I am so happy with this filter set, but do recognize that at ten bucks, these aren't the best performing filters with the most durable construction. Still, I highly recommend them, and am very happy with their performance...especially considering their cost!
To start off with, I am well aware that most serious photographers would probably benefit from getting higher-end filters from bigger brands than Zeikos (i.e. Hoya, B+W), especially if they have premium glass. That being said, I'm also aware many people are on tight budgets- myself included - and it sometimes seems excessive to spend so much on expensive filters, especially if you are new to photography. This is a great solution to someone interested in learning more about what effects various filters can have.
CONSTRUCTION
These filters are cheap, and they feel cheap/weak, too. That was fine for me since I knew for ten bucks that was to be expected. I don't expect these to last forever, its more to get my feet wet with filters than any long term investment. For roughly three dollars a filter, I'm very happy with my purchase, even if these are cheaply made as the other reviewers have noted.
AUTOFOCUSING
I noticed from my personal experience when I use the filters with the kit lens that came w/ my Canon Rebel, the 18-55mm IS, auto-focus is fine. With my cheap telephoto, however (the 75-300 non-IS, non-USM), auto-focus was very non-responsive. This was in broad daylight, so I don't think it was an issue of too little light. (If someone knows why this is the case, feel free to let me know!) Either way, aside from the strange focusing w/ my telephoto, I was VERY happy with the performance on my other lenses.
QUALITY
Image quality was fine (for the most part), and the filters - especially the polarizer - without a doubt made a very noticeable difference. I will try to upload images to illustrate this point. I must note, however, that as of now I have only tried this on relatively cheap lenses...if one were to use this on expensive, high-quality lenses, there might be a more noticeable degredation of quality from these filters. My experiences, however, have been positive.
CONCLUSIONS
My assumption is, if you're seriously considering an intro filter set for ten dollars in the first place, you probably will be happy with this set! More likely than not, you're going to benefit from trying these out, and worse comes to worst, you one day upgrade to a better set. O personally think that for the price, this is a very worthwhile purchase. Zeikos ZE-FLK58 58mm Multi-Coated 3 Piece Filter Kit (UV-CPL-FLD)
I ordered this item on 7/31/09 and received it the next day with standard shipping (this might not be the case for everybody but they ship immediately), It was thru Amazon but sold and shipped by Ace Photo Digital, first time I heard of them but like them already.
All filters are sealed individually and all together in a small leather pouch, all have metal rings, if I'm not mistaken are real glass and they all fit perfectly on my Canon EF-S IS 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and on my Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO DG Lens.
UV filter made pics 20% brighter and sharper, FL-D is making everything magenta indoors and out (must play a little more with camera settings to see what it can do) and the CPL is amazing, turning the ring from normal to complete haze and glare reduction.
Can't go wrong with this item, great shipping, great quality, fit and lens protection.
I am not sure what 100$+ filters are made up of, and how they improve your image. But with just 10$ this product is more than 200% worth it. I love the circular polarizer which is great for landscapes. UV filter is not affecting the resolution power of my kit lens in any noticeable way. I don't like the florescent filter though.. But I would pay 10$ just for the CP filter. Look at the images i uploaded.
Note: UV filter gives you some glare as it re-reflects the light bouncing off the lens coating if you are taking pictures of very bright objects like Sun. You can just remove the filter that time.
The provided case is just wonderful..
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As many of the other reviews have pointed out, you can certainly buy better quality filters than these, but not for under ten dollars.
My filter set arrived in a divided leather carrying case and each filter was individually sealed in it's own cellophane bag; new and clean (no smudges, dust or fingerprints).
As far as build quality goes the three filters are not consistent:
1) The UV filter is "heavy" and "cold" and makes a ting when tapped with a fingernail, giving the impression of an aluminum ring and glass optics. Since I am using this primarily to protect the front of my lens, I am glad for it's sturdier build. As far as it's optical qualities, it seems perfectly clear to me and does not noticeably affect the quality of my digital photos.
2) The FLD filter is "light" and "warm" and makes a thud when tapped, giving the impression of a plastic lens in a plastic ring. Given that I don't often shoot with film and that when I do use film, I'm usually outdoors anyway, I will possibly never use this filter and am unconcerned with its quality. (This filter's application is for correcting white balance when shooting with film under fluorescent lights, digital cameras will correct the white balance digitally)
3) The CPL filter is difficult to determine, it feels like aluminum and glass, but less so than the UV filter does. It might be heavier plastic, it might be lighter glass. What's important is that it threads easily, spins easily (but not so much that it spins out of where it's been set on it's own), and does an excellent job of cutting glare and deepening the blues of the sky.
Overall, if I only got the CPL for my $8, I would still give this set 5 stars for the value. Having a sturdy feeling UV filter to protect my lens is a great plus. - Filter - Uv Filter - Polarizer - Lens Filter'
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