Posts: nat | Ugly Hedgehog

Seems like people are a little cranky on this site. If you don't like the question, don't answer it.

Is there an abbreviated way to explain how to use the Photographer's Ephemeris? I found it, but can't figure out how to use it. I put in the date, found the little red pin, but don't understand the two different colored lines and what they mean.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

GENorkus wrote:

Since you have a very limited budget, there is no questions. Get the Tiffin filters until a later time that you feel so inclined to get higher quality... or not.

That's just what I did. They should arrive in a couple days.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

19104 wrote:

did you check out Ebay, you can save a lot of money if your dont mind buying used.

I decided that I'd rather have new filters, fearing used ones may be scratched.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

bruswen wrote:

For the effect you are talking about you will need a good tripod and something like a 10 stop filter. A 10 stop filter lets in so little light that you have to focus your lens with the filter off, turn off autofocus, (I also tape the focus ring with gaffer's tape so I don't accidentally bump it out of focus) add the filter and manually set the aperture and shutter speed. There are apps you can get that will make the calculations for these settings for you like NDCalc on Android.

I have the tripod, but the 10 stop filter is way too pricey. I have decided to shoot at sunset, which should help that problem. Have watched videos on long exposures. Guess it helps to use live view, also. Thanks for the tip on preventing the manual focus ring from moving; I was wondering how to do that. Don't have a phone for getting apps. I know that stacked filters don't give the sharpest image, but at my advanced age and static income, I just want to have fun, learn stuff, and maybe get some half decent photos.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

bruswen wrote:

You did not say what you plan to use the ND filter... (show quote)

Thank you. Good advice. I'm interested in shooting water (ocean, rocks, piers) and getting that real smooth effect. Will look into the stepdown rings.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

jcboy3 wrote:

Set your camera WB to an appropriate fixed value (don't use AUTO). Shoot a WB target without and with the filter. Bring the images into your editing software and compare temp/tint values for the two images of the WB target; the difference between them is the color cast imparted by the filter. This difference can be used to adjust WB in the future.

Thank you!

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

jcboy3 wrote:

Stacking filters provides a lot more reflective surfaces to lose contrast to. So don't expect the best IQ.

Be sure to white balance calibrate your filters; you can then back out any color cast in post.

Can you tell me how to white balance calibrate the filters, please? Or refer me to a website.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Tiffen filters

I am on a limited budget but I want nd filters. Have been looking at a kit (3) by Tiffen for $119. It has .06, .09, 1.2, and they're glass. Has anyone had any experience with these? If you stack them ( equals 9 stops), do you lose much image quality? I would like as high quality as possible on my budget. Thanks in advance.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

Gene51 wrote:

Many times, particularly in shooting wildlife, you have to "shoot-to-crop." It is challenging to keep a flying bird in the center of the frame, and often you can't (or shouldn't) get too close to the wildlife and you have no choice but to crop. It is not an "obnoxious mistake" as you characterize it, but it is either a purposeful decision, or a compromise, to rely on cropping. Even an armchair photographer like yourself should be able to understand that.

I've never shot an armchair. I don't think mistakes can be described as obnoxious. Mistakes are just that: mistakes.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

Rongnongno wrote:

Quite honestly if you compose correctly when you capture a scene you already know where the crop will be depending of the print format that will be used.

Planning in advance is the only way to optimize your captures. Cropping to 'adjust' afterward is one of the most obnoxious mistake current photographers make.

The sensor size is of no importance here, only your know how and skills.

Well no, I don't already know what you are proposing about the crop. And 'obnoxious mistake' is a poor choice of words. Not a helpful response at all.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

jerryc41 wrote:

The 36MP sensor of a D810 will let you print larger and crop more than an image from a tiny sensor. A top quality lens will help the image to be sharp, but if the focus is off, cropping will only emphasize the lack of sharpness.

Jerryc41 - got it. I have an 18MP sensor. Understand about the focus being off - been there, done that, still doing it.
So, if I have a sharp photo, I should be able to crop a lot and print large. Thanks

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

twowindsbear wrote:

You can crop your photo until you think the photo's IQ is unacceptable.

Using a 'longer' lens, and filling the frame - cropping the scene when make the photo - is obviously better.

A 'bigger' sensor and a 'better' lens produces 'better' images than 'smaller' sensor and 'lessor quality' lenses.

Thank you, twowindsbear (brother to threestrikesout?)

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

oldtigger wrote:

"What determines the amount a photo can be successfully cropped."
The sensor, lens and photographer.

"can any photo be cropped a lot and still be sharp?"
Cropping has no effect on sharpness at all.

"is this an irrelevant question?"
It is rather pointless.

I think what you are really asking is:
How much can you magnify an image before the degradation is bad enough to matter?

Yeah! That was the question I wanted answered! Thanks old tigger.

(Main Photography Discussion)

Cropping

oldtigger wrote:

"What determines the amount a photo can be successfully cropped."
The sensor, lens and photographer.

"can any photo be cropped a lot and still be sharp?"
Cropping has no effect on sharpness at all.

"is this an irrelevant question?"
It is rather pointless.

I think what you are really asking is:
How much can you magnify an image before the degradation is bad enough to matter?

Yeah! That was the question I wanted answered! Thanks old tigger.