jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Below are two photos I shot with my Canon t1i. For convenience both were shot with my kit lens at 18-55, also my video lens. The top photo is with only an AV filter mounted.

The second photo is with the UV plus an ND filter. I see a significant difference in the two. The top photo is hotter with whites nearly blown out in bright sun.

The second shot, as I see it, is richer with a deeper look with emphasis on the blues. To me a much nicer look with the whites cooled off a bit.

Both shots are straight out of the camera. The top one is a little wider than the one below it so discount that and check the overall look of color, sharpness and clarity.

What's your take on the difference, I'd like to know.

Thanks UHH people, I hope you have a very nice Thanksgiving.

UV Filter only


UV + ND Filter

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

I'm leaning towards #2 also. For the record,,,I do not recommend stacking an ND on top of a UV. Take the UV off first.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

No I generally wouldn't do that either but it was just a quick test. Thanks for the input.

In fact I think I'll shoot the same scene again with a raw lens (no UV) and then the ND and see what the difference is there. But in my experience the ND doesn't alter the outcome at all. Do you see a difference between open lens and UV? - I don't.

I'll post the same question again using the raw / ND shots and see what you UHH folks think.

Thanks again Skidooman and happy Thanksgiving.

Jim

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Okay Skidooman, here's what I promised. I just shot the same scene as before without my UV mounted, see if you notice any difference between the first and second set... I can't see the difference but if you can let me know. Thanks for your input. Jim

No filter.


ND Filter with no UV

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

No difference,,and I wouldn't expect to see any. ND filters really just allow you more flexibility with aperture/shutter exposure time.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I find the difference is that the ND shot is richer, the color a little more emphasized and the sky bluer. I just like the difference. I also tried a couple of people shots - it doesn't work well. So, I'll use it only for scenes, landscapes and such.

Thanks for the input Skidooman - hope you have a good Thanksgiving.

Jim

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

The ND is not really a polarizer,,although it may have a slight effect on skies. Not for people though, there you are right. I use mine primarily to slow shutter speed for waterfalls and such.

You have a great Thanksgiving too Jim.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

One sample what a ND can do for you in bright sunlight.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Very nice indeed. Below is one shot without ND but at f/22. Not as much motion but still there.

t1i, f/22, 1/100 Sec

rayford2 Loc: New Bethlehem, PA

Since you were using shutter priority the camera made a change in your aperture when the ND was used. I think a better comparison could be made by shooting manual.
Both pics are close calls but I'm leaning toward the ND picture for reasons I don't know.

Al FR-153 Loc: Chicago Suburbs

In the second set.... The photo without a filter is warmer - temperature wise than that with the ND filter. And, for good reason. You are, as previously said, trying to trick the camera, and your camera is attempting to compensate for the lower level of light coming into the sensor. Exactly the reason for using an ND filter - allow slower shots for the amount of light available (blurring water, etc.).

May I suggest that your first shot, without filter, is fine - all by itself. If you are trying to amplify the cloud layer, then a GRADUATED ND filter is what you are looking for. Totally a different filter, totally a different purpose (and easy to do in Photoshop should you have that). With the graduated filter, you can add small amounts of gray to the sky and still leave the lower elevations alone, color wise. Then, you could amplify the blue of the Arizona sky, make the clouds pop, and not mess with the color you have of the houses and street.

As a side note, I don't like to stack filters either. Being of the 'old school' I protect my lens with a good UV or clear glass filter, but do not stack if at all possible. Off comes the protection, on goes the ND or polarizer, etc.

Hope this helps more than confuses.....

john vance Loc: Granbury,Texas

Number2 slightly grayer

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Helpful thanks. I guess I like the overall look of scenes with an ND just because they're slightly cooler and the whites don't seem so bright in sunlight - a lot of that here in Phoenix.

thanks for the input - appreciated.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Yup, just a little cooler and I like that look. Yes the first no filter shot is fine but a little too warm for the look I really like.

Thanks for all the input guys - very much appreciated.