Filters for the Wide Angle Converter

There is no filters of thread size 48mm, the thread size of the wide angle converter. As a result, there is no filters that can be directly screwed on the wide angle converter. To overcome this problem, step-up rings are used. There are two sets of filters: the skylight set and the polarizer set.

The Skylight Set

The skylight set consists of three elements: (1) a 48mm to 58mm step-up ring, (2) a skylight filter of 58mm for protection purpose, and (3) a snap-on lens cap.

The skylight set of filter

The step-up ring screws on the wide angle converter; the 58mm skylight filter screws on the step-up ring; and the lens cap snaps on the 58mm filter. If you take the wide angle converter, you are strongly encouraged to take this set. Otherwise, it is easy to damage the front element of the wide angle converter.

The Polarizer Set

The polarizer set has two elements: (1) a 58mm to 72mm step-up ring; and (2) a 72mm circular polarizer. While a 58mm polarizer could replace the 58mm skylight filter, serious vignetting will occur when you zoom out to 24mm focal length. In fact, even 72mm is not good enough since a trace of slight vignetting still can be seen. A better choice would be a 77mm polarizer.

The polarizer set of filter

The polarizer screws on the 58mm to 72mm step-up ring. You should take the 58mm skylight filter off before mounting the 58mm-72mm step-ring. Otherwise, serious vignetting will occur. After mounting the polarizer, the wide angle converter becomes bulky as shown below. The bottom part is the wide angle converter, followed by the 48mm-58mm step-up ring, the 58mm-72mm ring, and the 72mm polarizer.

The wide angle converter with two step-up rings and a polarizer mounted

When you use this set, please make sure that the step-up rings are mounted firmly. Otherwise, they may fall out while you rotate the front element of the polarizer. If you prefer to have a polarizer in the bag, you should consider taking this set with you.