More Filter Questions - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

05/03/2006 03:25:16 PM · #1

Okay...headed out to this mega trip to many National Parks. Obviously a polarizer - but any other suggestions for needed filters? Is there really much difference between name brand polarizing filters and off-brands?

I have also seen one that was a polarizer and a warming filter in one...any experience with that? Any good?

Thanks for the input!

EDIT to add: Is the hype I'm reading about coating layers on a the filter just sales or does it make a difference?

Judy

Message edited by author 2006-05-03 15:28:54.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200 f/2.8L

05/03/2006 03:28:56 PM · #2

I'm no expert but i'll tell you what i've heard. Yes there are warming polarizing filters, i think you can get get similar effects with just a polarizer and a little raw tweaking. Also i've heard that there indeed is a good difference between a cheap and expensive circular polarizer. I believe the main difference is in the amount of light lost, but i'm not certain. Maybe somebody here knows for sure.

edit: coatings can reduce flare somewhat.

Message edited by author 2006-05-03 15:29:53.

fotomann_forever

05/03/2006 03:29:24 PM · #3

Yeah, definitely want a polarizer, doesn't have to be expensive, but I'd stick with the name brands such as Tiffen. A few ND and graduated ND's couldn't hurt either.

As far as the warming polarizers go, I'd stay away from them. They work well for 35mm, but are pretty much pointless in digital,

joebok

Fujifilm X100F

05/03/2006 03:30:09 PM · #4

You might think about a graded neutral density filter - can be helpful when you have bright skies and darker foregrounds.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

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

05/03/2006 03:30:17 PM · #5

If you're going to be shooting landscapes in parks then a Graduated Neutral Density filter would probably be a good second choice.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon

05/03/2006 03:33:38 PM · #6

What number ND (is there a number on the graduated?) would you recommend? I think the one I sold with my Sony was a 4 and I think I might want to go a little heavier than that?

postoakinversion

Canon EOS-6D

05/03/2006 03:39:57 PM · #7

You'll want a Graduated ND filter, not an ND filter. I find those even more useful than polarizers. Make sure you don't get a round Grad ND filter that screws in -- you'll be sorry. Get a (relatively big) rectangular one that you can hold in front of the lens and adjust by hand -- trust me, it's a much better way to go. For example, a Cokin.

I got my (plastic) Cokin Grad ND filter for $16. At that price you can get a couple different shades. Or you could spend a lot more and get a glass one.

Message edited by author 2006-05-03 15:40:48.

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

05/03/2006 03:43:16 PM · #8

Originally posted by postoakinversion:

A plastic filter? Why would I be sorry for the circular screw in type?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

05/03/2006 03:45:38 PM · #9

The screw-in filter fixes the graduation point at one spot on the lens -- the bigger ones let you move it around to fit your current composition.

05/03/2006 03:47:58 PM · #10

So a graduated ND doesn't have a movable "layer" like a circular polarizer does? I would think someone would have made one like that.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

05/03/2006 03:48:00 PM · #11

For graduated filters I definately recommend the Cokin or Lee systems since those systems give you the flexibility of being able to place the grad line where you want it.

talmy

Nikon D300s

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

05/03/2006 03:51:45 PM · #12

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Yeah, definitely want a polarizer, doesn't have to be expensive, but I'd stick with the name brands such as Tiffen.

I got a Tiffen CP filter for my Sigma Bigma and it gives a decided brownish tint to any pictures I take with it. I don't know if other Tiffen CPs are the same (my others are B+W and Hoya HMC). BTW, it wasn't cheap -- $120 and it isn't even a coated filter.

cryan

Nikon D700

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Nikon

05/03/2006 03:53:37 PM · #13

The two most effective filters that you will use are the grad ND filters, and circular polarizer. I would look into the Cokin filter system or Lee system. They offer the most flexability and can be stacked for diffrent effects. I have used the Cokin system for years, both with film and digital and with lots of success. Cokin offers filters such as a grad blue or sunset filter. One can't always wait for the light to be perfect. Places like B&H offer starter kits for landscapes or weddings ar whatever floats your boat for a reasonable price.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

05/03/2006 03:55:36 PM · #14

I got one of those combined ones its yours, used it once or twice and not very impressed with the results

05/03/2006 03:59:11 PM · #15

Originally posted by kiwinick:

I got one of those combined ones its yours, used it once or twice and not very impressed with the results

Nick, I pm'd you.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon

05/03/2006 04:00:10 PM · #16

You have all given me some great ideas and places to start with some research (hadn't even thought of the Cokin type system). Thanks!!

Judy

postoakinversion

Canon EOS-6D

05/03/2006 04:01:08 PM · #17

Originally posted by jpochard:

So a graduated ND doesn't have a movable "layer" like a circular polarizer does?

Correct. That's why it's so much better to have one that you can hold in your hand and move, rather than one that's attached to the camera. You don't have to get the whole "Cokin system", just the filter itself.

Originally posted by jpochard:

I would think someone would have made one like that.

Maybe, but holding it with your hand is a lot more convenient than having to screw something on and off. And you have a more flexibility (for example, if you want a sharper transition you can use the edge of the filter instead of the graduated part)