Filters - What, When, Why
Dec 12, 2011 11:54:18 #
I recently purchased a Canon T3i DSLR. I have been told that I should purchase filters for it with no explination. What I would like to know is what common filters should I buy, and When and why should I use them? I have had film cameras (Minolta and Pentex) in the past and never thought about filters. But then again, I was never told I should use them either. Where can I get detailed information about them?
Thank You in advance for your help. :D
Thank You in advance for your help. :D
Dec 12, 2011 12:18:23 #
The big two:
Circular Polarizer - it will reduce or eliminate reflections from non-metallic surfaces. it also darkens the sky.
Neutral Density - It decreases the light but is color neutral. Think of sunglasses. There are different strengths and two basic flavors - solid, where the whole filter is shaded and graduated, where the shading goes from dark to light.
There are a number of others but they are mainly meant for film or for special effects (star and fog are two).
A decent book is "The Photographer's Guide to Filters" by Lee Frost (Isbn 0 7153 1400 9 paperback). It's geared towards film and a slight bias towards square filter systems, but it can give you a general background.
Circular Polarizer - it will reduce or eliminate reflections from non-metallic surfaces. it also darkens the sky.
Neutral Density - It decreases the light but is color neutral. Think of sunglasses. There are different strengths and two basic flavors - solid, where the whole filter is shaded and graduated, where the shading goes from dark to light.
There are a number of others but they are mainly meant for film or for special effects (star and fog are two).
A decent book is "The Photographer's Guide to Filters" by Lee Frost (Isbn 0 7153 1400 9 paperback). It's geared towards film and a slight bias towards square filter systems, but it can give you a general background.
Dec 12, 2011 14:42:09 #
snowbear wrote:
The big two: br Circular Polarizer - it will reduc... (show quote)
Thank You, I will look into both the filters you mentioned, and also find the book to learn more.
Thanks again.
Dec 13, 2011 10:48:02 #
Definitely the polarizer and a skylight to protect your lens. Then a neutral density filter.
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