Filters that I should have?
May 21, 2014 13:20:02 #
I got away from photography because all I was using was the automatic mode. I lost interest. I found a YouTube video photographer that has devoted a lot of time using the Panasonic FZ200 which is my camera. This man's name is Graham. I decided I needed to get some filters. I have neutral density +1,+3,+4. I have a UV filter to protect my camera lens, but from what I gather he uses a neutral density lens. I don't believe he stated which one.
I also have a circular polarizing rotating lens. What filters would you suggest? Thank you Gregger
I also have a circular polarizing rotating lens. What filters would you suggest? Thank you Gregger
May 21, 2014 13:37:32 #
You have everything you need. ND and Grad ND, a circular polarizer and get rid of the UV.
May 21, 2014 13:49:55 #
For Landscape a couple of graduated filters may come in handy
May 21, 2014 16:43:11 #
I live in the Phoenix area so what filter should I use to protect my lens from dust and blowing sand? I would think I should use something. How about +1 Neutral? Thanks for reply
May 21, 2014 16:45:18 #
I am going to have to look up graduated filters. Are there several and what do you suggest? Also, what about close up filters for insects? Thanks Gregger
May 21, 2014 20:32:30 #
You should have a circular polarizer for exterior shots, and always keep a UV filter on when not using any others.
May 21, 2014 22:15:27 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
:thumbdown:You should have a circular polarizer for exterior shots, and always keep a UV filter on when not using any others.
May 21, 2014 22:55:42 #
Thanks to both of you. I enjoy shooting scenic shots, but in the heat I will just shot what is close by our home.
May 22, 2014 07:03:49 #
Use a protector or UV. I've done careful tests and the image degradation is almost nil. If you get in any kind of nasty environment you'll be happy to have it.
I recommend against grads. They are bulky, fragile, expensive and take time to set up properly. MUCH better to bracket exposures and mask together in an image editor. That way you are not limited by a straight transition, nor by edge hardness, and the two exposures can be adjusted separately for exposure, contrast, saturation, etc. I can't believe people still use grads in this day and age. I have 5"x5" Tiffens but only for video. There is not a single good reason to use them for stills unless you are still shooting film.
I recommend against grads. They are bulky, fragile, expensive and take time to set up properly. MUCH better to bracket exposures and mask together in an image editor. That way you are not limited by a straight transition, nor by edge hardness, and the two exposures can be adjusted separately for exposure, contrast, saturation, etc. I can't believe people still use grads in this day and age. I have 5"x5" Tiffens but only for video. There is not a single good reason to use them for stills unless you are still shooting film.
May 22, 2014 07:12:54 #
Gregger wrote:
I am going to have to look up graduated filters. Are there several and what do you suggest? Also, what about close up filters for insects? Thanks Gregger
Check into the Raynox 150 or 250. They clip onto the front of the lens and will fit a range of filter sizes....
May 22, 2014 07:38:56 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
I have filters to protect all my lenses, doesn't have to be UV ,it can be clear B+W or Hoya. Chrystler Camera repair highly recommended using good quality filters to protect the lens and coatings.
Gregger wrote:
I live in the Phoenix area so what filter should I use to protect my lens from dust and blowing sand? I would think I should use something. How about +1 Neutral? Thanks for reply
May 22, 2014 08:51:57 #
[quote=tradio]You have everything you need. ND and Grad ND, a circular polarizer and get rid of the UV.[/quote
I agree, Dump the UV filter and use a Lens shade,
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
I agree, Dump the UV filter and use a Lens shade,
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
May 22, 2014 10:25:45 #
[quote=Dick Z.][quote=tradio]You have everything you need. ND and Grad ND, a circular polarizer and get rid of the UV.[/quote
I agree, Dump the UV filter and use a Lens shade,
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:[/quote]
Absolutely. Unless you're in an environment with a lot of blowing dust or sand, dump the nd filter unless you NEED an nd filter. Think about what you paid for your lens, vs what you paid for the nd filter. the filter has two surfaces you are shooting through. Use a lens hood to protect your lens from bumps and bangs.
I agree, Dump the UV filter and use a Lens shade,
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:[/quote]
Absolutely. Unless you're in an environment with a lot of blowing dust or sand, dump the nd filter unless you NEED an nd filter. Think about what you paid for your lens, vs what you paid for the nd filter. the filter has two surfaces you are shooting through. Use a lens hood to protect your lens from bumps and bangs.
May 22, 2014 10:39:00 #
If I wanted to speak from 36 years of photography experience, I would say use filters sparingly. One of the biggest mistakes (funny mistakes) that amateur photographers make is that they go crazy with filters. They probably think that using a lot of filters makes them better photographers. It doesn't. A UV filter is perfectly fine for protecting your lens from accidental scratch or something like that; but do yourself a favor and remove it before taking the shot. When you're done, screw it back on. Why would you degrade your image quality by putting an el cheapo piece of glass in front of your high quality lens ? Also, nowadays, digital SLR cameras are so advanced that they have a lot of filters (especially color filters such as warming filters) built into them which means you don't need to carry a whole arsenal of filters.
May 22, 2014 13:23:48 #
Mubashm
Loc: Gaithersburg, Maryland
Hi Gregger, I will highly recommend using polarizer and nd filters. You can use the polarizer for enhancing blue sky and making the clouds stand out. ND filter is good where there is bright light and you want to use slow shutter speed or want to photograph a waterfall or give a smooth texture to the flowing water. You can create dramatic effect with the moving clouds. It is ok to keep a us filter on your lens but as one of our member stated, take off the filter before taking a picture. Thanks,
Mohammed Mubashir
Mohammed Mubashir
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