). So any filter size smaller than those three steps get a step-up ring to the next level.
Let me see if I understand this correctly. My new camera is E-PL2. Kit lens 14-42 has a filter size of 58. Ultimately I'll probably have lenses of filter size 46 and 67. So, one filter for all might be the 58 and use a step down ring to the 46 and a step up ring to the 67. Anyone see any difficulty in this plan? Lynn