Filters

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Is it better to use a step up adapter for circular polarizer filters or is is better to get a biger size filter and a step down adapter? I really would prefer to get one filter and step it down/up accordingly unless it's going to create serious viginetting problems. I am buying a B&W multi coated one, it's pretty expensive and I can only afford 1, not one for each lens that I have! Help!

 

[dpic]

In you really need to use just one, use a bigger filter. If you put a smaller filter on a lens you'll probably get vignetting (darkness in the corners). One place to look for filters is 2filter.com. Great prices and fast service (I'm not affiliated with them in any way). Look at their Sunpak filters--an excellent bargain.

 

[pdmedic]

What filters do you normally use and carry. I currently have U/V filters on my lenses but that is it and am thinking about getting some to try out. I liked the star filter pictures posted and am wondering about a polarizing filter to cut down glare for shots in the Living Seas and possibly Coral Reef but not sure if I have a fast enough lens to get the shots.

Anyway what do you normally carry and use. Is there any good place to learn what filter does what other then trial and error?

Thanks
Travis ::cop:

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm not a UV filter guy (different religion). I carry a polarizer (skies, reflections, saturation). I also carry a few neutral density filters (longer exposures for motion blur). I've played with graduated ND filters, but I don't own any.

I find that it is better to emulate most other filters in post production rather than fiddle with filters in the field. Filters were really important in the old slide/film days, but much less so now.

I guess the one sort of exception is gels for my flash. I almost always carry at least a light orange gel for my flash. I'm probably going to order some polarizer gels as well.

 

[kevrab]

Everyone one of the lens that own has either a skylight or a UV filter on it primarily to protect the front element. I have a tendency to beat up my lenses and these filters have saved me ALOT of money.

I used a star filter on the Osborne Christmas lights. They turned out really nice, other than that I usually just enhance photos in PhotoShop.

 

[ukcatfan]

I liked the star filter pictures posted and am wondering about a polarizing filter to cut down glare for shots in the Living Seas and possibly Coral Reef but not sure if I have a fast enough lens to get the shots.

I agree with Mark's religion Use a hood on all lenses, but why degrade your IQ with a UV filter for the "very limited" protection it offers.

As for the CP filter for the Living Seas, I do not think you will have much luck with it there. The best method is to get close to the glass so that reflections are not an issue. You are already at a disadvantage with low light, so the last thing you want to do is lose another stop or two with the CP on. Other than that, I think a CP is one of the few essential filters. I have a star filter and it is fun, but it is really just a gimmick filter. It can also be used as a soft filter b/c it does "about" the same thing to sharpness.

 

[WDWFigment]

I find that it is better to emulate most other filters in post production rather than fiddle with filters in the field.

The only "star filter" I own: http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-effects/star-filter.html

 

[Chikabowa]

I have UV filters on on my lenses mainly for protection of the front element (I also use hoods). Otherwise, I don't mess with any other filters. And I hate post-process in front of the computer, so any starbursts or other effects, I do in camera at the time when I'm shooting.

 

[edolyne]

I have always had a UV filter in front of my lens, while it may degrade the quality the protection it offers is worth it to me. What brands do you guys use? I have always used Tiffen in the past but there appears to be quite a bit of banter online that they are not good quality.

 

[jann1033]

i was raised as a uv filter user but a few yrs ago converted to the hood.

i bought some filters off ebay( a bunch for like $10) a while back, ie stars, soft focus, can't think of the others off the top of my head and also have some cps and a cokin graduated nd...i use the ebay ones once in a while, the cps most and the nd if it's applicable (although lightroom has nds now so i can cheat some with that if i forget, don't have it, whatever). instead of the ebay/ "decorative" type filters, i use the "filters" in lightroom or photoshop more than the real ones although i personally don't think i can really get a good star effect in processing( maybe i just haven't found it )

one of my uv filters was/is a tiffen and truthfully i couldn't see a lot of difference with or without but i try not to be rough with my lenses and so would rather get the best photo i can. i did see a video of a uv filter test and the tiffen really did degrade it considerably compared to the pricier brands although they all did some, sorry it was a while ago and no idea what site it was but that is what converted me

 

[MarkBarbieri]

As for brand, I like B+W and the high end Hoya filters (not their cheapies).

One other filter I use is a dust filter. I put one on my lenses when I put them away.

 

[WDWFigment]

I have always had a UV filter in front of my lens, while it may degrade the quality the protection it offers is worth it to me. What brands do you guys use? I have always used Tiffen in the past but there appears to be quite a bit of banter online that they are not good quality.

If using a filter, I use B+W. Best quality glass, in my opinion.

 

[Disneyfreak92]

I have Circular Polarizers (all high end Hoya), a soft focus, and a star filter (I think those are both Tiffen). I also have a UV filter or two (high end Hoya as well). I have to say, I use the hood for protection rather than the UV filter. I stopped buying UV filters for my lenses after the first one or two. I'm actually behind on buying polarizers. Something I need to add to my list!

 

[Poohbear5]

My hubby bought a D60 kit for me for Valentines.
He bought three filters:
Skylight-1A "Reduces glare from UV rays.
UV- "Reduces glare from UV and blue Ray".
Circular-"Eliminates reflection from water,glass, leave"

Which is the best for a lense protector to keep on the lense all the time without changing the photo? (Got the two kit lense with VR on both).

Does the circular polarizer alter the photo outcome if you leave it on for general use?
I can exchange them if I don't open them if anyone has suggestions.

 

[VVFF]

My hubby bought a D60 kit for me for Valentines.
He bought three filters:
Skylight-1A "Reduces glare from UV rays.
UV- "Reduces glare from UV and blue Ray".
Circular-"Eliminates reflection from water,glass, leave"

Which is the best for a lense protector to keep on the lense all the time without changing the photo? (Got the two kit lense with VR on both).

Does the circular polarizer alter the photo outcome if you leave it on for general use?
I can exchange them if I don't open them if anyone has suggestions.

The first two are very similar filters with the skylight not being quite as neutral as the UV. So I would recommend returning one, probably the skylight. Also note that many people suggest not using a protection filter because it will somewhat reduce photo quality especially the cheaper ones.

The circular polarizer will affect your pictures. It tends to increase contrast and can be used to remove glare from glass and water. It wouldn't be appropriate to always have it on but it is a useful filter. It's effect is adjusted by rotating the filter.

 

[jann1033]

keep the cp for sure. it's great for sky to pop up clouds and color as well. i don't use filters for protection but if you want to you could probably use the other two , one for each lens. but if you have lens hoods they will help with protection as well. less expensive filters can degrade the image some, so it's up to you if you think it's enough not to use them
my thinking really is if you bang/drop it hard enough to break the front glass you could have done some damage inside as well...but that's jmho, others feel opposite
i've only dropped two lenses in lots of yrs using an slr and not hard enough for them to break. i think my biggest fear is falling face down on my camera but so far that hasn't happened and don't think anything would be enough protection if that happened

 

[boBQuincy]

This issue has been discussed plenty, to recap:
some use a UV/Skylight filter for protection, some say it degrades the image and prefer to use a lens hood for protection. In any event the UV/Skylight filter can not do anything good for the image.

A polarizer can improve color saturation and remove some reflections but takes about 2 stops of light so it is not a good filter to leave on the lens.

 

[Poohbear5]

Would you pop a filter on for the beach to prevent scratches to the lense?

If not, what is the best method of cleaning the front of the lense to prevent scratches from salt/sand fog?

 

[ukcatfan]

Would you pop a filter on for the beach to prevent scratches to the lense?

If not, what is the best method of cleaning the front of the lense to prevent scratches from salt/sand fog?

Sorry to say, but I would not bring my DSLR to the beach at all. There are many other dangers to your camera than the front element being scratched. The only way I would consider it is if I was going just to take shots, I would never be sitting it down, would not be there long, and it was a calm day (no wind). I have a p&s with a waterproof case for the beach. The sand and salt spray can completely ruin your camera, not just the lens.

 

[Groucho]

In the film days, a UV filter did serve an actual image-quality purpose as well as being protection, but DSLRs don't need them for UV protection.

I never use one, I use lens hoods whenever possible and rely on being reasonably careful to protect them. No problems yet! Also, a lens hood can improve image quality by blocking stray light, giving better contrast.

If you're in an environment where you are concerned about damage to the lens due to the elements, it's probably best to keep the lens cap on as much as possible.