What is your favorite effect lens filter? (Page 2): I rarely use filters these days except for the Canon Protect filter. However, PP "Filters" and Topaz Products are frequently used.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Kevin.M wrote:

Hi,

I'm wondering what others are using besides a CPL to enhance your photography.

Besides water falls are there any other uses for a neutral density filter?

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

~Kevin

I rarely use filters these days except for the Canon Protect filter.
However, PP "Filters" and Topaz Products are frequently used.
JimmyT

MrPhotog

Thomas902 wrote:

The ND400 is an interesting tool...
!

Enlighten me on this please. I understand how a 10 stop ND filter aids in allowing very slow shutter speeds out doors. I like how in your examples the softness of flowing water, captured over a longer time, is demonstrated.

But I am perplexed at what you are trying to show with the two photos of the camera. Using a neutral density filter would have allowed a longer shutter speed, but why was that necessary here? These appear to be studio shots, presumably taken indoors, where you had control of the lighting.

So, why did you choose to use a filter, rather than adjust the lighting or use a faster shutter speed?

photoman43

ND filters to create longer shutter speeds for blurring, special effects,etc

Clear filter with skin oils from my face smeared on it for creative effects with macro and other shots.

CPL to remove glare

Special CPL with extra colors to enhance color scenes. Like Singh Ray Gold and Blue.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

When I was using film, I had a couple of those, but aside from ND, I just use the lens.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

6 and 10 stop ND’s are by far the most used. Besides smoothing water I also like them for clouds and light trails. My E-M1X has a built in digital 6 stop ND and a feature called Live Composite that takes an initial exposure and then keeps adding any new light. I haven’t tried either yet because I’m usually using the Z7 for that stuff. I look forward to playing with those features though. Live Composite should be great for light painting. Next would be the CPL, mostly for eliminating reflections. I still occasionally play with grad ND’s but most of that stuff I can do better in Lr.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Quixdraw wrote:

Grad ND is good fun and produces fine results.

Thanks for the info Quixdraw.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Thomas902 wrote:

The ND400 is an interesting tool... provided you deploy it with careful consideration for composition elements...
Meaning the image should stand alone on it's merit without induced "special effects"
Also often it's great to show "Before" and "After" and maybe keep color harmonies simple so as not to distract...
Trust this makes sense.

Would love to see what others are doing with their fav filters in this tread.
Cheers!

Thank you Thomas for the informative reply, your images and examples are exactly what I was hoping to get from my question. Although I don't comment much I read the hog daily and get a great deal of learning and enjoyment looking at your critiques and examples. Thank you from an amateur photographer that uses this forum to learn.

~Kevin

Randyfrieder Loc: Long Island, New York

I use a filter of my own creation. I take a standard uv or clear filter and apply clear nail polish, leaving a center circle clear and the polish radiating from the circle to the perimeter.
It’s gives a sharp center image, with a soft periphery.
In the old days we also did this with vasoline. But although you could clean the filter off, for other purposes, it made a mess.
I have also made some with lightly tinted colors of polish, some warm, some cool, to really differentiate the image from the surroundings.
I use them only for portraits or wedding couple shots.

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

Longshadow wrote:

Polarizer, Star (2, 4 or 6), and neutral and graduated neutral density.

Thanks Longshadow. Can you post an example of a Star filter captures?

Kevin.M Loc: Forked River, NJ

CHG_CANON wrote:

I hardly never use a CPL although I have them for all my lens sizes. I shoot B&W film, so yellow, orange and dark red filters see the most use for my needs. Next is the occasional screw-in ND filter, either to use the widest apertures of my fastest lenses in bright light for digital, or for long-exposure shots in digital and film, or to adjust the light reaching the film so I can use a specific aperture or shutterspeed

Thanks for the info Paul.

~Kevin

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Kevin.M wrote:

Thank you Thomas for the informative reply, your images and examples are exactly what I was hoping to get from my question. Although I don't comment much I read the hog daily and get a great deal of learning and enjoyment looking at your critiques and examples. Thank you from an amateur photographer that uses this forum to learn.

~Kevin

User ID

Randyfrieder wrote:

I use a filter of my own creation. I take a standa... (show quote)

I’ve made and used those, for film. Now I’d rather use PP due to better control.

Randyfrieder Loc: Long Island, New York

User ID wrote:

I’ve made and used those, for film. Now I’d rather use PP due to better control.

I know that it can be done in post, but it just doesn’t look the same. The nail polish provides a more random pattern.
But, yes, it is much easier in PP.

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Soul Dr. wrote:

A CPL filter stays on my lens when shooting outdoors on sunny days.

Will

I don’t know why you would do that. It’s a specific tool for a specific situation. On my tours one of the first things I tell my guests is to take that filter off if I see they are using one.
…Cam

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

CamB wrote:

I don’t know why you would do that. It’s a specific tool for a specific situation. On my tours one of the first things I tell my guests is to take that filter off if I see they are using one.
…Cam

And do you get a positive response to this? I mean I see other people taking photos and leave them to their own decisions.