I just purchased the Canon 500mm f/4.0 L, IS lens (and sold all my ENRON stocks to do so-just kiddnig). It comes with a drop-in Gel filter holder although you can purchase a seperate screw-in filter holder for $90. Will a good multi-coated glass filter give better results than the Gel filter ? I have never used Gel filters in the past. I only plan on using about 3 filters (not including a polarizer which you you have to purchase from Canon for this lense). I will be using a UV, 81A and 81B most of the time. Believe it or not, a good multi-coated 52mm glass filter is not much more than a GEl filter. Any suggestions ?

-- Bruce Gowdy (brucegowdy@earthlink.net), January 26, 2002

Answers

Gels are fragile. I've used them with large format cameras but never with any equipment which would be exposed to elements for long periods or require frequent filter changes(35mm). They require extra care in use and storage. Don't get them wet, for sure. It's a good idea to store them in the same package they come in which is a pain to unwrap and re-wrap. They are also expensive for the amount of use you get from them due to this fragility. If it was me, I would probably spring for the screw in filter holder just to avoid using gels in the field.

-- Lee (Leemarthakiri@sport.rr.com), January 29, 2002.