segura.org

Photo Gallery

Today I received my B+W XS-PRO 77mm Clear Filter and I thought I would do a little comparison between the B+W and my current Nikon NC Filters.

Packaging - Both filters come in a plastic case, but the B+W case is larger and has foam inserts . . . and it also takes more time to take out.  I have cases for all my filters, and all of them are empty (because they are on my lenses), except the one for my B+W Circular Polarizer.

Build - Well I got to weigh both filters, and keep in mind the Nikon is made from Aluminum and the B+W is Brass, so I knew this would be B+W all the way.  For gram counters, the Nikon is 31g and the B+W is 38g.  Even the Nikon feels a little cheaper when you are cleaning it.  I had a Nikon that had the glass come a bit loose and spin around.

Thinness – B+W @ 3mm wins this one.  I believe the Nikon is 4mm thick.  When it comes to filters, thin is in, unless you prefer vignetting.

Multicoating – I am going to go with B+W on this one with an 8 layer coating on each side and a water/dust repellant.  Nikon doesn’t even publish any technical information on their filters, but I think they are made by Hoya anyway.

Cost – Nikon is a little cheaper at $90 (the B+W is $130), but if you are trying to go cheap, why spend the money for Nikon when you can go with a Tiffen or cheap Hoya for under $20 (costs are assuming 77mm filter size).

Back when I didn’t know any better about lens care, and how important filters are I either didn’t buy one for my lens, or I bought the cheapest ones I could find, which were probably Tiffen ($10).
Fast forward to today, where I use Nikon NC (Neutral Clear) filters on all my lenses.  Sure they cost several times what a Tiffen filter costs but they have served me well.  I figure if I am going to spend $1500 on a camera lens, I want something to protect it.

So why protect a lens?  Well my reasons for throwing on a filter is to protect the lens.  Protection from scratches, from dust, particles, and water getting in the internal glass elements, and so that when I clean my lens, I don’t wipe that nice multi-coat from the front element.

Well I decided to replace all my Nikon NC filters in favor of the new B+W XS-PRO (007) Clear Filters.
Since I started buying pro glass, I have always put filters on the lenses as soon as I open them . . . except for my Nikon 14-24mm lens that don’t have a way to screw them in.  Today I have a new lens coming in, a Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro, but the filter I ordered from Adorama won’t make it to me until Monday, so I guess I have to leave the lens in the box for the weekend

So back to the B+W filters.  I have always loved the build quality of B+W filters . . . I have owned two UV filters and currently have a Circular Polarizer, but I never felt the need to throw a UV filter on a digital camera.  Digital Cameras have a UV blocker in front of the sensor, so it is unnecessary, and it leaves a tint on the pictures . . . well they finally listened and made a Clear Multi-Coated with a brass ring.  Now I don’t have them yet, looks like next week sometime (wish I decided to change brands before ordering a new Nikon 62mm NC for my Micro Lens).  I will do a comparison of both the B+W and Nikon filters when they come in.  So here is what I needed to get and the links if you want to try one out.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4G – 58mm Filter
Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro – 62mm Filter
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR – 67mm Filter
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G – No Filter
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G – 77mm Filter
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR – 77mm Filter