Can any Nikon user recommend a good filter for shooting outdoor beach images with a lot of sun, and sunsets? I've had some decent success with sunsets but I want to improve.
Polarizing filter and gradient neutral filters.
Ok got that, but what I was getting at is can anyone recommend a specific brand filter over another? Or they more or less all the same?
Great, that's what I was inquiring about. And Marumi filters are compatible with most lens? I own Nikon, Sigma and Tamron lenses.
RichardJohn wrote:
Can any Nikon user recommend a good filter for shooting outdoor beach images with a lot of sun, and sunsets? I've had some decent success with sunsets but I want to improve.
I habitually use B+W, but good Tiffen or Hoya circular polarizers should also serve the purpose. I wouldn't get the cheapest one from them, though, since they are aiming at the mass market with those. A multi-coated one would be good.
RichardJohn wrote:
Ok got that, but what I was getting at is can anyone recommend a specific brand filter over another? Or they more or less all the same?
Filters made of optical glass are the best by far (screw in). Brands is not necessarily synonym with quality/good price.
Filters made of resin are good but almost always create a color cast. The wide collection and holder is a must (150mm).
RichardJohn wrote:
Can any Nikon user recommend a good filter for shooting outdoor beach images with a lot of sun, and sunsets? I've had some decent success with sunsets but I want to improve.
You can either take the winding path and pay several times or you can go straight there and pay once.
Sunsets.
Lee filter kit with a set of soft and hard graduated neutral density filters in 6x4" size.
Soft for wideangle, hard for longer focal lengths.
http://www.leefilters.com/index.php/camera/ndgradsBeach with lots of sun.
A good quality multicoated polariser will intensify the water colour but shooting angle can be more important.
You can get a polariser for the Lee kit but I am not sure I would go that way.
Go with a good brand, multicoated, but not bottom of their range and you should do well.
Hoya, B+W, Singh-Ray
RichardJohn wrote:
Great, that's what I was inquiring about. And Marumi filters are compatible with most lens? I own Nikon, Sigma and Tamron lenses.
Yes. You need to get one for the objective lens diameter you have. With Nikon it is on the lens with a phi. Fortunately for me the 77mm fits several of my lenses.
I believe there are a couple of models. The one I provided the link to is, I think, the thin one I have. The thicker one is a little cheaper. You need the thin one if you are using it on a wide angle lens or you might see it at the widest zoom settings.
I don't use one on my Sigma 150-500. Can't afford the light loss and usually don't need one.
I recommend against trying to use a larger on multiple lenses with a step-down. The step-downs tend to get stuck and are a real pain to get apart. Plus the vignetting problem.
Thanks. I dont have a ton of lenses. I have a Sigma 150-500 for primarily shooting surfing, a Nikon 55-200, Nikon 18-55 and a Tamron 10-24 wide.
RichardJohn wrote:
Can any Nikon user recommend a good filter for shooting outdoor beach images with a lot of sun, and sunsets? I've had some decent success with sunsets but I want to improve.
I use Tiffen, Hoya and ProMaster. To begin with, I would go with the Tiffen. They are cheaper. And they are made in the USA. Hoya has a huge selection in different lines and can get quite confusing; $50 to $150 for the same polarizer with different coatings, strength and thickness. YMMV
jerryc41 wrote:
Here's a review of polarizers. I got the Marumi, based on this review. A tip: get a filter for your largest lens, and use step-up rings to use it on your smaller lenses....
I appreciate most of what Jerry has to offer. But not the step-up rings. I tried them and twice had them lock together and onto my lens. I don't recommend them.
I do like the magnetic thing and I'm glad he reminded us of that. Last time I looked the were out of them. I hope they aren't a problem at wide angle.
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