We’ve written a number of times on using filters on DSLRs and each time we do there are a number of comments along the lines of ‘you don’t need them with digital photography because you can get the same effects in post production’.
So it’s time for a little reader poll – do you use filters?
If so – what type? Polarizing Filters, Warm Up filters, UV filters…. interested in your approach.
Tags: Filters
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181 Responses to “Do You Use Filters on your Camera?” - Add Yours
March 12th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Well, I answered “Yes, always”, but upon reflection, I probably should’ve answered “Yes, sometimes.”
My general purpose 18-200mm lense I have a UV filter on it pretty much permanently. I don’t see it as ‘detracting’ from photos anytime, but I would most likely be proven wrong if I bothered to look into it in any depth. It’s a good way of protecting the lens, too, I feel. Am I wrong in doing so? (Here to learn, afterall!)
My 50mm f/1.8 lens does not have a filter.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
The only one I pretty much ever use is the Circular Polarizer
March 12th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I use a UV filter on my lenses to protect them – 100% of the time. Well, except for when I put a circular polarizer on – I don’t think there’s any real way to achieve the same effect digitally, not as easily or successfully.
Besides, I try to do most if not all my work in camera to minimize time spent on the computer. More time on the computer means less time shooting!!
March 12th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Living in the Bahamas, we have the most incredible aqua ocean and blue skies (sorry!), so if I’m headed out for a day and think I might be somewhere near the beach, I’ll usually throw on a polariser to maximise the colours and cut down the ocean glare.
I should really have a clear or UV filter on at all times, but I don’t want to put a cheap one on a decent lens, and my wife won’t let me spend big money on a filter “that doesn’t even do anything”!!!
March 12th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
UV most of the time for lens protection and CP for landscape pictures.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Use a sharp cut-off UV on all lenses primarily to protect the lens. Have used a filter once for shooting under fluorescent lighting but the WB on the DSLR (Rebel XT) works as well or better.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Of course I do! A UV filter on every lens!
I really want to get into more filters though… think I am going to pick up a ND filter next and play with that!
March 12th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I use a circular polarizing filter for glare and reflections, and a 2 or 3 stop ND circular filter on really bright days with no shade. I also use different Cokin gradient ND filters doing landscape shots –mostly when there is a 2-3 stop difference between the sky and ground in terms of correct exposure. I’d rather get it right in the camera than have to doink around in Aperture or PS.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Yep, similar to above. UV all the time and polarizer when needed.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I have UV filters on all my lenses for protection and then I use a polarizing filter for big landscapes and sky shots, just because it brings out the color so well and can make a nice vignette.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
UV on all lenses, mostly for protection to the glass in the lens. And a Polarizer when I shoot outdoors.
March 12th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I keep UV filters on my lens as protection. I use a polarising filter a lot to boost sky colour, particularly with the bright sunlight we experience in the summer. I also have a couple of neutral-density filters I like to use. While it’s possible to get the effect using software, I’m not that skilled with the techniques and find the filters easier to use.
There is a software trick I use to enhance skies. Whenever I’m shooting outdoors and the sky is nice, I snap off a few pictures of the sky alone. Then, when I have an interesting picture with a drab sky, I’ll pull out a suitable picture of sky and use it to replace the dull one.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
UV filters as lens protection. My friend dropped a camera in the airport heading to our cruise; shattered the filter glass, but otherwise protected the lens. In my circle of friends we’re 2 for 2… worth every penny!
March 12th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I would like to pick up some filters, but right now I can’t afford it. So I have to go with never use filters right now.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I don’t use any filters, but would if I had a polarizing…that’s about all I could think of that couldn’t be handled in post production.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I use a polarizing and a neutral density filter. I’m looking to buy a graduated neutral density filter.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
UV for lens protection. Polarizer for glare reduction.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I only own 1 uv filter that I use for my 2 lenses depending on which I am using
March 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I have a light UV filter on all my lenses at all times. It’s better to smear or dirty or crack a $12 filter than my $200+ lens.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
I have a Hoya R72 near infrared filter that I sometimes play with. Very long shutter speeds, but surprisingly effective even with an unmodified camera.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I always have a basic (but good quality) clear/UV simply for lens protection. Whenever I am outside in the So Cal sun I consider using the CirPol filter. A lot can be done in POST, but taking a water glare, or reflection / glare off a glass building, out in POST is much harder than simply using the CirPol. Same with a good hike location like Red Rock by vegas or Sedona / Grand Canyon. A CP is great.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I always have my UV Filters on mine and sometimes I play with my polarizing filter.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
CPL for blue skies sometimes, and an ND4 to pull off slower shutters and wider apertures in bright conditions.
March 12th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I have UV filters on all my lenses, and carry a Cir-Pol in my kit as standard. Sometimes I have my Cokin Grad filters and ND filters in another bag as they can be handy in getting the correct exposure. I don’t bother with coloured filters.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I use filters, but my photography is mostly of dogs…I need the filter to protect the lens from tongue licks and nose prints. :)
March 12th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Only polarizing. Being new to the craft I only understand how to use the polarizing filter. Would like to try a neutral grey, but still studying it’s applications. No UV, Why have an additional source of glare? I am just very careful with my lens. If I was in a storm, I would reconsider that quickly.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I’ve started to use a “generic” UV filter as a protection for my old Sony H1 super zoom camera. Ok, I know that many of you will say “You put a piece of cheap glass in front of a very good lens” and I agree. But try to imagine you as a new intern of a small company that saved a big money and bought your first camera (yes, I leave in Brazil and here cameras are one of most expensive gadgets you can desire). You have to protect it from all those curious members of your family, you should avoid those fingers to get into your lens. (why people every put their finger on the lens?)
With time I’ve upgraded to a better Hoya brand filter and keep it just as protection. Sometimes I use to take it off lens to get some pictures “without that cheap glass in front of lens” but mainly when I go to a place with wind, sand and other things that could destroy lenses I put it there. Nowadays with my new Canon 450D I am forgetting the UV most part of time and sometimes using a CPL for landscape. CPL is totally new for me and I am learning how to use and the effects it can lead my shoots.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I use filters only when needed such as a polarizer or an ND. The only time I use them as “protection” is if I’m shooting on a beach and the wind is blowing. I’m just not inot light flares caused by light bouncing between the lens and an un needed filter.
If you want protection for a lens put a hood on it and keep the cap on it when not shooting.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I use a polarizer for glare and neutral density gels with a flash to drop the ambient in bright sunlight. I would use a gradient filter regularly if I had one.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I used to use filters on my Canon 18-55 IS. Now I have changed into Canon 18-200 IS and didn’t buy any filters for it.
Reason is that I’ve read an artical that says filters produce less sharpness in images. Besides If you need to protect your lens then use the lens cap which is much cheaper than a UV!!
I might go for polarizer though, but also these produce a clear picture in the middle which is getting darker towards the edges, so you can see the dark parts starting to get darker (in circles) which I think it ruins the picture (or maybe i’m not using the filter correctly).
March 12th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I mainly shoot landscapes and there I almost always use Graduated Neutral Density filters, or Neutral Density filters. Sometimes also Polarizers.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
always have a uv filter on..
March 12th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I keep a uv on all the time and when needed a polarizer. I sometimes use a star filter for a twinkle in the eye of a subject.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I use UV filters only when I know I am going to shoot either close ups of kids or on a windy beach or anytime feel like I need protection for my lens. I also use polarize when it makes sense.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
UV and sometimes polarising
March 12th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I always use either a polarizing filter or a UV filter
March 12th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Hoya UV filters on my 3 lenses, I keep a CP and ND in my camera bag as well. All my lenses are 52mm so it makes it simple.
March 12th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
UV, Circular Polariser and on my 18-200 does everything lens an 81A. Occasionally a red or yellow filter when shooting B&W on medium format film.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
The questions is ambiguous.
UV filter for protection , does it count as filter although it is not meant for filtering effects?
March 12th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
UV filters for all my lenses. CPL only if necessary.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
CPL effects can’t be achieved in post processing. What would be a blown out highlight can be removed with a slight turn of the filter.
Why would I spend even thirty seconds Photoshopping out what I can fix with a slight turn of the wrist?
March 12th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
I always have a UV filter on my regular lens, mostly just to protect it. I don’t use anything on my portrait lens.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
i use a polarizing filter quite a lot
March 12th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
UV by default, mainly for protection.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
I use UV filters for all my lenses, for protection.
March 12th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
UV all the time to protect my lenses and other filters
March 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Total of 4 types of filters I am currently using, – UV/NC, ND, Star8 and CPL.
Hoya UV – used to be. but i am leaving it until I found a better quality – Nikon NC.
Nikon NC – the finest filter I’ve seen so far. For lens protection and also quality us much superior than Hoya. Last week few of my friends had a chat while having a break, and come to the topic about filter. We put all our protection filters (UV or NC) on top of a piece of white paper for comparison. Hoya vs Nikon vs B&H. And they all agreed that Nikon filter quality is far more superior.
Hoya ND2 and ND4 – Outdoor portrait, F2.8 under bright sunny day is impossible without ND filter
Hoya Star-8 – Special effect for night scene and concert shots (some good concert with star-eight examples are in my web site photo gallery), to make the photo more dramatic and outstanding
Hoya CPL – Occational use only. only for buildings, scenery (upgrading to Nikon CPL soon when my budget permits).
March 12th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
UV for lens protection (e.g. a 100+ euro filter on a 1000 euro lens)
Polarizing on occasion (misty weather, bright sun, shiny surfaces)
Infra-red in summer nature shots
Does a fish-eye attachment count?
Use it sometimes together with IR
This is only on digital; on film I use gradual, ND, CC and all of the above
March 12th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Circular polariser on my standard lens, and a UV protector on my zoom, mainly because it was thrown in when I bought it. I’d like to know more about using ND grad filters and the various price options and pros and cons of screw in vs filter holder types.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
CPL for everything involving reflections, i had a nice go with it at the geneva car show last WE.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I always have a UV, but I don’t consider that a filter as it’s there, like many, as protection for the lense. I often use a Polarizing filter, but in the UK there’s not always the light to make it effective.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I always use a UV filter. I often use a polarizing filter.
March 12th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
UV for protection, ND 4 for motion blur, polarising for landscape, and I want to get a grad ND.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
1. Always a UV lens for protection.
2. Sometimes a polariser for landscape/waterscape photos.
3. Sometimes a ND8 filter on bright days.
4. Sometimes a Graduated ND filter to stop blown out skies in landscape photos.
March 12th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I don’t use any filters except neutral density (ND) filters to allow longer exposures in daylight. Trying to add in realistic motion blur or create smokey waterfall long exposures in Photoshop is not worth the time and effort compared to screwing on an ND filter!
March 12th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Today (with DSLR) I use filters less than when with film camera (I think this happens to many). I use mainly the polarizer and the ND4, but I’m planning to use digradant gray in the next.
ND has the great advantage of shooting long exposures without closing too much the iris, so reducing the risk of evidentiate dust spots on the sensor.
Plus I keep a UV filter permanently on the lens just for protection (if I use other, the UV is dismpunted, to avoid vignetting)
So, all of my images are always taken with some kind of filter! :-)
March 12th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I’ve always an UV filter on my lenses.
In August, I planned a trip to Kreta (Greek). I guess an Polarizing Filter wil be a good investment ;)
March 12th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
I keep a cheap filter on my lens for protection. I’d rather scratch a lens filter that costs less than $5 to replace than scratch my lens which will cost several hundred to replace. I’ve not noticed any interference from it in my photos, as long as i clean it regularly.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
I no longer use UV filters, as Canon applies a UV coating to the sensor – (or rather the screen in front of the sensor) – I do however apply a Hoya DMC Clear protector filter on each lens (little extra protection never hurt anything… and this has saved a lens or two) …
I also use a Hoya DMC CPL when required … and I use a Cokin P-Series set of Graduated ND filters – these are ideal for landscape photos where the sky and earth just won’t give you a perfect exposure in-camera. This is not to say that “all” manufactured filters are applicable to Digital Photography – but many are still very much needed … CPL, NDs … these “all” are valuable in getting the correct in-camera exposure…
As we move away from film, it seems that more and more folks are just plain getting lazy … I say if you are thinking “I’ll fix it in photoshop later …” then you should just slap yourself for being lazy and mediocre …
March 12th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
yeah, I always use a UV filter and if needed, a circular polarizing filter too.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I use UV-filters for protection and a polarizing filter when I feel the need/urge. I do think changing filters takes some of the impulse out of my photography, so most often I just leave the UV on.
March 12th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Graduated ND and CPL’s do things that cannot be replicated with any software, once the shot has been taken that is it. CPL’s not only give a nice deep blue tone to the sky they are good for reducing glare on water surfaces so you can capture detail under the water. ND’s are great even if only used to reduce the amount of light in what would be overexposed sky, but they also have many other uses.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Another UV user here. I don’t normally shoot in harsh environments like beaches or anything like that; I’m merely a klutz.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I always carry a UV and a C-PL with me but only use them when I actually need them.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I’m not really interested in other people’s polled opinions–I really would like to know yours..
Carlos
March 12th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
I voted “yes, sometimes” as I use Cokin P Series CPL outside and occasionally an ND Grad.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I use a circular polarizer for better sky shots, and for fall colors. Rainbows show up much better with one too.
I wish I could use a UV filter for lens protection, but I have seen strange patterns in certain photos when using them. I was shooting some Northern Lights and there were power lines in the way. With the UV lens I got a circular pattern in the shots.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
UV is always on the lens for protection (as others have noted). I’ll sometimes throw on a polarizer, a warm or cool filter if that is what I’m looking for while I’m shooting.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
UV filter all the time, circular polarizer when needed, sometimes a neutral density graduated filter
March 12th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Here in sunny New Mexico a polarizer does wonders. It is the only filter I use on-camera.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I use a UV, Skylight or similar filter in the front of all lenses as a protective measure. I also use a polarizing filter under certain circumstances for my lenses and have a few Cokin Filters (Graduated, and high value Polarizer used for eclipse photography to enable me to take a picture of the normal hustle and bustle with the people removed.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
All lenses have UV filter for protection. I recently added a CPL to my arsenal, love it for improving glare. Would like to get some ND filters for doing longer exposure daylight shots. There are some things that Photoshop just can’t add to a picture, filters are the only way.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
UV always – Circular Polarizer when outside and the sun is out (love the deep rich blue I can turn the sky into). Not feeling unique here ; )
March 12th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
UV filter all the time. Have also a polarizer and a graduated neutral density filter but I seldom use them.
March 12th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Like most people here, I love my polarizer. It just makes life easier. “Fix it in post” is the mark of the amateur. I’m pretty good at PS these days, but why bother fixing something I could have prevented in the camera.
I’m laughing at the people who are afraid of lens flares, or who “read somewhere” that the UV filter decreases sharpness. If you’re serious about avoiding lens flares, there’s only one foolproof solution: pinhole cameras. No glass=no flare. Or you could shade your lens, either with a hood or manually.
As for loss of sharpness, here’s a trick: try looking at the shot. That’s where the sharpness is–not in some magazine article. YOU decide if it’s sharp enough. Just make sure your UV is better quality than window glass, and you should be all set.
No pro goes anywhere without protecting his investment, and neither should you. A typical UV filter costs $10-15. Nice telephoto lenses start at around one hundred times as much, and the upper range is exponentially higher. One small mishap and your expensive glass will be worth far less than the cost of the cheapo filter you could have bought.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Circular polarizer, Nuetral Density (ND4) and a UV Filter
March 13th, 2009 at 12:12 am
PROTECTION is number one, and based on actual effect, I use uv/haze (not uv alone, as someone else said, sensors often have protection) and skylight. I work in humidity in the summer and snow in the winter. I have polarizers as well. post production does cover a lot of sins and $, but it’s faster to screw on a filter than get that PS/LR filter “just” right.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:15 am
I use Hoya UV on my lenses all the time, and CPL sometimes, when working outside.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:22 am
I always keep a UV filter on each of my lenses. I also use a split neutral density filter on my wide angle lens for balancing exposure on landscape shots.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Always a UV lens for protection. I was once shooting at an emotionally charged football game when a fight broke out next to me… after I picked myself up off the ground, I looked at my camera and the UV filter was cracked. I removed it and the lens continued to work great for years.
I also sometime use a circular polarizing filter outside, and I just purcahsed a graduated ND filter I’m excisted to use since I shoot in the mountains of sunny colorado and have to shoot two exposures – one for the sky and one for the ground – to get it right.
Next I’d like to get a ND6 to shoot on a sunny day with a low f stop.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:33 am
UV & Polarizing if needed.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I almost always use filters. I have a UV filter on all of my lenses both for the effect and for the protection. I have cracked three filters and that would have been the lens if not for the filter.
I use a moose polarizing filter for 90% of my non-portrait images. I just love warm images and the polarizer makes certaincolors really pop. For people I use a warming filter 81A or 81B.
FYI I have yet to see a really good photoshop polarizing plugin that achieves the same effect as in the camera.
I also use a Singh Ray vari ND filter for waterfalls.
I sometimes (not as often as I should) use Singh Ray graduated ND filters but admist to using photoshop to achieve this effect when I have been lazy in the field.
I use a Singh Ray red enhancing filter sometimes in the Fall or out West.
I do believe in getting it right in the camera as often as you can, but I use a LOT of Nik filters (for example darken edges lighten center on most of my images and dynamic skin softener on most of my portraits).
Thanks, Lisa
March 13th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Have a UV filter on all my lenses all the time to protect the lens. Haven’t use any other filters before, but tempted to get a graduated neutral density and polarised one for landscape shots
March 13th, 2009 at 12:41 am
As pretty much everyone has stated thus far, a UV filter on your lens is a must. Not because of what it does (cuts down on haze), but because of a side-effect: it protects your glass. A cracked $65 filter sure beats replacing a $500 lens.
Otherwise for effects, my favorite filter is a Circular Polarizer which I use a lot as most of my shots are outdoors. My second favorite filter as of late is my neutral density filter – again, because I shoot a lot outdoors and on sunny days, I want to slow the shutter.
But I still use, on occasion, the black and white filters. I have a yellow and a red filter that I use when I’m shooting black-and-white. Albeit, it might be necessary anymore with the digital post-processing you can do, but it’s something I’m comfortable with.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:42 am
I use gels almost all of the time. Really helps with post production.
Steve
March 13th, 2009 at 12:44 am
I use UV, but I also use TWO CPL quite often. Basically it is an adjustable ND filter when you think about it. I use it on bright days when I want a pic of water with a dragging shutter for example. If you didn’t knock out some of the ambient, you would be unable to take a slower speed shot without them. Dial in the degree of blocking you need by rotating the outer CPL.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:46 am
polarizer. on and off.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:50 am
I keep a UV filter on my lenses pretty much 99% of the time, for lens protection, so I answered “yes, always”.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Yes, Always. All Lenses have UV Filters and I also Use a polarizer in bright light. I also have a couple of Cokin split ND filters.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:00 am
i have Heliopan or B+W UV filters on all of my lenses – it is a lens protection issue for me.
i also have Heliopan circular polarizers for my most commonly used lenses.
i do not use nd filters any more – especially after the introduction of LR ver 2.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:07 am
I use a UV filter 100% of the time on all of my lenses. I recently got a new camera and was out taking pics with my family. I had put the camera in my bag and didn’t zip the zipper (was planning on taking more pics). Well, my mom picked up my bag to move it and the camera fell out on the concrete and shattered my UV protector. There was no damage done to the camera or the lens. Thank you Jesus for lens protectors!
March 13th, 2009 at 1:10 am
I shoot Canon and have a polarizer on my 17-55mm and 70-200mm lenses most of the time. They come off when glare or color enhancement is not an issue at the location.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I always have a UV filter on the front of all me lens, as I learned the lesson the hard way it is cheaper to replace a $15 UV filter than a $500 lens.
Now that I have gone to a DSLR from film, I have stopped carrying the warming filter, the soft focus filters, and color correction filters, but there are still filters I carry with me:
2X ND, 4X ND, 8X ND
Light ND Grad, Medium ND Grad
IR Filter
Polarizer
4-point Cross Hatch filter (Star)
I find those filters give results that can’t really be effectively applied in Photoshop or in-camera
March 13th, 2009 at 1:15 am
Polarizers are handy, and you simply can’t duplicate the result afterwards. I usually use a red or yellow for black and white film, but for B&W digital I shoot colour because I can get more control with the channel mixer afterwards. A grad ND might be useful in some cases, but it’s low on my shopping list because it’s expensive and I can usually fix the sky in post and mask it more precisely.
I’m not counting the UV filter that’s almost always on the lens because it’s there for protection, not optics.
“I say if you are thinking “I’ll fix it in photoshop later …” then you should just slap yourself for being lazy and mediocre …”
That’s just plain wrong. I think as we move away from film there are a whole raft of new photographers who’ve never even been in a darkroom, so they think their camera’s jpeg engine is somehow pure and objective and photoshop is some kind of cheating. But with film, printing the negative is at least half of the process (if you go to the lab you’re just hiring someone else to do it) and Photoshop is just analogous to that. JPEGs straight out of the camera are like the prints you get from the 1 hour lab.
You have more control in post than you do trying to do everything in camera and if you know what you’re doing you can get better results. Shooting raw to save the highlights and bringing up the shadows in processing is really no different from the Zone System, burning and dodging, and using a compensating developer.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:16 am
I always have a uv filter for lens protection. Living in New Orleans I often take pictures of people throwing beads so lens protection is essential. I also have a circular polarizing filter that I use when near water etc.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I use a polariser on some lenses. I don’t use a UV filter for “protection” as the hood is enough for that (*always* put a hood on your lenses).
A piece of unprotected glass certainly can get nicked though. I’ve seen it happen with a friend in a museum who bumped a (kit) zoom in a statue in a museum and left a nasty gouge in the glass. It’s not really visible in the shots but the softness is there if you know where to look (it wasn’t the greatest piece of kit to begin with, but still, I would have been horrified if it had happened with my toys).
I need to get a couple ND filters though.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:22 am
I always have a UV filter on not for the UV filtering but I would rather replace a damaged UV filter than the lens and I really don’t like to fool around with the front glass of the lens. For special daylight landscape work I will use a polarizing filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I have polarizes for my lenses, and a Cokin filter holder for gradient filters.
Most of my shooting is done outdoors, so the polarizers are serving double-duty as lens protection as well. They only come off in low-light situations, usually indoors.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I use a UV filter all the time, but I don’t consider that to be enhancing the pictures. It is lens protection. Outside I almost always use either a polarizer or a graduated neutral density filter. So, I answered, yes, sometimes.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:38 am
I use Circular Polarizer filters all the time I have one for each lens, I love the cloud enhancement and I think that they really give a spark to the colors of otherwise bland landscape and seascape images,
When I do astro photography I use a ND and a CLS filter together for moon shots, if the moon is full I use two polarizer filters together and rotate them until the the moon features look there best.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:45 am
Like others, keep a uv on all of the time & use circular polarising or ND as required.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Polarizers and ND filters when needed. Never ever the UV filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:00 am
Simo, Why not a UV filter. It sounds like you are against them.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:04 am
I use CPL in necessary situations to eliminate reflections and get more saturated colors. A good CPL saves time from editing and best of all it eliminates reflection which can improve on the photos. Used to use UV filters for my lens but find it’s better without em (cos the ones I had wasn’t really good quality).
March 13th, 2009 at 2:14 am
I took all my filters off my lenses when I switched to digital. I found they influenced skin tone. Now I reluctantly put back some UV filters. I have a couple circular polarizers which I have yet to use which I bought almost 10 years ago.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:16 am
A UV filter nearly always, a polarizer to reduce glare. Soon I will buy a ND filter to reduce light for long exposure photos.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:21 am
I always use a UV FIlter both as a mean to protect my lens and to get better exposure when shooting in bright day light, besides as OETERB says at the beginning of this thread I don’t see it as ‘detracting’ from my photos.
March 13th, 2009 at 2:40 am
Circular Polarizer and then UV filters to protect my investments! lol
March 13th, 2009 at 2:53 am
UV filter- it was the first accessory that I bought, solely to protect my lens- my grandfather, who gave me my camera, prodded me about it every day until I got one!
March 13th, 2009 at 2:58 am
The only filter I use on my digital SLR is a polarizing filter as this cannot be reproduced in post processing. I do have a range of color filters for my film SLR essentially for black and white.
Thanks for all the efforts in creating and updating this web site!
March 13th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Seems like almost everyone who places a UV filter on their lenses do so to protect the lens. Fair enough.
But in 50+ years of outdoor and studio photography I have yet to smack a lens even hard enough to mark it let alone smash it. In past, I placed UVs on all lenses too. I don’t now for two reasons: the first is I’m careful and the chances of me needing “protection” in the kind of shooting environments I’m in are slim and none.
The second is I very often shoot outdoors and use a CP filter (Moose’s Warm PL Circ). I don’t need both.
A third reason is that, especially for indoor shooting, any extra glass of any quality between the subject and the lens just CANNOT improve the image (might not perceptibly degrade it but it certainly can’t improve it).
March 13th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Todd, I don’t see any need for them in digital cameras. UV filter behaves as a low-quality front element, making the reflections and flare worse. Also if they break, they easily cause extra damage for the lens.
Some filter tests:
http://www.kenandchristine.com/gallery/1054387
http://toothwalker.org/optics/filterflare.html
March 13th, 2009 at 3:19 am
UV all of the time for protection. CP for landsapes. Hard and graduated 2 stop NDs. I do all warming with white balance and photo filter effects in CS4.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:31 am
I was raised with the belief that you always have at least a uv filter on to protect your lens. I was also told that if you are going to put anything on your lens, make sure it is the best quality so you don’t hamper your very expensive lens from doing it’s best in giving sharpness and clarity. Other than that, I use a circular polarizer as needed and a magenta filter at times. I have close to 50 filters that I bought for my film cameras that I find I no longer need except for when I use my Holga camera which they fit.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:33 am
I use a UV filter on all my lenses all the time for two reasons – one to protect and to keep dust/salt/dirt off the lens. The only time I take the UV off is if it is creating light artifacts (as is often the case in night/low light shots) or if using other filters on top, the filters show up in the photo (which only happens with my wide angle). Other filters I use are polarizing filters and macro filters.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:33 am
If its raining or I’m heading out into a snowstorm, I’ll throw a filter on mainly just to protect my front lens element. Other then that, I pretty much shoot naked.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:58 am
for me if i am shooting landscape i always use the GND and ND filters specially when shooting sunset and sunrise because if u want to enter the international contests they ask for the raw files so i always keep the photo as is it is
March 13th, 2009 at 4:08 am
Polarizing Filters
March 13th, 2009 at 4:14 am
I made an infrared filter for my Canon that I use frequently. It really brings out the trees, plants and grasses, and is very dream-like.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:46 am
I don’t count UV the filter as a filter since I’m not after any light effect – just lens protection. I do use a CP filter to reduce glare sometimes – just like sunglasses.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:48 am
clear lens filters i use on all lenses,
got other filters for other types of shot scenes and some need to be on lens b4 some can be done in post prod, i feel its better off if you can acheive the same in post prod
March 13th, 2009 at 5:16 am
Just something I learned years ago from my photography professor.(I’m sure he’d be proud to know I paid attention) I always keep a uv filter on my lenses no matter what. a number one it protects my lens from any chance of getting scratched or damaged. Any other filters go over that filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:44 am
I always use polariser for landscape and graduated neutral density is a must for sunset and sunrise though you can same effect in post processing but it is lot easier to get it done in the camera.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:46 am
I’m always using UV filters to protect my lenses and sometimes a ND3 when I want to use a wide aperture in my studio (my flashes only have a range of 4 f-stops).
March 13th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Sometimes: I use a polarizing filter and occaisionally a neutral density when shooting landscapes, in bright sun or when I want to slow down the shutter. I never put a UV filter on. Why would I want to put a $30 filter on a $1300 piece of glass??
March 13th, 2009 at 6:54 am
So many people think that Post Processing is for Fixing things that should have been done right during the shoot. Its true that many times you may find yourself in the position of Fixing instead of Finishing. However one example of my filter use is during water flow or water fall shots. I use a neutral filter that reduces light input by 2 f-stops. This filter allows me to increase my shot time during the day and reduce the hot spots. I’m sorry but that is not easy to accomplish during post processing. So as it stands right now post processing can emulate many filter uses but not all by any means.
March 13th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I bought a bunch of filters, thinking I would use them – but I really only ever use the UV filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I only use a filter occasionally and there’s only one type I use, and that’s a C-PL filter. Basically because it’s one of the few types of filters that can’t be recreated in photoshop (or lightroom, in my case).
I would one day like to get my hands on an ND filter of some description and see what creative stuff I can do with that. In my opinion an ND and CPL filter are the one ones you need in this day and age.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:16 am
The Greatest Thing about digital photography is that you can experiment like crazy and you only print or save what YOU want to, and that’s neat.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:23 am
I said yes always because I at least always have a UV filter on all my lenses. I have a few filters such as a red one, circular, and a polarizer filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Always have a UV on my lenses unless I swap out for my CPL. I never stack filters so I have to do the swap out. I also try to save some money by buying all 77mm flters and using step down rings for my various lenses. The only draw back I have discovered is that my hoods will not fit anymore.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I sometimes use a Cp. Since taking up digiscoping I have found that the more glass infront of the camera degrades the image. I am guilty of using close up filters alot, it’s suprising what these things can do with a little experimentation. Thats if you can class them as filters.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:51 am
To Robert, buy a screw on rubber hood that fits the 77 filters its really great when using the polarizer.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:13 am
UV as protector filter on all my lenses. These have saved more than one of my lenses from damage – filters are comparatively inexpensive.
Also they are easier to clean. Remove filter, clean and re-attach.
And for creativity:
- polariser (have to be careful not to too wide or the sky gets patchy)
- infrared (for that washed white look)
- neutral density (to slow shutter speeds)
March 13th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I learned my lesson when trying to shot waterfalls in Hawaii a few years ago. Couldn’t get the long exposure needed for nice soft water in the bright sunlight. Before visiting Puerto Rico recently, I picked up an ND2 and it worked like a charm.
Other than that, just a polarizer and the occassional star filter.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:05 am
UV on all my lenses and a CPL when needed. Played around with a 80A a little bit, pretty cool. After reading these posts, I think I’ll pick up a ND.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I am a newbie to this forum, so hope you excuse my not-so modest remark.
I wish the information within a thread was more informative and not so redundant. I’m currently researching on filters, polarizers so I would really like to see a demo of them in action; with/ without…variations, brands, links to reasonable sellers, pluses and minuses.
Do you folks not read through? Why repeat the same thing without proper reasoning?Is the quality of information not important to you? This thread has 50 plus replies, half of which are worthless.
March 13th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
I always attached UV filters to my lenses. 86mm UV filter for my Bigma. 82mm UV for my Sigma 24-70 2.8 Ex Dg , and 77mm UV for my Canon 70-200 2.8 L Usm. Once I dropped my Bigma on the ship floor during the height of typhoon “Frank” here in the Philippines last year, and had it not for the protective UV filter attached , the front element might had been damaged, leading to costly replacement/ repair.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Like most people here, I use a UV filter to protect all my glass. SunPak UV filter = $10. Glass = big bucks. I have been using SLRs since the mid-1970’s and have used UV filters to protect my lenses as long as they have been around, (I can’t remember, exactly, when I got my first UV filter).
Lens caps don’t work for me, as they take time to remove, et cetera.
In the winter, I use a circular polarizer filter almost all the time to get contrast in the snow. I, also, use a circular polarizer when shooting landscapes or anywhere else I want to increase colors, decrease glare or bring out contrast.
I have two circular polarizing filters – one from SunPak, which cost $20, and one from Hoya, which cost $70. The Hoya costs about 2 f/stops or 2X shutter speed reduction more than the SunPak. The Hoya almost works like weak ND filter. I have never had a problem with SunPak filters, even though they are cheap, (I have a tendency to lose circular polarizing filters for some reason), compared to some others. The Hoya doesn’t get used much and it, definitely, wasn’t worth $70…
I use a 4X ND filter on bright days and when I am shooting moving water and want to slow down the shutter speed. I use an 8 point star when I feel like it, although I think it is sort of a ‘cheap shot’ that adds pizazz to an image, without thinking or doing anything special.
March 13th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
WOW!
I am very surprised how many of you drop and bang your lenses. Maybe I don’t get out enough?
March 13th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I have a polarizing filter and a UV filter but I very rarely use the polarizing one. The UV filter is always attached to my lens! I took a ton of outdoor photos last summer and I could tell the difference. I have three lenses and of course they are all different sizes so I’ll be adding to my filter stock over the next few months.
March 13th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I use a UV for lense protection and a CPL for some landscape and most flower shots (cuts nasty leaf glare).
March 13th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
I have a reasonable range of filters and I use all of them regularly:
- UV filters for lens protection
- Polarising filters for beach shots etc
- Cokin ND Filters for the fluffy movng water stuff
- Macro filters, mainly because I can’t justify a decent macro lens at the moment.
I’ll do the any of the other stuff in Photoshop
March 13th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I am just getting started with my first DSLR (EOS 1000D) but could not resist buying some additional filters very soon after buying the lenses. I have a ND 0,6 for my 55-70 lens to be able to shoot moving water from waterfalls on my holiday trip to the USA in May. I also use a CPL for that lens when the light is bright.
For my 17-50 lens I use a CPL an I have a Graduated grey (50%) filter for it to get those really blue skies. All my filters are B&W, why don’t I see them mentioned over here, they are good quality, right?
I hope I can ask a Question here: I trief to use the CPL and the Graduated one together on my 17-50 lens, could it be that stacked in one way they are some sort of reducing each others effect to about nothing, and when stacked the other way around, they enhance each others effect?
For example this picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/draakje_barbara/3348096118/
I think I used them together there and the eefect was dramatic! (not sure and in which order then, have to write it down in the future)
March 13th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
UV for protection (it already saved my b^Hlens once :-))
Also experimenting with ND for seascapes.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Oh, always a protective clear filter on the lens. UV or similar.
Then a rotating polarizer to get deep colors and sometimes an ND filter to cut away a stop or two of light.
March 13th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Polorizing and ND filters depending on the circumstances. I used to use a UV filter on all of my lenses but I got sick of shooting through another layer of glass that didn’t really need to be there.
March 13th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
If any of you can replicate a Tiffen Soften filter ACCURATELY in post, show me proof, write a tutorial, and I’ll love you forever and give you mad links or even buy the writing. I don’t think it can be done with 100% accuracy nor can you do better with LR2 or PSCS4
UV Filter ALWAYS for protection – but I shoot a lot on the beach. Sand and lenses don’t mix.
J Camp
Atlanta Photographers
March 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
can’t help but notice the nd posts .. i have used them in the past to fluff up the surf or water flowing in a creek .. but after casually rereading my camera manual i found that i could more easily use a feature called auto multi exposure — you specify number of exposures to be superimposed and the camera will optionally do the math to end up with proper exposure .. result is that the objects that don’t move during the exposure are sharp and properly exposed whilst those that move are blurred/softened … a few menu selections sure beats having to mount/unmount a varying number of nd filters to gain the same effect.. as far as getting more pleasing landscapes with the sky more appropriately exposed i can now get better results with the targeted nd filter in Lightroom 2.
March 13th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
I almost always have a UV filter handy — I’m hard on my equipment, and the UV filter has saved my lens a few times. Polarizers, ND, and grad ND are all useful in turn as well.
To the post above: ND filters are sometimes necessary when the setting is too bright for your camera to take a longer exposure at all (at least, without stopping down to f/32, risking diffraction problems, and still probably not being long enough). I’ve used this on sunny days, to make waterfalls look smoother and nicer. There would just be too much light otherwise, especially if you want a 1 or 2 second exposure! (A simple example here: adit falls, which was a very bright day, and I was unlikely to be able to return on a nicer day.)
March 14th, 2009 at 2:48 am
I have a uv or skylight on all my lenses. I ofter us a polarized filter when shooting outside. I have messed around with GD filters, but I often forget about them in the heat of the moment.
March 14th, 2009 at 5:39 am
I use a CP when I feel it will add something. I use UV filters only when I feel I need it…like on a sailboat, at the beach…that sort of thing. I will also sometime use ND and/or grad ND filters as well. Yes, some of that can be done in Photoshop but I’m the type that would rather get it done in camera rather than have to fix an image later.
Never dropped a lens so that UV argument is somewhat lost on me… but if you’re going to do it, I would suggest that you buy quality filters. No sense in having a nice lens only to stick a piece of sub-standard glass in front of it. Just for the record: I ALWAYS use lens hoods.
If anyone cares…my filter kit contains the following:
All the round filters are B+W 77mm
Kaeseman (MRC) Circular Polarizer
#010 (MRC) UV-Haze
#101, 102 & 103 ND filters
& the rectangles are Hitech 4×5 (100×125mm)
Grad ND .3, .6, .9 in both hard & soft edge
Cokin Z-Pro filter holder for the grads
March 14th, 2009 at 8:55 am
You should really expand on the question. Do you use filters for “effects” or “protection”. My answer would be use the clearest filter that I can get my hand on. It’s simply a protection against scratches and something small hitting the front element.
March 14th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I usually do not use a filter, but do not hesitate when they are needed. I use a skylight filter in wet conditions to help protect the lens. A circular polarizing filter for most outdoor shots, adding a neutral density filter if I cannot get the aperture/shutter speed combination I want.
March 14th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I’ve used Cokin P for over 15 years and while I own many filters which worked amazing with black and white film, I am only using a few filters now on a DSLR. Presently I use a polarizer, neutral grads, and neutral density filters. I own some great HiTec filters that fit the Cokin P holder and prefer to filter the light before taking the shot instead of excessive post processing. I would say many shots I’ve taken were only possible with filters, I couldn’t achieve them strictly with post processing.
March 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I use a PL-CIR for a lot of outdoor shots, and occasionally an ND when I want a really slow shutter speed, like when I’m shooting moving water.
March 14th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I use ND (Neutral Density) filters all the time. It;s a great way to limit the light if there is a lot of it. Or if you are doing time laps you can drag the shuttle some more with them. Polarizers are great to carry in your kit. There are times you want the reflections and other times it’s the seeing through that makes the photo.
March 14th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I use UV filters on both of my lenses, all the time.
I’m pretty rough with my camera so they are there for protection more than anything, I also quite like the effect they have on blue skies.
March 14th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I only use filters for effect (CP, ND, etc.) unless I’m in a dangerous situation. However, if I am in a dangerous situation, I’m usually looking for a way out instead of putting a filter on a camera.
I religiously use lens hoods, especially when I shoot in semi-iffy-situations like clubs.
Filters degrade image quality. I don’t even own UV filters for my fav “L” lenses.
March 15th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Yes I use filters all the time. I have a UV Haze filter on all my lenses as scratch protection (better to scratch a $40.00 filter than a $400.00 lens!) and I use polarizing filters a lot as well. I haven’t gotten into the artsy-craftsy filters…don’t really have much call to!
March 15th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
yesssss…. I always use a Circular polarize filter.
many thanks
ronaldo
March 16th, 2009 at 1:30 am
I always have a UV filter on, mainly for protection, and then when needed, I’ll use a circular polarizer, a split ND, or an ND filter
March 16th, 2009 at 5:13 am
I admit that I am a filter fan. I like to use filters to help me get the shot that I am looking for straight out of the camera, rather than relying on post processing. I feel like a “photographer” then rather than just a computer whizz with a camera in hand!!
I always have at least a UV filter on my lenses for protection, but I also have a circular polariser and various ND grad filters which I find invaluable for landscape shots.
March 16th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Using:
UV filter for lens protection (always)
Circular polariser for less glare
ND grad for nicer skies
ND for longer shutter times on bright days
March 16th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I always use a UV filter on my lenses. I have a polarizer filter too for my 70-200 (my favorite lens) and use it any chance I get. I want to purchase a wide angle lens next, and will buy a UV filter and polarizer as well. I like te UV one just to protect my lens surface from scratches. I don’t have a lot of money to spare, so I like to protect what I have as much as possible. Make sense? I use Picasa 3 to manipulate my photos, so I don’t have the need for fancy filters. I mostly take photos for futur oil paintings, and for a yearly calendar as a Christmas present for family and friends
March 16th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I always keep a UV filter on every lens mostly for physical protection of the front element. I will also use a polarizing filter when needed, a lot of people like to try to recover detail in post production software which will work somewhat if the information is there. There is a limit to the sensor in the camera, no camera (film or digital) has the latitude to get the information we see with our eyes from shadow to bright sun. Occasionally a special effect is much easier to accomplish with a filter or two rather than hours on the computer. Proper exposure is critical, YOU CANNOT RECOVER INFORMATION OR DETAIL THAT IS NOT THERE.
March 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I always keep a polarizer on my standard lens and use a UV for my ultra wide 10-20mm lens both of which are hoya. It gives my lenses protection as I’d much rather replace a filter than the entire lens. I also do have graduation nd filters but tbh I don’t use those very often.
March 17th, 2009 at 7:03 am
living in sunny san diego, Ca glare gets to be a big problem no matter what i’m shooting so i almost always keep my CP filter on my lens. however before i bought the CP filter i would keep a good friend’s UV filter on at all times just for protection.
another interest of mine is shooting pics of my beautiful fish; a prize winning koi, a shubunkin and a ryukin. for thes pictures i use a set of “macro” filters since i do not have enough money at the moment for expensive macro lenses; +1, +2, +4. these filters seem to work very well for getting in close. the only drawback that i have found with using these is that they are very hard to focus if you are not already partially in focus and when in fucus you may lose some sharpness around the edges.
love to use filters, love to experiment with filters, need more money… = ]
March 17th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I use to with my film camera, but since I have a digital camera now (20D), why limit my photos. Anything I can do with a filter, I can do in photoshop, and still have my original image.
I only use the UV filter when I am not using my camera. Why have anything piece of glass for my image to go thru.
March 17th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Hi ,,
I am new in this field very frankly i m here to know about the photography ..
Few months ago i got a Sony H10 Digital Camera .so i want to know how i can use the UV lens or any other lens with this camera.
Please help !!!!
March 18th, 2009 at 9:02 am
Cokin pro GND filters … ND2, ND4 and tobacco T1
March 18th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Oops … repost with the right URL for my pics (http://flickr.com/photos/digitalformula/). GND filters = http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalformula/2889189103/in/set-72157607510085698/, tobacco = http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalformula/2889175721/in/set-72157607510085698/
March 19th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
I all ways have a UV Filter and have a polarizer filter at hand if needed.
April 17th, 2009 at 1:32 am
I own a polariser, but I have NEVER found it to be beneficial. Whenever I try to use it – and I have done so determinedly several times – I spend more energy fiddling to try to get it to make a difference that in actually taking the shot.
Still don’t understand why the extra four surfaces of glass aren’t considered detrimental. It isn’t as though they’re cemented together like the elements in the lens groups ;)
April 17th, 2009 at 9:40 am
davidn, what polariser do you have ? May be your glass just doesn’t work or may be you used it in situation where polariser doesn’t make much (visible) difference ?
April 17th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Thanks for nudging me to look at this again, Vilmis. It’s a Hoya PL-CIR. I’ve tried several times, but recall viewing cloudy skies, with sun over my shoulder behind, or in front but out of shot… and twiddling the dial of course. I’ll do some more reading and give it another go. People must have a reason for spending hundreds more on a faster lenses just to stop them down again with a polarising filter!
April 20th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
David, I hope you’ll get opportunity to see what difference makes CPL. First time I used it in Monument Valey in Arizona. It was sunny day, couple hours before sunset and first impression was – WOW. The rocks (color) looked so different. It didn’t made such effect during midday when sun was above me.
May 7th, 2009 at 7:30 am
davidn, just for the record…a CP filter won’t do much (if anything) with the sun over your shoulder or more or less directly in front of you (just out of the shot). Because of the nature of light and the polarizing effects of the same…those filters work best at around 90-degrees from the light source. (Especially if it’s the sun & sky we’re trying to enhance.) A quick and simple way to check is to make a “gun” with your hand…finger pointing out and thumb straight up. Point at the light source (sun) and rotate your hand so that your thumb goes from horizon to horizon. The direction that your thumb points will show the strongest effects of a CP filter.
As for all those elements being detrimental to an image…you are somewhat correct. This is why I NEVER suggest that people use cheap filters OR use them when they have nothing to offer the scene. Photography is always about tradeoffs…whether it’s DOF or shutter speeds, field of view, compression, etc. The best we can hope for is to STRIVE for perfection. We can come close when the above elements are used to meet our wishes, but that doesn’t mean that a similar image shot completely differently would have any less impact.
Hope it helps…don’t give up on that CP filter just yet.
May 7th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Oh…and to answer your question as to why “People must have a reason for spending hundreds more on a faster lenses just to stop them down again with a polarising filter!”
Think of it this way…even though I lose a bit with my B+W CP on my lenses they’re still faster than most lenses without it…especially at the longer focal lengths…
June 12th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I always have a UV or Skylight on all my lenses as protectors. I often use a Circular Polariser. I use warming filters for some sunrise and sunsets and also use a graduated ND, often in conjunction with the filter. Cokin system, while a little more cumbersome to carry about, is considerably more flexible to employ.
As I hardly ever play on the B&W side of the fence, I don’t own the typical B&W filter sets.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I have a Hoya UV on each of my lenses. Mostly for protection, but they do serve a purpose. I’m Australian, and camera gear here is frighteningly expensive, hence my 10-24, 18-55 and 55-250 are worth around $2000. I own separate Hoya CP filters for my 58 and 77mm lenses which I use a lot, always with the UV off of course. I also have an ND4 which I haven’t had much chance to use yet and a Grad ND, which I’ve toyed with, but it tends to leave a strange purplish cast to everything, and the results I get from Grads in Photoshop CS4 are much more pleasing most of the time.
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