Mini Field Test: OEC 6 Point Cross Screen Filter

[chris.e.fry]

I just wanted to fill everyone in on this as it can add a little more "twinkle" to your holidays without breaking your wallet. This is my first experience with this type of filter.

OEC 6 Point Cross Screen (Star) Filter
Cost: about $9 on ebay
Here is a stock photo of it I found on the web:
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/2/4/3/4/1/5/webimg/61989235_tp.jpg

My first impression as soon as I took this out of its package was not good. First of all, the case for it wont stay shut. It is so loose it would just fall open in my camera bag. I will need to find some way to secure it. Secondly, I noticed that the wires do not line up perfectly in a few places. If I had a macro lens I would post a pic of what I mean.

I took it out tonight to get some pictures of lights here and there. In particular, I was looking to try it out on peoples christmas lights that they have out already.

The first thing I checked when I put the filter on was if it caused distortion when I rotated it. I had read that you can sometimes get distortion with these extremely cheap "no name" filters when rotated. I am happy to say I got no distortion.

Below are a few pics of christmas lights I took. Keep in mind I was just seeing how the "stars" would look. I wasn't trying for anything artistic or well composed. Click the thumbnails to see a larger copy of the pics as well as the data.

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/2/9/5/dsc_0005_919718_thumb.jpg (http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/showimage.php?i=3364&c=39&userid=1295)

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/2/9/5/dsc_0007_thumb.jpg (http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/showimage.php?i=3365&c=39&userid=1295)

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/2/9/5/dsc_0009_thumb.jpg (http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/showimage.php?i=3366&c=39&userid=1295)

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/2/9/5/dsc_0013_thumb.jpg (http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/showimage.php?i=3367&c=39&userid=1295)

Here is one of a streetlight I took from a few hundred feet away.

http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/files/1/2/9/5/dsc_0015_thumb.jpg (http://www.proudphotography.com/forum/gallery/showimage.php?i=3368&c=39&userid=1295)

So anyway, there you have it. I have nothing to compare this filter to but, for only 9 bucks, overall I am happy with it. I am excited to get some of my holiday pics using this filter. :)

[LensBaby]

I like the star effect filters. Just be careful when ordering cheap filters, because the threads can actually damage your lens. I learned this by a photographer, and he showed me hands on what it does. I am not saying that you cannot get good quality cheap filters, but just see how it screws on. If it is hard, or seems like it goes on crooked all of the time, then it is best not to use it.

[jerryph]

Very interesting! Where did you pick yours up for 9 bucks?

[chris.e.fry]

@LensBaby: I forgot to mention that I also tested the threads. I have read that some of the cheapo filters wont thread right. This particular filter threads onto my 52mm UV filter with no problems at all.

@jerryph: I got mine from Plumtree Photo. Here is an ebay link where I got mine. They still have a few (as of 11/29) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110314480487

[jerryph]

Chris, thanks for the info, I looked and they do not have any star filters in the sizes I need for my lenses. I contacted the seller and they said that there is no such thing as a 77mm star filter, that this is huge.

I just went on Amazon.com, found a 77mm star filter for $68. No, its not under $10 (which for a good filter is a steal!), and I picked it up. The 77mm will fit on 3 of my 7 lenses, so that is great.

You know I blame you for costing me 68 bucks plus delivery now, right? (ha-ha)

I thought that this filter would be perfect for the low light family Christmas tree pictures that I know are coming soon. :)

[chris.e.fry]

Im happy to hear you got one for the holidays. :D

Holy cow! 77mm is big! What lenses do you have that take such monstrosities? I thought they only used that size for professional camcorders or something.

[jerryph]

Sigma 10-20mm ultra wide angle
Nikkor 70-200 VR F/2.8
Nikkor 24-70 F/2.8
oh, I left out the Nikkor 85mm F/1.4 as well, so 4 lenses, not 3 that all use 77mm filters.

I have a weakness for high-end glass...lol