I have to take issue with your statement. Just because one cannot afford the latest and greatest with all the bells and whistles does not mean they do not want to succeed. Furthermore, the equipment is not the sole determination of success. Tiger Woods can use golf equipment made with technology of Arnold Palmer's day and beat most golfers on the tour today who use clubs made with the latest technology. A good craftsman never blames his tools.

What started out to be post about reaching out for advice has turned into a 'pissing' match!

I question why you want everyone's opinion since you seem to be leaning toward the 700. The opinions of this group will probably be split 50/50 or near. Since you seem to be on the fence with this decision I think you want this group to make the decision for you to ease your conscience. You appear to rely on the opinion of the Angry Photographer and apparently value it. If that is the case then go with it.

To everyone posting images using a zoom lens, to include the camera and lens shooting parameters as well as the approximate distance the subject was to the camera would be genuinely helpful.

I am on a budget and the savings from 2filter more than offset the tax but you make a good point about the free shipping. I will look at the overall difference versus purchasing them from B&H.

I am interested in purchasing a set of Lee100 Graduated ND filters. I have found a set of 1 stop, 2 stop and 3 stop filters on Amazon from the 2Filter company located in Gilsum, NH. Has anyone dealt with or had any experience with this company? Is their product a knock-off or do they sell true Lee filters? Thanks in advance for your reply.

That appears to be a square table.

I'm in total agreement. I have tried to improve the sky in some of my photographs but determined the negative outweighs the positive. The edge between the false sky and the rest of the photograph is not clean. A keen observer can discern the difference.
I am trying to sell my photographs and I want my photos to be legitimate, of the highest quality and meet the standards I demand of my work.
A friend of mine is a Director of Photography for the film industry. Years ago the crew was trying to film a commercial and waited for over 5 hours so some clouds would cover the sun to achieve the desired effect.
Granted, not everyone can wait around all day but a little forethought and planning may just achieve a look where a false sky is unnecessary.

LOL. Now that is funny.

I am 68, grew up in Texas and just moved here a few years ago. I have never seen anything like this. I do find the cloud formations over the Puget Sound area are most unique and interesting.

Some interesting cloud formations over Port Gamble, Washington. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me nor the time to get a more creative composition. These were taken on the fly with my cell phone.

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No accident about it. Those are excellent photos. I live across Hood Canal from the Olympics & I have yet to process a silhouette as nice as those.

I just purchased a new lens and in the market for a good CPL filter. In my research I have come across the terminology 1Peak, 2Peak, 3Peak, etc... Can someone explain the difference between these filters? Also, I am looking for a high quality filter which will not break the bank. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your insights.

😂👌

Do you concur with the assessment of the forum members?