Good Indoor Filter

[SimbaCub]

I have a Canon Digital Rebel XTi and have a circular polarizer filter for when I am outdoors but what should I be using indoors? I read on this forum it's best to take that one off when indoors but never found what I should replace it with. Any help/advice would be appreciated! Also, when taking night time pictures, say Wishes at Magic Kingdom, what filter if any should I have on the camera? I already have a little Joby Gorillapod tripod and love it but I want to make sure I take off the correct filter for getting thos pictures!

THANKS!!

SimbaCub
VWL Thanksgiving 2007
AKV 1 night followed by 6 nights at VWL with friends the week before Christmas

 

[tinksdad]

The more "glass/stuff" you have in front of your lens, the more chance for flare and will reduce the amount of light coming in through your lens. This is the main reason you might not use your polarizer inside. Low quality filters will degrade your shots as well. You have to ask yourself what you want to get out of the shot and use the tools to get those things. If you don't need a filter, don't put one on.

Some folks suggest using a standard UV filter for lens protection (see reasons above) I don't use them unless you were shooting in a situation that warranted it. ie; by ocean spray or a very sandy/dusty situations.
Filters were more prevelant in the film days, since you couldn't change your white balance of the film like you can do with digital. Lots of photogs used warming, cooling and other filters to get the look they wanted.

A polarizer is great for deepening the blues of the sky (as long as your shooting across the light beams), taking the glare off foliage, water and glass. However, I would take it off for inside work, unless you were combatting major glare issues.

I LOVE using graduated neutral density filters for landscapes to change the dynamic range and balance the exposure of the scene.

I don't use any filters taking fireworks pictures. Maybe a star burst filter, but that should be used sparely.

 

[ukcatfan]

I agree with Kevin. If protection is your concern, then use a hood. I also would only use the CP when it is needed. If it is not improving the shot, then all it is doing is letting less light in and slowing your shutter speed. Having polarized sunglasses is a quick and dirty way to know if the CP filter will help the shot. Just be sure to take them off when taking the shot or you might not get the results that you think you are getting.

Kevin

 

[tinksdad]

Having polarized sunglasses is a quick and dirty way to know if the CP filter will help the shot. Just be sure to take them off when taking the shot or you might not get the results that you think you are getting.

Kevin

Agreed, the first time I saw someone doing that it was kind of strange. The guy kept turning his head to the side and then back and forth. Thought he had a stiff neck at first...........

 

[SimbaCub]

Thanks for the replies. I have seen people with sunglasses taking them off/putting them back on while setting up a picture and now I know why! I'll have to remember to bring mine with me as a way to see if the filter would be useful. I have to admit, I thoguht the person had a wee bit much of an adult beverage prior to trying to take the picture and now I realize that may not have been the case. . . I am new to all the digital SLR techniques but am trying to learn! Hopefully I'll get some good pictures in spite of the inexperience!

SimbaCub