Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Step up rings are a great way to work with what you have! People often use them in cases where what’s needed is slightly larger or smaller than what’s on hand. You can stack these rings together to create the desired size and remove them when not in use. In this blog post, we will discuss what step up rings are and how they work so you can get started using them today!
What Are Step Up Rings?
Step-up rings can fit together to create a larger or smaller size than what’s on hand. They’re good when using what you have versus what you need for the project at hand. While they do not serve much of a purpose beyond this, they make things easier when needing to work with what you have.
Why Do You Need Step Up Rings?
If you own an interchangeable lens camera system, you likely have more than one lens. What’s more, there is a good chance that the filter thread diameter sizes of one or more of your lenses differ from the other lens.
For example, two lenses might have 58mm thread sizes, while the third lens might be 49mm, 62mm, 67mm, or 77mm thread sizes. The more lenses you have, the more likely this becomes.
How To Use Step up Rings
The first step is to establish what size filter you need. Determine what size thread your lens has, what size thread is the other lens you would like to connect it to, what size ring will fit what size thread. What step up ring should you use if you have a 52mm thread lens and want to use a 77mm filter? You would like to use a 52-77mm step up ring.
The idea that you can use different filter sizes on the same lens is convenient, but it’s essential to be aware of what will happen. Using a larger filter on a smaller lens won’t run you into any problems. However, if you use a smaller filter on a larger lens, you will run into vignetting.
Choose the Correct Rings for Your Needs
Consider investing in a single high-quality replacement for your favorite lenses. This is better than purchasing multiples of every filter and lens accessory to go along with each size. You can combine multiple smaller sizes into one large thread mount or step up ring. This is an easy way to save money while still getting the quality products needed when working on such delicate equipment!
Does it matter if the ring is made of brass or aluminum?
Though step up rings function the same, they come with different benefits. Rings of higher prices will often be more reliable and consistent in their performance than a cheaper alternative. This is due to extra care put into manufacturing them. Let’s not forget other factors such as material choice or design features that may affect durability over time.
Knowing what these rings are made of should be an essential consideration when buying one. Knowing will help you avoid problems with your camera and lens threads. Misalignment can result in jammed filters!
A common misconception about these types is “galling.” Galling occurs if there’s not enough metal on either side. It binds against itself while trying to turn or unscrew due to low-quality craft. For example, inexperienced machinists use substandard tools.
Don’t try anything yourself unless necessary unless you are a professional machinist. Accidents can happen anytime, even by professionals who know better. So be safe and leave it to the experts as what you have may not be what you think!
Beware of those who claim some are better than others – there is no such thing as a “best” aluminum or brass step-up ring for every application. Instead, what’s good must always depend on:
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- What’s available in what sizes?
- What thread counts do they have to fit lenses?
- Filters with different numbers of threads per inch (TPI)
- What the finish is like on them, for example, if there are sharp edges or not. These can be pretty detrimental to use, after all, so always ask when ordering!
There are many reasons why you may prefer brass rings instead of steel ones. For example, they will last longer and be less likely to warp or gall when attached with other metal alloys. It’s helpful in case the attachment does not work as expected. These types can make any filter/lens combo more reliable even if cost isn’t an issue (which it usually is!).
I’ve owned my set for over ten years now without ever having had one snap off on me due to wear-and-tear!
Conclusion: Using Step Up Rings for Photography
Step-up rings are a great way to make what you have work for what you want. Remember, the size of your lens will dictate what step up ring you need.
The more expensive ones can last longer and be less likely to warp or gall when attached with other metal alloys. In case the attachment does not work as expected, these types can make any filter/lens combo more reliable even if cost isn’t an issue (which it usually is!).
So before buying one, think about what you’ll use it on most often so that quality doesn’t become a problem down the line!
