09-16-2014, 08:14 AM
Drop-in filters are a default feature on many high end Canon or Nikon tele lenses. Any of the "Great Whites" (Canon) as well as any high-end Nikon lens from the 200/2 VR onwards has this feature. And both companies show that it can be done without losing seal protection.
I don't see any problem with light transmission. In fact, many of these lenses feature a default clear filter that needs to be in place, as well as an additional clear glass protective front element.
Where to place such a filter slot of course needs to be decided early in the development process, not afterwards.
Once one has used such a filter, one really appreciates the convenience they offer. On such a large lens, rotating a front mounted CPL is usually not possible with the hood mounted. So you have to take the hood off, rotate the filter and then remount the hood. If you use a CPL to reduce reflections (for example during a race or an air-show) one needs to do so every time one changes the camera orientation.
With a drop-in filter, it only takes a small amount of dial rotation (drop-in CPLs are usually geared and can be rotated by a small dial).
There is one issue with drop-in filters, though: price. Yes, most of them are quite expensive (as are the lenses that use them). However, this is also true for good quality 105mm filters.
-- Markus
I don't see any problem with light transmission. In fact, many of these lenses feature a default clear filter that needs to be in place, as well as an additional clear glass protective front element.
Where to place such a filter slot of course needs to be decided early in the development process, not afterwards.
Once one has used such a filter, one really appreciates the convenience they offer. On such a large lens, rotating a front mounted CPL is usually not possible with the hood mounted. So you have to take the hood off, rotate the filter and then remount the hood. If you use a CPL to reduce reflections (for example during a race or an air-show) one needs to do so every time one changes the camera orientation.
With a drop-in filter, it only takes a small amount of dial rotation (drop-in CPLs are usually geared and can be rotated by a small dial).
There is one issue with drop-in filters, though: price. Yes, most of them are quite expensive (as are the lenses that use them). However, this is also true for good quality 105mm filters.
-- Markus
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