Filters...lens or matte box? at DVinfo.net

Patrick Janka · January 8th, 2011, 02:46 PM

What filters do you guys suggest for the GH2? I'm thinking a polarizer, ND, and maybe a streak filter. Right now I have the stock 14-42mm lens, but I'm going to get the 25mm f/1.4 Lumix G that is supposed to be released next month. I don't know right now how many lenses I'll end up getting, but I'm thinking getting 4x4 lenses for a matte box (which I'll purchase) is the better route than individual screw on types. What do you think? Any good suggestions for filters? Thanks!

Ros Dok · January 8th, 2011, 03:01 PM

I also bought a GH2 and I'm going to buy a set of Hitech filters: Search Results : Teamwork Digital Ltd, Suppliers of Professional Digital and Large Format Photographic Equipment They also have filter holders, but they don't have the right adapter ring size for my 20mm pancake lens... (46mm)

John Wiley · January 10th, 2011, 11:00 PM

A much cheaper alternative to a matte box would be something like a cokin filter set. You can get them in a few different sizes and I think one of the sizes is designed to take standard 4x4 filters. The advantages with using cokin over a proper matte box for the GH1//GH2 is that you don't need rails because the filter holder is so lightwight, and you won't have problems with the front lens element rotating/extending while zooming/focusing, unlike some set-ups which can render some photo zoom lenses useless.

Patrick Janka · January 11th, 2011, 01:17 AM

A concern of mine is using the camera on a corporate shoot. Many people say having a matte box gives the appearance of a bigger camera and more professional look. It's superficial, but it's for client confidence. Also, I'm looking to get a shoulder rig, so I'll have rails anyway.

Charles Papert · January 11th, 2011, 03:57 AM

We've had this discussion here many times before. Other reasons to go with a mattebox are french flag and siders to control flare, use of grad filters...

Brian Luce · January 11th, 2011, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Janka

A concern of mine is using the camera on a corporate shoot. Many people say having a matte box gives the appearance of a bigger camera and more professional look. It's superficial, but it's for client confidence. Also, I'm looking to get a shoulder rig, so I'll have rails anyway.

I'm down with this. I mounted my Tascam DR100 on the back of the rails to make the GH2 look a little sexier. I tried to make it look like it's part of the camera. Perceived value. You can also overcome the GH2's modest stature by bring in some decent grip stuff. Again, perceived value.

January 8th, 2011, 02:46 PM	#1
Patrick Janka Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 623	Filters...lens or matte box? What filters do you guys suggest for the GH2? I'm thinking a polarizer, ND, and maybe a streak filter. Right now I have the stock 14-42mm lens, but I'm going to get the 25mm f/1.4 Lumix G that is supposed to be released next month. I don't know right now how many lenses I'll end up getting, but I'm thinking getting 4x4 lenses for a matte box (which I'll purchase) is the better route than individual screw on types. What do you think? Any good suggestions for filters? Thanks!

January 11th, 2011, 03:57 AM	#5
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	We've had this discussion here many times before. Other reasons to go with a mattebox are french flag and siders to control flare, use of grad filters... __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

January 8th, 2011, 03:01 PM	#2
Ros Dok New Boot Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Posts: 10	I also bought a GH2 and I'm going to buy a set of Hitech filters: Search Results : Teamwork Digital Ltd, Suppliers of Professional Digital and Large Format Photographic Equipment They also have filter holders, but they don't have the right adapter ring size for my 20mm pancake lens... (46mm)

January 10th, 2011, 11:00 PM	#3
John Wiley Trustee Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Byron Bay, Australia Posts: 1,155	A much cheaper alternative to a matte box would be something like a cokin filter set. You can get them in a few different sizes and I think one of the sizes is designed to take standard 4x4 filters. The advantages with using cokin over a proper matte box for the GH1//GH2 is that you don't need rails because the filter holder is so lightwight, and you won't have problems with the front lens element rotating/extending while zooming/focusing, unlike some set-ups which can render some photo zoom lenses useless.

January 11th, 2011, 01:17 AM	#4
Patrick Janka Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 623	A concern of mine is using the camera on a corporate shoot. Many people say having a matte box gives the appearance of a bigger camera and more professional look. It's superficial, but it's for client confidence. Also, I'm looking to get a shoulder rig, so I'll have rails anyway.