Do we really need a expensive(/good?) filter??

Ok I m new here, recently i get to know more and more "xxx filter" terms through google/forums (especially photomalaysia)
I got myself some explanation from websites, but not that practical for me, I can't really understand the function of each type of filter..

UV,IR,CPL..even star,"love"..etc

I just saw one of my friend's shooting with 50mm 1.8(nikon), he got superb quality image..i was told by him the reason is the +4( or x4) filter.. HUH??

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=133910
(+10 filter etc..with good price i guess)

another question is, I m having a 18-55 kit lens ONLY, and getting a new lens its not easy for me (bcoz of $$, but i dont think i need an extra lens too for now), a filter is really something i can afford for.. should i go for a good filter?lens hood perhaps? i strongly believe that kit lens can do everything.. , other than the limited zooming range, now the main prob facing is macro/portrait..will a +10 filter really helps THAT MUCH?? or save my money for a better lens..

correct me if any wrong statement by me..ready to learn..thx~

bro, for those +10 filter, it only reduce ur lens minimum focus range so that u can focus nearer to the object during macro shoot. But the image quality can't compare to those macro lens. I do own such filter just for the sake of playing a little bit of macro. If u are hardcore macro fans, then better save up for a good macro lens.

kohyiaw wrote:bro, for those +10 filter, it only reduce ur lens minimum focus range so that u can focus nearer to the object during macro shoot. But the image quality can't compare to those macro lens. I do own such filter just for the sake of playing a little bit of macro. If u are hardcore macro fans, then better save up for a good macro lens.

i see.not really a macro fans,just hope to do more with a kit lens (for now).
btw, can we say that a +10 filter is always better than +4,+2 etc?? (numbering)
or each has specific spec

About the image quality of +4 or +2 i not very sure. But generally the number is just to show how much the filter reduce the minimum focus range of your lens. +10 reduce the most among the three.

Those +2 +4 or even +10 is just the magnification so that you can go nearer to the subject and do some macro shooting but the result can't compared to a macro lens..With those filter attached on your lens, u could only do macro and u must detached the filter to shoot portrait as the magnification will not enable u to focus on your subject..

try to get a magnifying glass from local book store and do some DIY to get the macro effect and it's cheap some more

Those close up filters don't improve IQ but actually degrade since you add another glass.