Noob filters for 350D kit lens question

[Jonny69]

Looking to get some el-cheapy coloured filters for my 350D kit lens. What size do I want, 54mm or 67mm?

Thanks folks :p

[leowyatt]

what size is the lens you have on it? it'll say on it what size you need :) for example the lens Kitten just bought from MB is a 72mm one

[Jonny69]

I think it's 54mm. I think it says on the lens cap so I'm guessing it's the same size as that? I'm at work so can't check :(

[Matblack]

Before we spec you a filter why do you want coloured filters? I can only think of a two or three types of filter that you'd need; a circ pol, a neutral density, a graduated ND, maybe a starburst.

In the main the effects of other types of coloured filter can be added in PP.

If you tell us what lens you have it will be pretty easy to find out the filter size, I wouldn't make an assuption as to it being the same as what is writen on the lens, a 50mm lens for example won't have a filter size the same as it's focal length :)

MB

[leowyatt]

You're right MB when I meant the size of the lens I meant the diameter which is usually in mm as in the 72mm filter for the 17-70 Sigma.

Once we know what you've got filters are easy peasy

[Mark]

Filter diameter will be printed somewhere on the lens (usually the front).

350D kit lens was (I believe) the EF-S 18-55 II, which accepts 58mm dia. filters.

However, I concur with MB's comments.

[Jonny69]

I'm going to shoot in B&W for a bit and I want to have a play in a neo-old way with coloured filters. Red, green, yellow, blue etc. CBA with photoshop if I'm honest, I rarely use it. Not meant in an arrogant way at all, I just like to keep things old fashioned and simple :)

[FakeSnake]

How about something like the Cokin range or similar?
then you could use the filters across a range of lens diameters?
I have the P range with a collection of filters (the Lee ones are the same size) and have several adapters from my 52mm dia (50mm1.4) to my 82mm dia (24-70)

would be a solution if you are looking to get more than one lens

[lostkat]

Yep I'd echo that. Getting a filter holder is a much more cost effective way of using creative filters :-)

[Mark]

Me three! Haven't had the need myself but it makes sense if you do.

[Jonny69]

I'll probably stick with the kit lens, but thanks for the advice. I'll look into it.

[Jonny69]

I remembered to look - 58mm :D

[Matblack]

I reckon your best best will be second hand, I went in a little camera shop in Brighton called Clock Tower Cameras and they had loads of filters, because more and more PP is being done digitally coloured filters seem less available and more expensive new so I would have a nose around your local second hand shops and pick some up cheap :)

MB

[Jonny69]

I noticed that Matt, 58mm filters seem to be less abundant than other sizes and more expensive :(

I noticed in the camera B&W settings it can filter colours digitally, so I might just cheat. I know it's naughty but no-one will be able to see me doing it and it's free :D

[Matblack]

It's just a slider in Lightroom though, if you shoot in RAW and then apply the changes you'll have so much more flexibility ;)

MB