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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
So how important are quality lenses and filters?

X-B_Elsokary
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Jun 17, 2003, 1:18 PM

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So how important are quality lenses and filters?	Can't Post

So here I am finally about to purchase a camera and some accessories. I would like to add a couple lens and filter accessories such as wide-angle converter, and maybe a polarizing filter. The question is, how important is quality in practice in this field? I understand the concept that I get what I pay for, but sometimes, the extra I'm paying for isn't something that makes a huge difference to the end result. I'm wondering if this is one of those cases? Should I stick to high quality (i.e. high price) items, or is it ok to skimp a little in this department? Thanks

X-Colvin_Eccleston
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Jun 17, 2003, 1:42 PM

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Re: So how important are quality lenses and filters?	Can't Post

Go quality but be careful in your choices. It all comes off tax anyway. Buy the filters that are essential and work better than post. Tiffen did an article on this recently, might be on the tiffen site or dv.com.

X-Doug_Graham
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Jun 17, 2003, 2:07 PM

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Re: So how important are quality lenses and filters? [In reply to]	Can't Post

: Go quality but be careful in your choices.
Agreed! The glass is the first thing the photons go through on their way to the final DVD or tape, and what happens there affects all the subsequent chain of quality.
But, unless you are shooting with a $3,000 pro lens, a medium quality filter like Tiffen will do you just fine. B+W is good, too, and so is Hoya. I'd stay away from Cokin. I think Century Optics' stuff is overpriced, but very well made if you have the budget for it.
Regards,
Doug Graham

X-Gregory_Lee
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Jun 17, 2003, 2:33 PM

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Century Optics vs. Kenko [In reply to]	Can't Post

What is the quality of Kenko like? eg. Kenko KRW-065SB 58mm 0.65x Pro vs. Century Optics DS-65CV-SB 0.65x
Both are zoom-thru wide angle lenses, but the Kenko is $160, the Century OPtics is $400
I'm not sure if either have a thread on the end so other filters can be added over the WA lens.
Another inexpensive one is the Canon WD-58 58mm 0.7x for $179.

X-Doug_Graham
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Jun 17, 2003, 2:35 PM

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Re: Century Optics vs. Kenko [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've used the Canon, but not the others. The Canon wide angle is a very nice piece of kit.
Regards,
Doug Graham

X-Colvin_Eccleston
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Jun 17, 2003, 2:46 PM

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Re: Century Optics vs. Kenko [In reply to]	Can't Post

There is a thread on dv.com (I think) that suggests the century optic is not what it could be.

X-Don_B
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Jun 17, 2003, 4:22 PM

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Re: Century Optics vs. Kenko [In reply to]	Can't Post

: What is the quality of Kenko like? eg. Kenko KRW-065SB 58mm 0.65x Pro vs. Century Optics DS-65CV-SB 0.65x
: Both are zoom-thru wide angle lenses, but the Kenko is $160, the Century OPtics is $400
: I'm not sure if either have a thread on the end so other filters can be added over the WA lens.
: Another inexpensive one is the Canon WD-58 58mm 0.7x for $179.

I own both the Century WA and the Kenko Pro. Guess which one I use on my primary camera, like, all the time. Yep! The Kenko. Why, you ask, use a $160 lens instead of a $400 lens? Simple. Well maybe not but here is MY reasoning. 1)The Kenko has threads, which means I can use filters (82mm) and a hood that screws in. I don't have to use a matte box (big added expense, not needed in my opinion for weddings) 2) if I damage it, less expensive to replace (let's hope I don't) 3)IMHO, and only IMHO, I believe the Kenko Pro to be just as sharp and clear cut as the Century, maybe even a tad bit better. I do use the Century on my 2nd camera (if called for at a ceremony). Why have both? For me, it was a case of I couldn't afford another Century lens for my 2nd 150 so I did what I had to do and I don't regret getting the Kenko Pro at all.
Just my $.03 worth (adjusted for inflation)
Don B.

X-Gregory_Lee
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Jun 17, 2003, 4:32 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1056 views)
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Re: Century Optics vs. Kenko [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for your input. Very interesting.
: : What is the quality of Kenko like? eg. Kenko KRW-065SB 58mm 0.65x Pro vs. Century Optics DS-65CV-SB 0.65x
: : Both are zoom-thru wide angle lenses, but the Kenko is $160, the Century OPtics is $400
: : I'm not sure if either have a thread on the end so other filters can be added over the WA lens.
: : Another inexpensive one is the Canon WD-58 58mm 0.7x for $179.
:
: I own both the Century WA and the Kenko Pro. Guess which one I use on my primary camera, like, all the time. Yep! The Kenko. Why, you ask, use a $160 lens instead of a $400 lens? Simple. Well maybe not but here is MY reasoning. 1)The Kenko has threads, which means I can use filters (82mm) and a hood that screws in. I don't have to use a matte box (big added expense, not needed in my opinion for weddings) 2) if I damage it, less expensive to replace (let's hope I don't) 3)IMHO, and only IMHO, I believe the Kenko Pro to be just as sharp and clear cut as the Century, maybe even a tad bit better. I do use the Century on my 2nd camera (if called for at a ceremony). Why have both? For me, it was a case of I couldn't afford another Century lens for my 2nd 150 so I did what I had to do and I don't regret getting the Kenko Pro at all.
: Just my $.03 worth (adjusted for inflation)
: Don B.

X-Rich_S
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Jun 17, 2003, 8:43 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1055 views)
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Re: So how important are quality lenses and filters? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use Tiffen and Schneider glass filters.
: So here I am finally about to purchase a camera and some accessories. I would like to add a couple lens and filter accessories such as wide-angle converter, and maybe a polarizing filter. The question is, how important is quality in practice in this field? I understand the concept that I get what I pay for, but sometimes, the extra I'm paying for isn't something that makes a huge difference to the end result. I'm wondering if this is one of those cases? Should I stick to high quality (i.e. high price) items, or is it ok to skimp a little in this department? Thanks