How to choose a CPL filter?

[yyc83]

Hi All,

I have a Alpha 350 and a proud of owning a sony system.

Recently i got to know about CPL filters (I am slow, what can I say...) and found the effect of using it very exciting.

Anyone can teach me how to choose one?
I am confused on the 55mm, 83mm,73mm before the CPL filter.
What's the number for? does it states the circular of my lens?
I only have the kit lens ( 18-70) and 55-200, so which CPL filter should i buy?

Thanks a lot in advance

[RyuHendrabusa]

The mm is the size of your lens. Look at the front of the lens and you should be able to see a symbol which looks like an "o" with vertical line through it. The number of mm there is the size of filter you should get

[yyc83]

thanks a lot.. tat clears my mind.. now have to wait work time over to go home and have a look.
Any introduction where i can buy get value for price filters?

[wenzheng]

Originally Posted by yyc83 Hi All, I have a Alpha 350 and a proud of owning a sony system. Recently i got to know about CPL filters (I am slow, what can I say...) and found the effect of using it very exciting. Anyone can teach me how to choose one? I am confused on the 55mm, 83mm,73mm before the CPL filter. What's the number for? does it states the circular of my lens? I only have the kit lens ( 18-70) and 55-200, so which CPL filter should i buy? Thanks a lot in advance

CPL filters are usually used for wide angle lens. So most probably u will buy a CPL for your 18-70mm lens which needs a 55mm size. But bad news is, in most of the kit lens the front thread rotates while focusing, so it won't be CPL friendly. You can still use it but it will be hard.

There are some mass orders usually going on in the M/O thread for B+W, hoya brand which is what most people use, and they are around 20% cheaper than stores. Alternatively you can order from ebay which is actually cheaper than the Mass orders. You can also consider kenko or marumi besdies B+W and hoya. Kenko and Marumi are made in Japan like Hoya. Some say that Kenko is actually same as Hoya. And Marumi is more popular in Japan and Taiwan. Do some research on reviews before buying them.