White Balance 58mm Filter for Modded Canon EOS

[Astro_Bot]

I'm sure most people know the problem - if you mod a Canon EOS to remove the original "colour balance" (the IR limiting) filter and replace it with, say, a Baader filter, for enhanced Ha response, then the daylight colour balance is forever altered. There's Custom White Balance, but it's not terribly accurate, according to quite a few online reviews, and I've seen the sample photos that convince me that's true.

The Astronomik OWB filter restores the original white balance (hence the name) but it's a clip filter that fits inside the camera body. The problem, though, is that using a clip filter means that Canon EF-S lenses don't fit as the innermost lens protrusion (ring) would hit the filter. Canon EF lenses don't have that problem, but if using clip filters, one is unable to use EF-S lenses.

For routine daylight photography, EF-S lenses are an economic option, especially since they are included in kit purchases with the camera body. I'm pretty sure they're all I need. I've looked at EF lens costs and don't want to pay that much, but accurate colour matters to me.

The best solution is to find an external filter (58mm diameter) to restore the orginal white balance (i.e. with similar response to the original Canon filter or the Astronomik OWB filter). But, I've trawled the web and can't find one.

The expensive solution is to buy only EF lenses and use the OWB clip filer.

So my question to knowledgeable IIS members, is:
Is there a 58mm filter out there with similar response to the original Canon IR/colour balance (or Astronomik OWB) filter?

[technofetishism (Nick)]

yes, the color correction filters maxmax sell.

http://www.maxmax.com/aXNite58mmFilters.asp

And the other sexy filters they sell are nice as well

[Astro_Bot]

Thankyou!

You know, some time ago I stumbled upon this page, as I remember seeing it before, where the X-Nite CC1 filter is specifically discussed. But when specifically searching for camera filters, could I find it again? No!

There's also this page. Easily found if you search on the right terms (X-Nite CC1)!

In summary, the 58mm X-Nite CC1 filter is exactly the right one.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

RG,
Try the Custom colour balance before you spend the money.
You'll probably find it's 99% OK for all the "family" shots.

[technofetishism (Nick)]

if you have any sunlight or incandescent light, wont do the job. soooooo much IR light

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

Nick,
Can you post an example??
I was convinced the CWB gave an acceptable result...

[Cloudyagain (Neale)]

Hutech used to sell an IDAS filter that restored the white balance on their modified cameras. I have a clip in one and a 77mm one to mount on the front of lenses, VLC -34. If you are interested send me a PM as I am willing to part with it.

Neale.

[Astro_Bot]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll try custom WB before shelling out for a filter - I really just want to sort out all potential problems before buying anything as I can't afford to waste any purchases. If things go my way, the camera (and accessories) will be my Christmas present to myself.

If you are interested send me a PM as I am willing to part with it.

Thanks Neale. That's a kind offer. But the lenses I'm looking at take 58mm filters and clip filters would obstruct the lens. If I ever get a lens that takes a 77mm filter, though, I'll keep it in mind.