Variable ND filter for Sony FE lenses

[EWaldron]

Hi,

 

First time posting here, hoping someone might be able to help me out.

 

I'm planning on getting a variable ND filter for my Sony a7s. I currently have the 55mm prime and hope to get the 16-35mm (when I can afford it) and 24-240mm (when it comes out).

 

My question is, what thread size should I get?

I'm thinking a 77mm one (as they seem to be more available), paired with a step ring for each lens, but will Sony release future lenses (the 24-240mm) at larger filter sizes (like the G 28-135mm, which is 95mm)?

 

Thanks

 

Ed

[allebaug]

Depends on your usage.  Still or video?  Will you need to mount a hood sized for the focal lengths as well as the mounted ND, and how will you adjust the ND while using a hood?

 

No one can exactly predict where Sony will go with their lens specs.  Older top lenses from Canon had a 77mm filter thread.  Their newest upgrades mostly require an 82mm filter.

[EWaldron]

Both, still and video. I don't currently plan on having a hood at this stage.

I wasn't aware of the 82mm filter. Looking at the Tiffen ND's, it seems they only go up to 77mm.

[Sinan]

Although its not possible to know what filter size a future lens will be I really doubt it will be wider than 77mm considering its an E mount lens.

 

E mount is all about "compactness". A 82mm lens will be huge lens which would dwarf the body. Sony is not even designing very fast lenses in many focal lengths as wider apertures will make the lens bigger in diameter too. So IMO a walk-around lens like 24-240 can never be 82mm which will defeat the whole purpose of the lens and also its body.

[EWaldron]

Although its not possible to know what filter size a future lens will be I really doubt it will be wider than 77mm considering its an E mount lens.

 

E mount is all about "compactness". A 82mm lens will be huge lens which would dwarf the body. Sony is not even designing very fast lenses in many focal lengths as wider apertures will make the lens bigger in diameter too. So IMO a walk-around lens like 24-240 can never be 82mm which will defeat the whole purpose of the lens and also its body.

 

Ok, yes that all makes sense.

I think I will go for a 77mm variable ND.

Thanks for your response Sinan.