Filters

[Big Monkey]

Hi all,

Currently patiently waiting for my new D200 and 18-200VR to arrive.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on filters. Are there any "must have" filters and if so, what effect they have. Are all brands the same? Obviously it will probably depend on what situation I am shooting, but being a newbie I want to try it all.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Ryan

[MattC]

Start with a CPL which are great for reducing unwanted reflections.

ND filters for effect or for maintaining flash sync speed in very bright conditions.

Some people like to attach a UV or lens protector to the front of their lens for protection.

When the time comes to buy, get the very best that you can afford. Cheap filters can degrade IQ.

Cheers

[Mr Darcy]

I agree with MattC
I am not a fan of UV filters for lens protection, but I found it handy on my 18-200 till I learnt not to put my fingers near the front of the lens. The glass is much closer to the front that on my old camera, & I got caught several times.

The polarizer also has uses with foliage and sky. It can also be used to remove reflections from a flash if you can't move the flash reflection out of frame. IMO, the CPL is by far the most useful filter there is.

Another interesting idea is to put a coloured filter on the lens, and a complementary filter on the flash. The result is that the foreground is correctly coloured, while the background has a strong colour cast. This can also be achieved in Post processing, but it is a lot easier to do in camera.

[glamy]

Ryan,
I would buy a good filter to protect the lens (UV type) and would not worry about special effects. If you go into landscapes you may want some GND filters and CPL but for everyday shooting a good UV filter is all I would use. I stay clear from Hoya (hard to clean) and use B&W filters.

[shakey]

Most important photography filter is the BS filter. After that a circ polariser is quite handy.

[chrisk]

i agree with CPL. a UV filter for protection is optional. I also use B&W and buy all my filters from here:

http://hvstar.net/

[Big Monkey]

Thanks for the help everyone, very much appreciated!

[Bandit]

Most important photography filter is the BS filter. After that a circ polariser is quite handy.

Is that the same as the non-photography BS Filter (Bull.... filter)?

[big pix]

I am not a fan of UV filters for lens protection, but I found it handy on my 18-200 till I learnt not to put my fingers near the front of the lens. The glass is much closer to the front that on my old camera, & I got caught several times.

......just another very good reasion to have a uv filter to protect your investment..... also against, salt spray, rain, heavy mist, splashes and a lot more including fingers

[shakey]

Is that the same as the non-photography BS Filter (Bull.... filter)?

Yep..