Hey everyone! I recently made the jump to the Sony Alpha system and I’m currently building out my kit for landscape photography. I’m mainly shooting with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and the 24-105mm G, and while the sharpness is incredible, I’ve realized I’m missing the right filters to really handle tricky lighting conditions.
I’m planning a trip to the coast soon to shoot some sea stacks and waterfalls, so I know I’ll need a solid Circular Polarizer (CPL) and some Neutral Density (ND) filters. However, I’m a bit overwhelmed by the options. I’ve heard some people complain about vignetting on the 16-35mm when using certain screw-on filters, which has me worried. Should I be looking into a square filter system like NiSi or Lee instead, or are there high-quality magnetic options that work well with Sony’s lens coatings? Also, I’m curious if anyone has noticed specific color casts when using 10-stop NDs on Sony sensors.
I have a budget of around $500 to get started. I want to make sure I buy glass that won't degrade the image quality of these GM lenses. What are your top 3 'must-have' lens filters for a Sony landscape setup that you actually use in the field?
so I've been down this rabbit hole and tbh, it’s frustrating how much 'premium' glass fails on technical specs. Since both ur lenses use 82mm threads, u need a system that handles that without choking the corners. Unfortunately, most screw-on filters—even 'slim' ones—will vignette at 16mm on that GM. I've found that the PolarPro Summit Landscape Filter System is technically superior for light sealing, though it'll eat most of ur $500 budget. If u want speed, the Freewell Magnetic Quick Swap System 82mm is a decent alternative, but I've had issues with slight color shifts in the 10-stop range on Sony sensors. If u want the best tech, check out the H&Y Filters K-Series Magnetic Square Filter Holder. It's a hybrid that lets u use magnetic frames on square glass, which is basically the best of both worlds. Don't go cheap or ur GM glass is wasted... gl!
Ok so I went through this last year! Wide glass catches filter rims easily, causing nasty vignetting. I found square systems are basically the best fix. I love my NiSi V7 100mm Filter Holder Kit with True Color CPL, it's amazing!! For the 10-stop, the Haida M10 Red Diamond ND 3.0 100x100mm has zero color cast on my Sony. I also use the NiSi 100x100mm Nano IR ND64 6-Stop for waterfalls. Fits your budget perfectly!
Hey, saw this earlier but just getting around to a reply. Moving to Sony is a big step, so welcome... just be careful with that 16-35mm because it really exposes low quality glass. If you want to stay within that $500 budget and skip the bulky square systems, I'd suggest a DIY approach using step-up rings.
Seconding the recommendation above! Square systems are literally the ONLY way to go if ur shooting at 16mm on that GM glass without getting those nasty black corners. Honestly, if you care about safety and not dropping ur glass in the ocean, you gotta be careful with how things mount. Here are 2 setups i've used that actually work: 1. Breakthrough Photography X4 82mm Circular Polarizer vs Cheaper Screw-ons:
• Pros: This is basically the gold standard for zero color cast on Sony sensors. The knurled grip makes it way safer to handle with wet hands.
• Cons: Highkey expensive, but you wont regret the build quality. 2. Formatt-Hitech Firecrest Ultra 100x100mm Neutral Density 3.0 10-Stop Filter vs Magnetic systems:
• Pros: The glass is bonded so its crazy durable. I've noticed way less purple shift compared to older tech. Plus, if your looking for a secure fit, the holder feels more solid than magnets in high wind.
• Cons: Square glass is always a bit of a juggle. Basically, for a $500 budget, i'd grab the X4 CPL and one square ND to start. Just make sure the glass is hardened... nothing hurts more than a rock chip! gl with the sea stacks!! 🌊
yo, welcome to the Sony family! I’ve been shooting with that Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM for like 4 years now and honestly, its a beast but super picky with filters. If u use thick screw-ons at 16mm, youre gonna see dark corners for sure. Basically, skip the cheap stuff cuz it'll ruin that GM sharpness... waste of money tbh. I think the best move for your $500 budget is a magnetic system. It’s way faster than square filters when your hands are freezing at the coast. Here’s my top 3 must-haves: * Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Polarizer 82mm - This is literally the most important one. It kills glare on wet rocks and makes the water look incredible. * Kase Wolverine Magnetic ND64 6-Stop Filter - My go-to for waterfalls. It gives you that silky water look without making the scene pitch black, which is nice for keeping some detail.
* Kase Wolverine Magnetic ND1000 10-Stop Filter - Great for those long sea stack exposures. Kase is SO good with color casts; i havent noticed any of that nasty purple tint on my Sony sensors that you get with cheaper brands. I’d suggest getting the 82mm sizes and just use step-up rings for your 24-105mm. Magnetic is just easier... no cross-threading in the wind! Plus, the Kase glass is super durable. Anyway, hope that helps and have a killer trip! 👍
Been using this for years, no complaints