Filters for Landscapes in Canyon

[sgogula]

Hi,

I am visiting Grand Canyon next month and would like to know what filters are required to capture the landscapes in Canyon.

I have Hoya CP for my Canon Rebel Xti, Could someone suggest me whether I need to buy ND filter or I can still capture good landscapes with CP attached?..

I am asking this question as I do not know when to use CP and when to use ND.

Thanks

[jdepould]

You shouldn't need both, the CP should be enough. A UV filter is also good to have when you don't want to (or can't) use the CP. Other than that I'd leave the CP on and experiment, it should give you nice bright blue skies and good contrast. Make sure you have a tripod too, or at the very least a bean bag to stabilize the camera.

[windrider86]

It also depends ont he time of day you will be shooting and if you are going to be on top or on the bottom. For the most part you shouldnt need a filter but again all the variences make it a hard decision.
I carry my backpack with me at all times with pretty much everyting I may need.
This lil gem has been a lifesaver that I wouldnt know what to do without. Its easy to carry (has a spot for my tripod and even water bottles, but its padded and has enough support that you really dont notice how heavy it is!

[RussHeath]

Sgogula,

It really depends on the shot. I find regular ND filters of limited use unless you're going to get into long exposures during bright times to show motion. If you're into that, then see this article for more info:

here


Otherwise, you're really talking about a circular polarizer versus an ND graduated filter, which is a very differnt tool. ND grads are 2-3 stop ND filters on top which transition to clear at the bottom. These have one main purpose in outdoor photography: sunrise/sunset pics. They allow you to block some of the intese light from the top half of the photo so you can expose more correctly for the darker bottom half. They are hard to use well, but useful. They are also cheaper than a good circular polarizer, so if you're interested just try one out.

If you're going to pick one filter for outdoor photography, I would take a circular polarizer every time. My biggest challenge is remembering to take them off my lenses when indoors or when I want reflections, because I have them attached to all lenses most of the time. These are easy to use filters (just look through the viewfinder and spin) that can have a big effect on your photos with bluer skies and richer foliage and rocks (by minimizing relfections). Finally, it's an effect not available in photoshop. Learn to use one and try it at the Grand Canyon. You'll be happy with the results.