Andy R. wrote:
> I just ordered the CP5700 variable adapter from Bernie's. Next I
> would like to purchase a UV protection filter, a circular polarizer
> filter and a lens cap to keep the dust out. I plan to keep the
> variable adapter and UV filter on the camera all the time, except
> when changing to the polarizer. I'm in a dilemma as to what
> filter/cap size would be the best to use:
>
> 1. 62mm filter and cap placed on the outer sleeve of the variable
> adapter
> or
> 2. 46mm filter and cap placed on the CP5700 lens (via Bernie's
> 46mm adapter), all sliding through the variable adapter
>
> Any thoughts/recommendations are appreciated, especially with
> regard to how each setup might affect photo quality.
>
> Andy R.
>

Andy,

How about the 46mm filters and the 62mm cap? That is what I did for the following reasons:

1. The 46mm filters are typically less expensive than the 62mm ones.

2. Nikon has a good 46mm filter set (UV, CP, ND4 and ND8), which was developed for the Coolpix 5000, which will work just fine on the 5700 mounted on Bernies's 46mm adapter.

3. Difficult to get any vignetting, except with the CP filter (which is thicker), and even then only when completely zoomed out.

4. The 46mm adapter + UV filter combo stays on all the time (except when using a converter lens) but when the lens retracts to its parking position, the combo slides *inside* the inner tube of the coolfix adapter, so it stays protected. As long as you remove the end-cap before turning the camera on, you won't get the dreaded lens error message. Even if you forget (which I have done a couple of times), you'll have a gentler bump than if you block the outer tube of the coolfix adapter with a filter.

5. The 62mm end cap protects the whole assembly and prevents dust from entering the coolfix adapter whereas the 46mm cap would not. To remove the 46mm cap you'd have to zoom in first (same to change filters or remove the filter adapter, which is one minus of that combination), and doing so I surmised that you may get the dust, linen, etc... down the inner tube.

6. The big 62mm end cap is cool looking! I got one at B&H by browsing through the Nikon SLR lenses: get a snap-on one.

I am sure it is not the only viable combination, but this seems to work just fine for me. YMMV.
--
Philippe