Is there any difference between expensive and cheap camera filters?

Answer 1

Quality. Expensive filters tend to be made with higher quality glass.

That said, don't just pay for a name. Check out the quality, see what the pros are using, see what the motion picture industry is using, etc.

Expensive doesn't always mean better.

Answer 2

In a word: yes.

I only use B+W MRC filters, when the situation calls for one. I have tested the cheap SunPak or Quantarray filters, and there is a noticeable drop in sharpness and contrast relative the B+W filters. Don't buy a nice lens and then stick a cheap filter on it. Not to say that more money means better, or that there aren't good deals out there, but as with anything else quality costs money.

That said, filters are less useful in many circumstances now that many of their effects can be duplicated in digital processing, without compromising the quality of the original image (yes, even the high end filters degrade resolution ever-so-slightly).

There are still situations that may call for a UV filter for protection, a circular polarizer to control glare or reflections, or a neutral density to allow larger aperture or slower shutter speeds. However, I can't remember the last time I used a "special effects" filter.

Answer 3

In general, Yes. Sure, you can find a great cheap filter like you can find a great cheap lens, and some expensive filters are real disappointments; but you generally get what you pay for. Just like lenses, it's all about the glass, better filters use better glass and better manufacturing techniques--thus the higher prices.

Answer 4

Stay with B+W, TIFFEN, HOYA. You'll pay more but you'll get much better quality. I have a 36 year old TIFFEN polarizer which is still doing fine.