FILTERS - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

01/24/2004 11:52:48 AM · #1

Hi,
I am a beginner in the world of photography and I have decided to buy the DSC-F717.
I have read a lot of books and manuals but I don't understand the function of the filters. I have read a lot of different types (neutral density filter, multicoated filter, and coloured filters) but I don't know how to use them or which one I should use in certain conditions.

THANKS

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/24/2004 11:54:19 AM · #2

welcome aboard Dani! While I dont know much about filters (hope to learn something from this thread) there are loads of cool cats that do! I'm sure they'll hit you up soon!

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

01/24/2004 12:15:49 PM · #3

neutral density filters act like a light blocker. allowing less light into the camera to give you more versitlity with shutter, and aperture settings in bright light situations.

say for instance you want shallow DOF and a slow shutter in a high light situation( maybe tryng to smooth out moving water ). w/o the filter you will likely have to overexpose or adjust the shutter or aperture to get the right exposure, changng the DOF or the shutter when you may not want to.

the colored filters i'm not sure how effective they are with digital as the digital sensor doesnt work the same as film, but havent tried any yet.

if i am wrong let me know ;}

Message edited by author 2004-01-24 12:16:43.

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

01/24/2004 12:18:12 PM · #4

hey soup!

how did you put the link to dpc prints in your signature like that?

rmahan

Nikon D3

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ED-IF

01/24/2004 12:58:56 PM · #5

Welcome to DPC dani1989!

The neutral density filters generally come in different strengths so sometimes it pays to own more than one. They are, as soup said, light blockers and they are specifically designed to be "neutral" in color so that they don't change the color of what you're shooting. And, soup is right about how you might use them. An even more important filter, IMO, is a polarizer. Generally, with autofocus on a camera, you need what is described as a "circular" polarizer rather than a linear polarizer. This can be used to 1. darken a sky area which is too bright so that you get a nice deep shade of blue or, 2. to help to eliminate glare like off of water. As you progress you might also consider things like a soft focus filter or some magnifiers to put in your arsenal. My suggestion is to be a voracious reader of photographic literature and web sites and to ask questions. It's an interesting field and we're all learning from one another here.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/24/2004 01:16:04 PM · #6

Welcome Dani. I suggest The Photographer's Guide to Filters. It is an excellent book that goes into detail on using all types of filters.

Edit: Another book by Lee Frost that I recommend is The A-Z of Creative Photography: Over 70 Techniques Explained in Full. This is a great reference for learning different techniques.

Message edited by author 2004-01-24 13:19:02.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/24/2004 01:18:11 PM · #7

Originally posted by Rooster:

hey soup!

how did you put the link to dpc prints in your signature like that?

Check out this Tutorial.

01/24/2004 01:35:49 PM · #8

yes a circular polarizer is a good filter to own, but they arent cheap...

also infrared filters are avaible which produce interesting results with certain subjects.

EDIT: for any lense the most important filter in my mind is a clear skylite 1A filter to protect the actual lense glass... for the $12-20 for it, its worth letting it take the abuse of water, dust and sand than having to have the lnse cleaned or possibly ruined.

Message edited by author 2004-01-24 13:37:45.

01/24/2004 03:10:12 PM · #9

What is the difference between a normal polarizer and a circular one?
Those books seem very good, but it have a little problem I live in Spain and shopping in Amazon could be very expensive (because of the shipping).

I have $100 to in filters.
Which do you suggest me?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/24/2004 03:21:57 PM · #10

you will only be able to use a CIRCULAR polarizer on the digital cam from wht i know.

that is a good one to buy probably about $50-70 US
if there isnt a protective glass on the stock lense then a 1A skylite filter is a must.

other than that, i would try out the camera, and add other filters as you find need for them. use some the left over cash to buy a tripod, or a carry case, or a spare battery, or memory sticks...

Lafaminit

Nikon D80

01/24/2004 03:23:29 PM · #11

Originally posted by soup:

for any lense the most important filter in my mind is a clear skylite 1A filter to protect the actual lense glass... for the $12-20 for it, its worth letting it take the abuse of water, dust and sand than having to have the lnse cleaned or possibly ruined.

I agree about the skylite. I keep one on every lens I own, just for the protection it offers. Also, many times I'll just place my polarizer over the skylight when shooting outdoors so my glass is never "exposed".

cbeller

Nikon D300

01/24/2004 03:26:40 PM · #12

definately recommend a circular polarizer and skylite filter as soup suggested. Make sure whatever filter you get, it is multi-coated.

01/24/2004 03:27:06 PM · #13

right, keep the REAL glass away from the air...

01/24/2004 03:55:29 PM · #14

Originally posted by soup:

What is a skylite filter?

Lafaminit

Nikon D80

01/24/2004 04:08:34 PM · #15

Skylite 1A filters are commonly used as lens protection. However, they also reduce UV glare.

r20wun

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/24/2004 05:39:04 PM · #16

Tiffen gives a good explanation of what each filter does. Some more FAQ about filters.

Start with a UV and a polarizer. Then try warming, ND-grads, infrared, and close-up macros for more control. There are many brands to choose from, whats in your wallet will be the determining factor.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/24/2004 06:17:08 PM · #17

skylight / UV filter used somewhat inerchangeably. basically reduces glare, and mainly protects the actual lense glass from dirt and damage.

Originally posted by dani1989:

What is a skylite filter?

EDIT: oops, oh well

Message edited by author 2004-01-24 18:18:09.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

01/25/2004 01:35:58 AM · #18

Originally posted by r20wun:

Since part of this assembly is able to rotate independently, I'm assuming this is a circular polarizer. Too bad I can't fasten it to my camera!