Jump to content

Differences between lens filters and mattebox filters?


Clay Hammons

Recommended Posts

What are some of the main differences between a filter you put directly on a lens versus using a filter in a mattebox?

 

Obviously a mattebox filter would allow you to change lenses and use the same filter but other than this are there any other pros or cons?

 

Thanks in advance for any help! ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Member

Filters are either made in acrylic or glass, whether the round screw-on or clamp-on types or the rectangular ones that go into mattebox trays and slots.

 

Otherwise, the main reason for a mattebox is the speed of pulling out a filter and changing it, plus stacking more than one filter. You can stack screw-on filters to a limited extent though some vignetting might start to happen, and it may take longer to switch filters or lenses. Plus you don't need as many different sizes in filters when using multiple lenses when using a mattebox compared to screw-on filters, unless you are using adaptor rings for different lenses and larger round filters that cover the lenses with larger fronts.

 

I mean, if you mainly just use one handheld zoom lens, then a clamp-on or screw-on filter plus rubber sunshade may be fine if you are just talking about a few ND's or a Pola. But if you are talking about a set of primes and zooms with different front dimensions, plus combinations of ND's, diffusions, Polas, grads, etc. a mattebox may be simpler, faster.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

i shoot a fair amount around water so boat decks and various white gel coated surfaces, sand, etc throw glare from every unwanted angle. i like a compendium style shade / matte box that accepts a few square filters and is a size or two up from the lens im using. that way i can extend the shade out pretty far without worrying about vignetting and not be constantly on the lookout for a flare on a filters surface. acrylic and gel square filters can be cut to fit a finicky tray whereas circulars or lens mounts either you have the right threads with you or you dont. ive never used clamp ons as david mentioned. probably would have saved me many times if i had. that being said my simplest rig is a bolex with a screw on polarizer and a screw on hood. whole thing goes in a backpack. you wont do that with a set of french flags. however on many zoom lenses for bolexs the objective lens element twists and extends or retracts when you focus. so a linear polarizer will have to be adjusted every focus change unless you use a mattebox that attaches to a rail system and remains stationary in its horizontal while allowing for extension and retraction of the lens. or just get a circular polarizer. the trade off is ive heard theyre not as effective. never used one. might be just fine.

 

but i use old cameras. new ones dont have a great many of these issues.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Member

Also with a matte box filter, on some matte boxes such as my own Arri MB, you can actually slide the filter up and down during a shot (such as sneaking a grad in /out left or right as) as you move the camera. Can be kinda fun too; to selectively make, for example, the sky darker.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...