Filters: Multi Coated or not

[Patagonia]

Looking at including some filters in my equipment (CPL, ND´s and yellow 81 or similar for mid day landscapes) and had previously decided they had to be MC.
Now, reading several threads in the forum it seems MC or not MC is not something that is discussed as an important issue, so if its not important to discuss then is not important to have it? in short, is it worth paying the extra for the MC or a normal filter would be enough?

Also reading some posts it seems going for the most thinner filter is the rule (as long as it permits to screw another filter)
regards

[James T]

Coatings are designed to cut down reflections.

Even the very best filters can severely degrade image quality in some situations, so I'd go for anything that will help give you that extra bit back.

I assume you're shooting film if you're looking at colour filters?

[Kym]

If your going to buy a lot of filters why not get a system rather than individuals.
Eg. Cokin P or Z; Lee etc.
This gives you the most options.

[Patagonia]

I assume you're shooting film if you're looking at colour filters?

Good point, I´m shooting digital. So you suggest just adding color filter in PP, would a cheap software (or free as Picasa) do the job in a proper way?...less gear on the bag is always better...

I like trekking so many times I end up being in a wonderful location just at noon so I have many shots under harsh light that could be so much better, I´ll start playing with them in PP for a start.


Eg. Cokin P or Z; Lee etc.

Thanks, good idea.

regards

[Wayne]

I only buy MC filters and, I never buy cheap ones at that, always B+W, Heliopan, Singh-Ray etc. Just like lenses, good glass filters cost money.

[James T]

Good point, I´m shooting digital. So you suggest just adding color filter in PP, would a cheap software (or free as Picasa) do the job in a proper way?...less gear on the bag is always better...
...

The idea behind most colour filters is to control contrast in black and white films. With digital (especially when shooting raw) you're capturing such a huge amount of colour information that you can do pretty much anything you want when converting to mono anyway. So adding a filter would be of little to no use and just risks degrading the image.

Neutral density and polarising filters are a different matter of course.

[Gollum]

Here is a link on Optics that shows the differences between MC and non-MC filters

http://toothwalker.org/optics/filterflare.html

Hope this helps

[reaction]

always buy coated. kenko/hoya aren't expensive, why buy a $5 filter that some guy made in his backyard when $30 will get you one with guarantees?