What are the absolute must-have lens filters for a Canon 6D Mark II for landscape photography? Im heading to Glacier National Park in two weeks and Im honestly panicking about my gear. I read that a Circular Polarizer is the most important thing but then some people say the dynamic range on the 6Dii is kinda limited so I need Graduated ND filters to keep the sky from blowing out.
I'm using the 24-105mm kit lens and my budget is under $200 total. Do I really need those expensive square filter systems or can I just use screw-ons? I really dont want to buy cheap glass that ruins the sharpness of the L series lens but $200 isnt much...
Jumping in to say you should skip the graduated NDs. I used a cheap kit once and the purple tint ruined every photo. Now I just bracket shots to save the sky. A solid screw-on like the B+W 77mm Basic Circular Polarizer MRC is a safer bet for your 24-105mm. Its durable and the coating makes it way easier to clean when you get water spots on it.
Glacier is going to be absolutely amazing! For a trip like this, prioritizing a circular polarizer is definitely the right move. It is essentially the only filter effect that cannot be accurately replicated in post-processing, especially for cutting surface glare on the lakes. Since you are on a budget, you should definitely stick to high quality screw-on filters. I highly recommend the Hoya 77mm Fusion One Next CIR-PL as it offers fantastic optical quality without ruining the sharpness of your L series glass. Regarding the dynamic range of the 6DII, you can actually skip the graduated ND filters by using exposure bracketing. To manage shutter speeds for those gorgeous waterfalls, I suggest adding a Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter. These two items together fit perfectly under your $200 limit and will provide incredible results. You are gonna love shooting at Glacier!
> I really dont want to buy cheap glass that ruins the sharpness of the L series lens but $200 isnt much... In my experience, screw-ons are perfectly fine for that 24-105mm L lens. You dont need a bulky square system unless you are shooting ultra-wide. Over the years Ive tried many brands, and honestly, the price-to-performance sweet spot is usually high-quality Japanese or specialized glass. If I were you, Id grab the Marumi DHG Super Circular P.L.D 77mm. Its significantly more affordable than the high-end German brands but maintains excellent sharpness. For those waterfalls and moving clouds in Glacier, you also want a solid ND filter. The NiSi HUC PRO Nano IR 77mm ND1000 is a beast for the price. Unlike cheap options, it doesnt have that nasty magenta color cast. Those two together will stay under your $200 budget. Better to have two great filters than a whole kit of junk that softens your images.