Page 1 of 1

filters which 1's? I can't pick them all:))

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:18 am
by Ree
Hi all...

I have a cir pol filter for both of my lens... love them to bits!!

What are other ones I should think about getting :?: :?:

I mainly shoot landscape and shots from in the air flying with Chris (hubby).

I know this is a endless question with the main factor of how much money do I want to spend...but there must be a 'must have' list of filters that you should have as a basic starter kit.

Ree :shock:

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:25 am
by radar
Hi Ree,

a UV filter on each lens is usually a good idea for protection. The CP you already have. Note that you can get step up/down rings, so with one CP you could have fitted it on either lens, just buy the bigger size, but you probably don't want to know that now do you!

Graduated ND filters are the next ones I would get if you like doing landscapes such as sunrise/sunset.

That's about it, the rest you can do in PP. You can even do the bit with the Graduated filter in PP when you bracket your exposures, have a look at some of the image that mudder (Andrew) posts, he's good at it.

HTH,

André

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:37 am
by Glen
Ree,
Andre has given a good answer. The real question is what outcome do you want to acheive? Then match the filter to that. You know why you want the CPL, do you need anything else (except maybe UV for protection).

Remember that filters are from the film era, designed to cause different effects on film not easily obtainable otherwise. That is often not the case with digital.

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:48 am
by Ree
Radar,
Grad ND sounds like something I need.. love sunrise/sets...thanks

Glen,
I use the CPL's mainly while in the plane to rid the reflextion of the glass window and to deep in the sky in my landspace shots.

I know the filters are a past era but I still want to get the best shot that I can without getting into PP as I am a even BIGGER beginner in there, I have only just sorted out cropping and there is SO many different things to deal with :oops: ...so the less PP the better for me. I know that I am going to have to use use to it sooner or later :oops: that's why I use CS2 to PP...thanks

Ree :shock:

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:55 am
by radar
Hi Ree,

if you do plan to get grad ND filter(s), I use the Cokin system, they are easier to adjust to the photo conditions - slides up and down, compared to the screw in types.

If you want to do landscapes, I would recommend that you get a filter of 77mm thread size and a stepup ring to be able to mount it on your kit lens.

That way, on your next birthday when you get a wide angle lens, your filter will fit on there too, as they mostly use a 77mm filter size.

Cheers,

André

PostPosted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:00 am
by losfp
The three types that I have in my toolkit are:

- UV Filter for protection. I have em on all my lenses except for the new Tokina 12-24 (will get one when I could be bothered). I prefer having the peace of mind knowing that there's something there to help protect the front element when I'm walking through branches, etc.. And I can always take it off when I am setting up for a long exposure etc.

- CPL, you already know about these

- Neutral Density filter - IMO vital for waterfalls and the like :) Might think about getting graduated ones at some point.

I don't really bother with the other "special effects" type filters, that can largely be done in photoshop.