[JJ_SO]

So far, I use filters rarely. Therefore I passed this Xume-idea: http://www.xumeadapters.com/77mm-adapters-kits-1/ which basically is a magnetic ring on the lens and it's counterpart on the filter. It saves the screwing in case of lens change and makes the whole thing quicker.

 

Disadvantages are similar like filter holder systems:

• you need to leave the holder or the adapter for the holder on the lens (otherwise you can use screw-in types). 
  
• holders go to a certain diameter and usually don't fit on big wide-angles without filterthread
  
• big holders waste space on small diameter lenses because of stepping rings
  
• additional costs and not much use (in my case)
  
• if one uses UV- or "protection"-filters always on the lens, a stack of filters doesn't improve IQ
  

I have one holder for the 14-24 and bought formattech 150 × 150 gradient and ND. The color-drift is horrible and not easy to get rid of in post. So it mostly rests in it's drawer because it's bulky. The reason for gradient filters are not killing the highlights in a high contrast picture and get structures of the sky. I have to say, since Capture One can create a gradient layer, I'm much better off with getting my highlights back in post.

 



 

After a little bit of work:

 



 

I would say, in some pictures putting in a post process gradient doesn't take much longer to do than setting the gradient filter up at shooting. And I bought the gradient filter for that kind of pictures...

 

So the only reason to filter is either a "polarizer needed" situation or a huge ND to get loooooooong waterfalls or seashores. And this I do with the second biggest filter size I have and use stepping ring down from M 77 to smaller ø.