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Brass vs Aluminum filter step up rings, does it matter?


5 years 3 weeks ago #636768 by TGonzo
When it comes to step up rings, does it really make a difference if they are made from brass vs aluminum?  I need one and noticed there is a sizable price difference.  

Thank you
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5 years 3 weeks ago #636773 by jeffnles1
In real world practical terms I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference.  Brass may gall less and be less likely to get stuck should you leave it attached to your lens for years.  It's a heavier metal and depending on the thickness may be less likely to crack.  However, in real terms how most of us take care of our equipment I honestly don't think you'll see a difference out there in the world.
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5 years 3 weeks ago #636774 by Nikon Shooter

jeffnles1 wrote: Brass may gall less and be less likely to get stuck



That alone makes the whole difference…
when you can, go for brass!
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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5 years 3 weeks ago - 5 years 3 weeks ago #636775 by Troponin
Brass is typically used in situations where tolerances are tight. This can cause an increase in the risk of cross threading. Brass helps prevent that by being naturally softer than most other metals, so it will give before your precious lens parts will in the unfortunate event you accidentally cross thread it. It's also anti-corrosive and not susceptible to changes in dimension from temp changes. 

All that said, most times all one has to do is be careful, however, there are those rare times when we bump or drop our equipment in just the wrong way that a filter ring or otherwise can crossthread too. This is the debate for brass. 

I don't have brass. I would like some, however, it just hasn't been a priority yet. Hope to have a set soon. 
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5 years 3 weeks ago #636795 by TGonzo
Roger that, thank you.  Just noticed a single brass one will be $30 and whole set of aluminum ones are like $8. 

I'll spring on the brass and just get the one I need.   
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5 years 3 weeks ago #636838 by KCook
I would expect a brass one to have a nicer finish. But there is no guarantee of that.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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5 years 3 weeks ago #636931 by Superman
Brass is much more dense and stronger metal 
Nikon D90 & D40 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 35mm, 50mm, 105mm, SB600
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5 years 3 weeks ago #637005 by Frost Photography
Brass= $$$
Aluminum=$


Brass is going to be much better quality in most cases.  
"The quickest way to make money at photography is to sell your camera."
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5 years 3 weeks ago #637019 by Howard T
You'll find this interesting when you consider just how different these metals are from a hardness standpoint:

"Hardness ComparisonsBrinell is the scale used to compare the different hardnesses of the metals described here:
Nickel Aluminum Bronze (Alloy #958)-
This alloy is 79% Copper, 10% Aluminum, 4% Iron, 2% Manganese and 5% Nickel. This alloy is more durable than 100% copper, Red and Yellow Brass. Hardness is approximately 150-190.
Yellow Brass (Copper Alloy #865)-
Yellow Brass, also considered a "Bronze", is 60% Copper, 33% Zinc, 2% Iron, 1.5% Aluminum, 1-5% Manganese, 1% Tin, .5% Nickel. Brinell Hardness of 100.
Soft Steel-
Hardness of under 30 on Rockwell C scale, around 279 Brinell.
Malleable Iron-
Brinell hardness of around 134
Aluminum-
Brinell hardness of around 70
Copper-
Brinell hardness of around 40-50
Lead-
 Brinell hardness usually in the 30's
Hardened Tool Steel-
Brinell hardness of around 600 - 700+"

www.hammersource.com/Hardness-Comparisons
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5 years 3 weeks ago #637071 by Steve Zahra
So what metal are lenses made from?  Softer or harder than brass?  
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5 years 3 weeks ago #637073 by Nikon Shooter

Steve Zahra wrote: So what metal are lenses made from?  Softer or harder than brass?  


Lens mounts may be made of brass, aluminium, or plastic. Most metal
barrel components are die-cast and machined. Metal mounts last lon-
ger, maintain their dimensions, can be machined more precisely, and
can be dismantled to replace elements, if necessary.

Plastic mounts are less expensive and of lighter weight. If the barrel is
made of engineering plastic, it is produced by a highly efficient and pre-
cise method of injection molding. The interior surfaces of the barrel are
also coated to protect them and to prevent internal reflection and flare.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
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