[monkeynoises]

I have the following kit:

D300
Nikon 18-200mm VR lens (which has a 72mm thread on it)
Lens hood attached

I need to know if I should go for the:

72mm Nikon Circular Polarizer II

or

77mm Nikon Circular Polarizer II with a 72-77mm step up ring.

I want to be able to keep the hood on, and still be able to turn the polarizer, and want to avoid buying more lens hoods / caps if possible.

So if I get the 77mm with step up, do I have to buy a bigger hood + lens, or can I use the standard ones that came with the 18-200mm?

If I get the 77mm filter then I am covered if I get a bigger lense later, rather than having to buy another Polarizer.

Should I just get the 72mm ?

If I get the old Nikon Circular Polariser then I definitely have to get a separate and bigger lens cap and hood don't I - more bulk.

What are the pros and cons to each size,

thanks.

[onefivenine]

If its a 72mm lens then get a 72mm filter. The step ring is designed for people who have more than one lens of different filter size but only one filter.

Have a think about what you may or may not do lens-wise as you don't want to be forking out for different sized polarizers if you can avoid it.

Are you likely to get more lenses? Will they all be the same filter size?

This is another one of those areas when the seemingly little extras can really start to add up to big £££££'s.

[monkeynoises]

I was thinking of getting a 12-24mm lens later on at some point (which has a 77m thread?), for landscapes. Either Nikon or Tokina.

So, is it best to go for a 72mm now then ?

I am just starting out in photography, so want to avoid any costly mistakes, but allow my kit to grow, and be flexible, as my experience grows too.

Right now I have just the 18-200mm and seeing what can be done with that.

If I get the 77mm with ring adapter, will that cause me problems with the 18-200mm ? - i.e. do I have to get new hood, and is adjustment harder/not possible because of hood in the way?

At a later date I could use the 77mm on a the wide angle one.

My plans are to use the 18-200mm lens as general purpose, travelling light, e.g. on holiday, just taking holiday shots etc - and NOT changing lens/filters all the time, and to learn the basics of photography.

Later on as I go on more planned photo shoot days out, etc, will be changing lenses, filters, etc - photopgrahying scenery, water, etc, and need the flexibility then.

[SilverPenguin7]

If you get the 77mm filter with an adaptor you will not be able to sue the lens hood. I would (unfortunately) suggest getting the 72mm and then the 77mm at a later date. Just make sure you get it from the bay or somewhere like that. My 77mm cost about £74 instead of the rip off prices for them over here!

[monkeynoises]

OK finally, I also need to get 3 other things to complete my basic setup:

* an ND Grad / Filter set

* a decent bag (which ideally is the holster type so that I can whip the camera out quickly with the filters, lens (18-200mm) and hood attached)

* a tripod / monopod

At the moment I have on my shortlist:

a Cokin P Series Kit

Manfrotto Monopod 694 (not sure what head to go with it....they recommend a ball head dont they?)

Cheers