Advice needed please

[GPS M-Jet]

Hi guys

Going to Italy next Saturday and I'm looking to buy a lens/filter for my camera to take with me.

I'm a complete photography noob so don't really know what I'm after.

I need a lens/filter(?) to attach to my Fujifilm S5700 that is suitable for use in bright environments.

This is the camera - http://www.cameras.co.uk/reviews/fuji-finepix-s570...

I would prefer to be able to walk in to a shop and buy it (don't fancy ordering online and it not arriving before I leave). I'm located in the North East and can travel to Sunderland/Durham/Newcastle etc.

Also not looking to spend a huge amount, but happy to spend enough to ensure decent quality pics.

Any help is much appreciated

[Simpo Two]

What do you want this device to do to your photographs?

If it is simply to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor then a Neutral Density (ND) filter is what you need.

[GetCarter]

If you bought a circular polariser, it would both stop some light and also enable you to eliminate reflections in water / define clouds. They are quite expensive mind, and you really should read up on the net how to use them (they work best when the sun is NOT behind you)

This is a typical example of a CP in use

[Gemm]

Another vote for circular polariser.

[GPS M-Jet]

Thanks for the response, much appreciated. Would this one be any good? Only reason I've chosen Jessops is that they have a shop about 2 minutes from me, so not sure if this is expensive or not?

[jimmy156]

I'm not sure you can get filters for bridge camera's can you? Surley the lens will extend beyond the thread for the lends cap, and i dont think you would be able to attach one to the end of the lens?

Might be wrong though!

[Crafty_]

Jessops will be expensive.

You usually get some sort of adapter ring for bridge (and even compacts) that allow you to use normal filters.

[Gemm]

jimmy156 said:

I'm not sure you can get filters for bridge camera's can you? Surley the lens will extend beyond the thread for the lends cap, and i dont think you would be able to attach one to the end of the lens?

Might be wrong though!

It looks like 46mm filter will fit on it.

[GPS M-Jet]

Gemm said:

It looks like 46mm filter will fit on it.

Yeah from what I've been told a 46mm filter is a direct fit. Is £40 expensive for a circular polariser?

[GetCarter]

They range from about £25 to £125

[GPS M-Jet]

GetCarter said:

They range from about £25 to £125

So £40 is pretty cheap then! In that case I'll buy the one I've found, it's a Hoya if that means anything to you?

[LongQ]

GPS M-Jet said:

GetCarter said:

They range from about £25 to £125

So £40 is pretty cheap then! In that case I'll buy the one I've found, it's a Hoya if that means anything to you?

Hoya do different grades of filters. The better ones are better and worth the additional cost IMO.

One good thing about polarising filters is that they do tend to retain some value on the used market if and when you need to change it for a different size for a new camera (for example). Thus paying the premium for the better filter is not the total waste it may at first seem to be.

ETA:

This Hoya filter info from Ken Rockwell.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/hoya/filters.htm

I think his enthusiasm reads a little OTT but I assume his facts are correct and the basic comparison chart might be useful.

Edited by LongQ on Monday 12th September 10:54

[GPS M-Jet]

Is this one any good then mate?

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/11511...

[LongQ]

Looks like choices are pretty limited for the 46mm size.

Jacobs Digital list what looks like the same product a tad cheaper.

Warehouse Express (for a Hoya product) lists only a combined PL and UV

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-hoya-49mm-uv-h...

They also list a Sigma PL only version at 46mm for the same money.

It is probably the size that limits the choice. A slightly larger size and an adapter ring should offer greater long term flexibility should you change cameras. However the chances are you may not be able to leave the adapter on the camera when switching off. Not sure - but something to be considered.

Not a problem with my Canon as the method for fitting is a tube that mounts on the body, not the lens. The lens functions as normal inside the tube. Filters, wide angle lens adapter and so one all fit directly onto the tube.