Filters and Step Ups/Downs

Am I crazy to think that it makes sense to use the same size filter and then use a step-down / step-up ring for different lenses?

Any pro's/cons?

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Originally Posted by motlive

Am I crazy to think that it makes sense to use the same size filter and then use a step-down / step-up ring for different lenses?

Any pro's/cons?

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I do it all of the time. It saves money on expensive filters. You just have to be careful how far you step down not to get vignetting or up and the filter getting in the way of the viewfinder.

I wish I'd received a heads up or thought of it before I'd bought individual filters for my lenses. Get the filter you need for your largest lens and then get step up rings,(or is it step down rings). That way, even if you get the most expensive, highest quality, you only have to get one.
I'm actually thinking of selling several of mine.

I agree. Get the best filter you can afford for the largest lens you think you will ever own, and use the step up/down rings on all your lenses.

I have to say limit your self to step up rings only (like 52mm to 77mm). On all my lenses you put a step down ring on them instant vignetting. You may be able to get away with a reducing ring of 1 to 2 mm in size and it all depends on the design of the lens.

This is one reason I like the Cokin system so much. One cheap ring and all filters work on all lenes. Except the polarizer.

cool, I just got a cheap IR filter for my 50mm as couldnt really afford the more expensive cokin/hoya one. But now this seems like it'll work I know which way to go, other than getting a UV / Protection filter for all my lens.

Oh the step up or step down thing is a little confusing, however seems that when you look at a stepping ring, the first number is the lense size and the next number is filter size... I got confused didnt know if 52-58mm stepping ring meant that this converted a 52mm filter to 58mm or vise versa.. but all makes sense now.

You may be interested in checking out this thread.

http://forums.photographyreview.com/...ad.php?t=41541