What kind of filters should I actually get for my new Sigma Art lens because I am totally lost and dont want to ruin the quality? I just finally saved up enough money to get the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art for my Sony camera and oh my god it is so heavy and beautiful but I am also terrified of scratching the front glass or just making the pictures look blurry. I have this dream trip to Iceland coming up in about a month and I really want to take those cool silky water photos of the waterfalls and maybe some nice landscape shots but when I look up filters online there are like a million different choices and I have no idea what the difference is between a cheap twenty dollar one and a super expensive one like does it actually matter for the Art quality since everyone says these lenses are so sharp?
I heard people talking about UV filters just to protect the lens from dust and scratches but then some people online said they are a waste of money and just cause weird ghosting things in the image so now I am second guessing everything. And then there is the CPL thing which I think makes the sky look more blue? Or maybe it stops reflections on water? I really want my photos to pop and look professional. Also I saw someone mention ND filters for the waterfalls but there are all these different numbers like ND8 or ND64 and I think a ten stop one? My head is literally spinning lol. I have about $500 set aside for accessories and stuff so I can afford some good ones but I dont want to get ripped off.
Do I need a specific size for this specific lens? The box says 67mm so I guess that is what I look for? What if I get a bigger lens later like the 24-70mm? Is there a way to use the same filters or am I stuck buying new ones every time? Sorry if these are really dumb questions I am just very new to having a real camera and I really dont want to mess up my Iceland trip by buying the wrong gear...
I caught this thread a day late but honestly, the technical side of filters is a massive rabbit hole. When I was starting out with my first Art lens, I spent weeks comparing light transmission data and color cast benchmarks. I eventually switched to a magnetic setup for a trip to some windy cliffs because trying to thread a 67mm filter with freezing fingers is a nightmare.
Quick question tho—are you definitely getting that 24-70mm soon? I would suggest being really careful about buying 67mm filters now because its a waste of cash if you upgrade later. To save money and keep that Art sharpness:
In my experience, putting a cheap filter on a Sigma Art is a massive mistake. I've tried many brands over the years and honestly, anything from Hoya is usually a safe bet. Just grab a good circular polarizer and a strong ND filter from them and you're set for Iceland. Their glass keeps things sharp without breaking the bank. Tbh, just avoid the super cheap generic stuff... you'll regret it.