Filter sizes

[Wes Gibbon]

I see that the new 24mm SAL-24F20Z will have a filter size of 72mm.

At once time, this was the largest filter size that Minolta used. I can see that (probably for the CZ 24-70) it may have been necessary to introduce 77mm filters, but would it not make sense now for Sony to drop 72mm filters and make all new lenses needing a filter size greater than 62mm take 77mm filters?

I probably won't buy the new 24mm because I cannot justify buying expensive 'nice to have' optics (I already have a 20mm (OK) and the Minolta 28mm f2.0 (excellent)), but I admit being temped to use the 24mm as a replacement for both the above. It would then be most irritating to have to carry both 72mm and 77mm filters (the latter needed by my 70-400G), unless a step-up ring could be used, but I would need to be certain that no vignetting would result and it did not interfere with the supplied hood.

Once 77mm filters were introduced, I fail to see the point in introducing new lenses with a 72mm thread.

[peterottaway]

I must admit that I was surprised about the 72 mm filter size as well. But as I own some Minolta glass as well as the CZ 16 - 35 and the 70 - 400 G I have already paid for my sins ( with a much lighter wallet ) by having to purchase sets of 72 and 77 mm.

The only answer ( excluding sheer stupidity ) is that 72 mm is good enough for most non exotic primes or f 4.0 type zooms that may be introduced in the future.

I'm trying to think positive

[Wes Gibbon]

I must admit that I was surprised about the 72 mm filter size as well. But as I own some Minolta glass as well as the CZ 16 - 35 and the 70 - 400 G I have already paid for my sins ( with a much lighter wallet ) by having to purchase sets of 72 and 77 mm.

True, I'd already invested in 72mm filters for the 20mm, but two or three 72mm filters add to the weight, and it's surely unhelpful to new Sony dslr users if their lens choice means that they have to buy both 72mm and 77mm filters. (I think Sony wants to increase its user base, despite the comments of some on this Forum, and some of their more surprising decisions, like this one!)

[InTheSky]

I'm supposing your problem is related to the cost of Polarized filter, because there is no real needs to share UV filter ...

On my side I'm only on old Minolta standard for my primes: 55mm and 72mm , So I have Two Originals Minolta Polarized filter on 72mm and a few in 55mm (because there was really not expensive when I got them on Ebay).

The polarized version of Minolta is very good because they have build it larger than the filter it self to limit any vignetting problems. But don't expect a lens hood to work with it ( but I think it is correct also ).

On your problem, a step ring 77mm to 72mm cost very not a lot and will not take to much places, and you can in the case of the 72mm let is stay on the lens in case you need to share the polarized filter on a same period of time.

Regards,

Frank

[Wes Gibbon]

On your problem, a step ring 77mm to 72mm cost very not a lot and will not take to much places, and you can in the case of the 72mm let is stay on the lens in case you need to share the polarized filter on a same period of time.

Regards,

Frank

Well, it's not actually a problem for me because I already have polarisers in both 72mm and 77mm, but it seems to me that it would make more sense for the future to standardise on 77mm and let 72mm fade away as existing lenses are discontinued or replaced. You might also add a ND4 or ND8 to the polariser (see DK's recent comment: http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... 6&start=15). I sometimes find a round ND grad can also be of some use, so I might be carrying three filters for each filter size. Of course, if it can be guaranteed that there will be no vignetting with a step-up ring and that it does not interfere with the supplied hood then that is the most economical and practical solution. It still seems odd to me that Sony lenses require 55mm 72mm or 77mm filters.

Incidentally, has anyone seen a price yet for the 24mm f2.0?

"Sorry, price information for this product is not currently available" (c), Sony on their website.

[InTheSky]

I think the lens will be around 1200 US ...

For the ND filter you are right , but don't bring them often like the Polarized filter (that take too a lot of light by himself).

ND street effect with the Minolta ND4x on the 20mm F/2.8 on day time : (It is funny how people move there upper body vs there feet).



Frank

[Dusty]

Hey Frank, Number 2 should be posted in the Motion topic.

Dusty