Cokin Filters

[dakwegmo]

I know a lot of people that advocate hand holding filters instead of using a filter holder. It's not my preference, but when I'm using a wide angle lens, I'll do it to avoid the problems with the holder.

And yes, cokin filters do produce some wicked color casts. I found it nearly impossible to fix color issues when using a cokin CP and ND filter stacked.

[rickp1]

Hey guys I have another question,
I have a polarizing filter which works well for glare and color contrast, etc... but i was just reading about Singh Rays LB Color intensifing filter. My polaring filter adds color and contrast to the images so what's the big advantage of the Color intensifing filter.

Would you recommend it??

R.

[navcom]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Hey guys I have another question,
I have a polarizing filter which works well for glare and color contrast, etc... but i was just reading about Singh Rays LB Color intensifing filter. My polaring filter adds color and contrast to the images so what's the big advantage of the Color intensifing filter.

Would you recommend it??

R.

I personally have not used the LB Color intensifier filter but those I know who use one really like it. It's one of those that I've been meaning to buy but haven't got around to getting yet.

When talking about the SR polarizer/intensifier, remember that there are two different filters combined into one...a CP as well as a color intensifier. A regular CP will enhance color but not the same way an actual color intensifier filter will. SR's just combines both into one filter, that's all.

What I would recommend very highly is the Gold 'n Blue polarizer. I will part with my car before I part with this filter. It is awesome and has saved many a mid-day photo for me. It also adds tremendous punch to golden hour photos as well, especially water photos. It has endless options really. With a digital camera, you do have to get used to using one, especially concerning white balance. But once you figure it out, there's no turning back.

The other SR filter I would highly recommend is the Vari-ND filter. This is another one I will not leave home without. It's basically just a standard ND filter (not grad, just solid ND) that you can rotate to give you lighter or darker effect. It is absolutely fantastic for doing waterfalls or stream/river photos when you are trying to get just the right amount of time lapse blurring when simulating movement. Just set your aperture and dial down the filter until your meter gives you the shutter speed you need....and shoot away. I had several different strength ND filters for years. When I got this, I sold them. I only need to carry this one.

If you do get the Vari-ND, I would strongly recommend getting the thinner version. The thicker one can sometimes cause vignetting on wider lenses, especially if you are using it in conjunction with another filter. The thinner one has more forgiveness. I have the thicker one but I rarely use solid ND's on super-wide-angle lenses so it's usually not an issue for me.

[rickp1]

Hey navcom,
Today I ordered the LB Warming Polarizing filter and 2 ND filters. Next time around I'll get the color intensifier. I'm going to have to sell my body to pay for these things!! LOL

By the way, why do people seem to hand hold the ND filters instead of using the frame?

R.

[navcom]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Hey navcom,
Today I ordered the LB Warming Polarizing filter and 2 ND filters. Next time around I'll get the color intensifier. I'm going to have to sell my body to pay for these things!! LOL

By the way, why do people seem to hand hold the ND filters instead of using the frame?

R.

Let me know how you like that warming polarizer. I'm thinking of trying that one myself. I have some scoped-out compositions where that would come in real handy!

I know what you mean about selling your body for the money! They are not cheap! I swallowed hard when I bought my first Singh Ray. But after using them for several years, I don't regret it at all. And as far selling my body is concerned, I don't think I could make enough to by the Cokin ones!!

In my experience, hand-holding rectangular filters is usually done when the holder will cause vignetting on wider angle lenses. I've done it a few times myself. You can also get creative with longer exposures if you hand-hold the filter.

[rickp1]

Well, I got the ND filters in the mail today, and already got a chance to play with them. They work great, one aspect of using them though that i need to get use to is the pictures come out just a bit darker when used with a polirizing filter. So that part i need to work on.

My 17-55mm f2.8 willl come in today too so can't wait to put it all together.

Usually, I shoot in AV mode with ISO in Auto, what is a good ISO for mid-day shooting and eveninig shooting?

I'll keep you posted.

R.

[navcom]

Originally Posted by rickp1

Well, I got the ND filters in the mail today, and already got a chance to play with them. They work great, one aspect of using them though that i need to get use to is the pictures come out just a bit darker when used with a polirizing filter. So that part i need to work on.

My 17-55mm f2.8 willl come in today too so can't wait to put it all together.

Usually, I shoot in AV mode with ISO in Auto, what is a good ISO for mid-day shooting and eveninig shooting?

I'll keep you posted.

R.

Wow! Christmas at your house! Have fun and enjoy!

Between you and me, I use ISO 100 pretty much all the time. For landscape work, I use nothing else. I always use a tripod and the lowest possible ISO for the best quality image. The only time my camera comes off the lowest end is for non-landscape work where I need the speed.

I shoot Av with ISO set to 100. That's pretty much my S.O.P. for landscape work.

[rickp1]

X-mas now, sweatshop later to pay it off, LOL!!

So 100 and AV will work. I never thought about that combo. I shoot in AV jsut never change anything unless in low light. I think of manual when changing the settings. Good to know. I just hate to waste a good picture because I didnt set the camera right

Time to experiment.

R.