I'm a relative newby to the DSLR camera... I've been doing this for just about 1yr now... I've learned a TON. And want to take a few classes, but my schedule just doesn't allow it at this point :( So...... I'm asking the wonderful community here! Can you tell me what filters you have, what kind of effect they produce, and if you have the time, even post an example? I'd love to start using them, but don't know where to start. Thanks in advance!!
I just received 3 sets of filters for my camera as a bday gift from my bestie- I haven't even started playing with them yet, but the wealth of information on the web is mind blowing! I'd just google filters and go from there. I have seen the term ND (i think) filters thrown around quite a bit. Filters are realatively cheap enough to buy and "try out" as you learn. Good luck with your search.
from what i know, the most basic of filters is the UV Filter. It's just a clear glass/plastic filter that would protect your lens from scratches.
Next would be the CPL (circular lens polarizer) filter, which would help eliminate water/snow glare when taking pictures. they act like "sunglasses" to your lens, so the images would be effectively tinted when using this filter.
the ND (neutral density) filter... well, i'm not too familiar with this type. i think this filter helps with the white balance of the image, but i'm not too sure. :p
these are the basic filters for lenses, AFAIK. :) hope this helps!
I have few filters. Firstly, I have either a skylight or UV filter on each of my lenses mostly for protection. You should always have a filter covering your lens. It's much easier and cheaper to replace a $20 filter than a few hundred $ lens should it get scratched or something.
I also a have a circular polarising filter. Great for bright days, water shots and any time where you want to reduce the reflection or glare off something. I also use this as a ND (Neutral Density) filter in low light so I can use a longer exposure and get that "misty water" look when shooting creeks, waterfalls or waves. I would love a ND8 filter though. Her's an example of what an ND filter can help achieve:
I also have a set of magnifying filters to satisfy my macro tendencies until I can afford the Micro-Nikkor 105mm lens. I have 2x, 3x and 4x and use these either solo or in combination.
Filters can get expensive and not all filters are created equal, so do your homework and read as many reviews for the product and brand you want to buy as possible. B+W, Hoya and Cokin all make good filters.
Hi to clarify the ND filters, it is a Neutral Density filter. Meaning it is a darkening filter, with no color tint to it (neutral). You have it in different degrees of darkness, like the ND8 just mentioned.
They allow you to drop the amount of available light, without otherwise affecting the colors of your photo or anything else. Using a strong ND filter during the day would allow you for example to take a long exposure shot during a sunny day. And you get the effect of a night photo while it is daytime. It would be much more difficult to achieve this with just the settings on your camera :-)
Personally, my favourite (next to the circular polarizer) is my cokin gold filter. It looks like a bit of glass with just the thinnest layer of gold on it. It creates a warm glow on the photo and it works very nice for portraits. Unfortunately, my cokin filter holder has gone missing, so I'm not able to use it right now :-(
Gradient filters are also very nice for taking landscape photos. They are basically just a darker to clear gradient on a piece of glass, and you'd keep the dark part up in the bright sky. This evens out the light levels in the photo and makes the sky much more interesting. You see this one used in film a lot as well, but it's just as much useful in photography.
UV - of course!
ND filters (Cokin P Series) - ND 2, 4,8
Circular polarising filter
4,6, 8 star filters to share with girl child - awaiting delivery
APPARENTLY use a star filter for portraits to 'soften' and give light some distinction ... still to do this ..
My sister has A series Cokin filters - ginger beer to make up stop down to play with these but too glitzy me thinks.
Also waiting for ND400, IR (850nm+1000nm and 720+850+950 nm) to play with
Magnifying filters (x3)
uv on all lenses! to me this is a must. I had one drop as I was changing lenses on my old screw mount SLR the rim of the filter bent but the lens was fine.
Square filters from cokin
Polarizer
tobacco
and a variety of gradient filters.
handy for some things, but cant remember the last time I used them other than the polarizer.
I also have a circular polarizing filter for two of my lenses, of any filter I'd say make that be your second one (UV being the first of course)
Something to consider. If you're going to use a UV filter, make sure you buy a quality filter, at least equivalent quality to your lens. It just makes sense, but it might not be something you think of. You can spend $1500 on a lens and $49 on a UV filter, but you can't assume that the same quality is put into both.
Personally, I don't use UV but might use a ND or a graduated filter, depending on the situation.
Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide on :)
I am already using a UV Filter on my 50mm 1.4... and I bought the one recommended by the people at the local (awesome!) camera store, so I hope its a good one - I believe it is.
I'm not sure which I will try next, but you have all given me a lot to think about - and I'm excited to try something new :)
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Ken Rockwell also has a page on filters: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/filters.htm
Next would be the CPL (circular lens polarizer) filter, which would help eliminate water/snow glare when taking pictures. they act like "sunglasses" to your lens, so the images would be effectively tinted when using this filter.
the ND (neutral density) filter... well, i'm not too familiar with this type. i think this filter helps with the white balance of the image, but i'm not too sure. :p
these are the basic filters for lenses, AFAIK. :) hope this helps!
I also a have a circular polarising filter. Great for bright days, water shots and any time where you want to reduce the reflection or glare off something. I also use this as a ND (Neutral Density) filter in low light so I can use a longer exposure and get that "misty water" look when shooting creeks, waterfalls or waves. I would love a ND8 filter though. Her's an example of what an ND filter can help achieve:
I also have a set of magnifying filters to satisfy my macro tendencies until I can afford the Micro-Nikkor 105mm lens. I have 2x, 3x and 4x and use these either solo or in combination.
Filters can get expensive and not all filters are created equal, so do your homework and read as many reviews for the product and brand you want to buy as possible. B+W, Hoya and Cokin all make good filters.
They allow you to drop the amount of available light, without otherwise affecting the colors of your photo or anything else. Using a strong ND filter during the day would allow you for example to take a long exposure shot during a sunny day. And you get the effect of a night photo while it is daytime. It would be much more difficult to achieve this with just the settings on your camera :-)
Personally, my favourite (next to the circular polarizer) is my cokin gold filter. It looks like a bit of glass with just the thinnest layer of gold on it. It creates a warm glow on the photo and it works very nice for portraits. Unfortunately, my cokin filter holder has gone missing, so I'm not able to use it right now :-(
Gradient filters are also very nice for taking landscape photos. They are basically just a darker to clear gradient on a piece of glass, and you'd keep the dark part up in the bright sky. This evens out the light levels in the photo and makes the sky much more interesting. You see this one used in film a lot as well, but it's just as much useful in photography.
ND filters (Cokin P Series) - ND 2, 4,8
Circular polarising filter
4,6, 8 star filters to share with girl child - awaiting delivery
APPARENTLY use a star filter for portraits to 'soften' and give light some distinction ... still to do this ..
My sister has A series Cokin filters - ginger beer to make up stop down to play with these but too glitzy me thinks.
Also waiting for ND400, IR (850nm+1000nm and 720+850+950 nm) to play with
Magnifying filters (x3)
Square filters from cokin
Polarizer
tobacco
and a variety of gradient filters.
handy for some things, but cant remember the last time I used them other than the polarizer.
I also have a circular polarizing filter for two of my lenses, of any filter I'd say make that be your second one (UV being the first of course)
Personally, I don't use UV but might use a ND or a graduated filter, depending on the situation.
Good luck and have fun with whatever you decide on :)
Thank you to EACH of you :)
I am already using a UV Filter on my 50mm 1.4... and I bought the one recommended by the people at the local (awesome!) camera store, so I hope its a good one - I believe it is.
I'm not sure which I will try next, but you have all given me a lot to think about - and I'm excited to try something new :)