Filters?

[123SA]

I have a Pentax *ist DL with sigma 18-125mm lens -- well it is being shipped to me. I guess since I am a complete novice, I am interested in the filter only for protection --6yr old, 3 yr old, and 10 month old (with StretchArmstrong arms). Did I read these posts correctly -- I should get a 62mm UV glass filter, Tiffen or Hoya brand?

 

[boBQuincy]

Well, while we're on the subject...

I do believe in using a polarizer whenever there is sufficient light, that it can improve almost every image.
I know ndelaware and others do not agree with this and I am truly interested in finding out why.
Except for the loss of light I can't see any reason for not using a polarizer *but* I have missed some obvious reasons for things before...

Let's open a good discussion on this and see where it goes!

 

[Mellie0119]

Get this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...4891-6802406?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=502394

It's $19.94 at Amazon.

Thanks!

Now, what situations would a Circularizing Polarizing Filter be used in? I'm assuming sunny outdoor situations, and it would have to be removed when doing indoor/low light photos, right?

(Sorry for all the questions, just a little, no, totally lost, on this subject )

 

[ndelaware]

Well, while we're on the subject...

I do believe in using a polarizer whenever there is sufficient light, that it can improve almost every image.
I know ndelaware and others do not agree with this and I am truly interested in finding out why.
Except for the loss of light I can't see any reason for not using a polarizer *but* I have missed some obvious reasons for things before...

Let's open a good discussion on this and see where it goes!

Bob, I love the effect I get with a circular polarizer in many light situations. But I am not willing to give up the 2 stops of light that the filter sucks up all the time. I use the UV filter as protection only and I am in walk around mode. When I am trying to capture something I feel can be truly beautiful all filters are off. Unless of course I am dealing with lots of sky or sun glare then the CP filter goes on. So I don't feel a CP is a neccesity especially to someone just getting started. Mostly due to the cost of a good CP filter.

 

[ndelaware]

Thanks!

Now, what situations would a Circularizing Polarizing Filter be used in? I'm assuming sunny outdoor situations, and it would have to be removed when doing indoor/low light photos, right?

(Sorry for all the questions, just a little, no, totally lost, on this subject )

It is mostly used for sunny outdoors situations or any time glare is an issue. It can do some really great things on a rainy day though too. You never have to remove it if you like the effect it gives your images. But it does cut the amount of light coming into the lens. Less light = slower shuter speeds. They are a great tool though, if you can afford one I would recommend getting one.

Questions are what this board is all about. Hopefully you'll get some answers too.

 

[ndelaware]

A little basics on circular polarizing filters, http://www.2filter.com/tiffen/TiffenPolarizerFilters.html

 

[boBQuincy]

I love the effect I get with a circular polarizer in many light situations. But I am not willing to give up the 2 stops of light that the filter sucks up all the time.

I heard that! 2 stops can be the difference between blur and sharp. I sometimes crank up the ISO in order to leave the polarizer on but wonder if the result is better or not. Maybe I will try a back to back test one day.

I did find another use for the polarizer, I needed to reduce the light to take a long exposure of Yosemite Falls. Even at ISO 100 and f22 I couldn't get the 1/15 second I wanted for effect. The polarizer sucked up enough light to allow the slow shutter speed.
The clear Yosemite sky turns a *very* deep blue with a polarizer at the right angle.

Yosemite has even better trash cans than WDW for use as trashpods, the bearproof models are heavy and very steady!

 

[Mellie0119]

I think I need to wait on the circular polarizing filters until I improve my camera shake issues. Even with IS, I still have issues. Oh, that reminds me I have an IS question, but that's for a different thread.