Which Canon lens filters are worth buying?

Ok so for your situation, I’d spend that $150–$250 on 2 things and skip the rest. First: a good CPL, because it’s the one filter that does something you can’t “fix in post.” I use the B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann HTC CPL MRC Nano 82mm and it’s honestly amazing on travel stuff (glass, water, foliage), and the nano coating cleans easy.

Second: ND for video + long exposures. A variable ND is super practical; I like the Hoya Variable Density II 82mm (not perfect, but solid for the money).

UV/protective? I dont leave one on 24/7. Cheap ones absolutely add flare/ghosting on those big RF zooms. If you want protection, get lens hoods + caps… and only use a high-end clear filter when you’re in sand/salt spray.

> I’m especially unsure about the classic UV/protective filter idea… and I’ve got about $150–$250 total.

Ok so, for your situation I’d do **CPL first**, **then either a fixed ND or no filter at all**.

**Option A: CPL (worth it!)** — Hoya HD3 Circular Polarizer 82mm or Marumi DHG Super Circular PL.D 82mm. Cuts glare on water/glass, boosts skies, and it’s the one effect you cant really fake.

**Option B: Fixed ND (situational)** — Hoya PROND ND64 82mm (6-stop) is a solid “waterfall + daylight portraits” pick without variable-ND weirdness.

**Option C: UV/clear (meh)** — I’d skip leaving one on 24/7; it can add flare/ghosting. If you want protection, use the hood + cap, seriously.

Dont leave a cheap “protective/UV” on there full-time — that’s how you get surprise flare/ghosting when street lights hit the frame, and it’s the worst kinda failure cuz you won’t notice til you’re home. Quick question tho: do you use the Canon hoods all the time + do you shoot into backlight a lot?

If yes, I’d skip UV, run hood, and put ur money into a solid CPL + maybe a simple fixed ND (reliable) instead of a budget variable ND.

Big if true

Story time: I went through this with my Canon glass a few years back. I used to leave a “protective” UV on 24-70/70-200 basically 24/7… and unfortunately it *did* bite me. Backlit street scenes started looking kinda washed, and I’d get extra ghosting I couldnt explain. Took the filter off, boom, contrast came back. So now I only slap a clear/UV on when I’m in nasty conditions (windy sand/salt spray), and I stick to decent brands like B+W, Breakthrough Photography, or Marumi.

For stuff that actually changes the image: a CPL from Hoya/K&F Concept has been way more worth it for travel. ND too, but I found cheap ones can shift color, which is annoying in skin tones. anyway, hope that helps, gl!

Building on the earlier suggestion to go for a CPL first, I totally agree but I have to politely disagree with buying filters for every single lens size! It is such a money pit in the long run. Since your 24-70 is 82mm and that 70-200 is 77mm, just buy 82mm filters for everything and use a step-up ring. It is a total game changer for your wallet and gear bag weight! Honestly I am obsessed with the Urth 82mm CPL Filter Plus+ right now. The color is amazing and it feels way more premium than the price suggests! For your waterfalls and video work, the K&F Concept 82mm Variable ND Filter ND2-ND32 is a fantastic pick that punches way above its weight for street stuff. Just toss a Sensei 77-82mm Step-Up Ring in your bag and you can swap the filters between both lenses in seconds. It is way more practical than carrying double of everything... plus you save that extra cash for a nice camera bag or more SD cards. Definitely go this route if you want to keep it under budget!

Late to the party but wanted to chime in with some real-world perspective. I used to be a total purist until a shoot in a windy coastal town where salt spray basically glued itself to my 24-70mm front element. Cleaning that off without scratching the actual coating was a total nightmare... definitely taught me a lesson about when to use protection. To keep it under that $250 mark and still get high quality glass, I suggest a more DIY approach to save cash:

• Buy 82mm filters only. Grab a Sensei 77-82mm Step-Up Ring so you can use the same 82mm filters on your 70-200mm. It is a tiny investment that saves you hundreds.
• For the messy days, look at the NiSi PRO Nano HUC UV Filter 82mm. It is built like a tank and handles flare much better than the budget options. I only keep it on when the weather is trash tho.
• Grab a Tiffen Circular Polarizer Filter 82mm for those outdoor portraits. Tiffen stuff is super reliable and gives a very natural look to the skies and skin tones. I wouldnt bother with ND filters just yet unless you really need that silky water look. Focus on the polarizer first because it actually changes how the light hits your sensor in ways you cant mimic later. And honestly, keep those lens hoods on... they are your first line of defense against bumps and stray light anyway.