Basic explination about filters?

[praline3001]

My daily dumb question lol

Many place I read or research there is a lot of talk about filters. I know I am probably NOT ready for that kind of fancy stuff but I would like to understand the basics of the kinds of filters and the effects you get with them VS normal lenses. That way I can better understand what is being said lol

I do have a UV filter but I have had terrible luck with it. Every time I put it on my lens it fogs the lens up really bad. I am not sure if I am doing it wrong or if its because I live in such a high humidity area. It is nothing to have 90% humidity here and static cling is something I never have to worry about lol

Some of the filters I have heard of and don't know what they are/do are ND filters and polarized filters? I am sure there are more but those stick in my head the most.

Please post any examples ~ especially side by side compares of regular lens vs filter

[sk66]

ND stands for Neutral Density they add density to cut light but are supposed to be color neutral (not add a color cast to the image). They allow lower shutter speeds. A Graduated ND allows you to cut the light in part of an image....this can help balance a bright sky with a darker foreground and similar.

A Polarizer is like sunglasses for your lens...cuts glare.

[RichardTaylor]

No comparison shots, however this may help.

#1 ND as Steve says reduces light. Allowing longer exposures or wider apertures to be used. Here I have activated the 3 stop built in ND filter on a Canon G11 to give me a 1/2 second exposure.




#2 A 3 stop graduated ND filter has allowed me to balance the exposure of the sky and water (it has basically darkened the sky).



#3 Here a polariser has been used to darken the sky.The sun was off to my left.
How well they work depends on the sun direction. For maximum results the sun needs to be at 90 degrees.
They can also help in controlling reflections.



#4 I mostly use a UV/Skylight filter when shooting in adverse conditions like this.



.

[praline3001]

Wow those are so cool looking!!!

We are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon this summer. I am reserving time away from the family trip to work on my photography. I can't go to the Grand Canyon and not take time out for photography lol

I really want to try and get some stunning rim photos so I can print them and frame them for the family room. The times of day I will be able to sneak away from the family may be limited and with the hot summer sun the polarized filter will help keep the glare off of the rocks.

If you were able to sneak away from family midday for some Grand Canyon photography, would you use a polarized filter?

There are also some amazing waterfalls in the canyon. We don't have rapids/falls in the swamps here so I was excited to try my hand at a little silky water. The ND filter would be best for this, right?

When putting the filter on, how do you get it to not fog up the lens on the inside? I have played around with the UV filter I have but every time I put it on I get fog.

[bigben6]

Originally Posted by praline3001

If you were able to sneak away from family midday for some Grand Canyon photography, would you use a polarized filter? I would try it for sure.

There are also some amazing waterfalls in the canyon. We don't have rapids/falls in the swamps here so I was excited to try my hand at a little silky water. The ND filter would be best for this, right? Maybe, it depends on what kind if shutter speeds your getting, start by using the biggest F number you can, then if you shutter is still too short an ND would help slow it even more

When putting the filter on, how do you get it to not fog up the lens on the inside? I have played around with the UV filter I have but every time I put it on I get fog.

here are a few good examples:
In the first one notice how deep blue the sky is
In the second notice how the glare from the surface of the water is gone so you can see the rocks below
in the third one the colors are better and there is no reflection in the wnidshield

good example of an ND filter in action:

[Doug Sundseth]

Originally Posted by praline3001

I really want to try and get some stunning rim photos so I can print them and frame them for the family room. The times of day I will be able to sneak away from the family may be limited and with the hot summer sun the polarized filter will help keep the glare off of the rocks.

In summer, the sun will rise in the ENE and set in the WNW, so dawn and sunset are good times to shoot. Midday is just about the worst time to shoot, since the sun will be almost directly behind (South Rim) or in front (North Rim) of you.

Originally Posted by praline3001

If you were able to sneak away from family midday for some Grand Canyon photography, would you use a polarized filter?

Definitely. A CP (circular polarized filter) can dramatically increase the color saturation in landscapes.

Originally Posted by praline3001

There are also some amazing waterfalls in the canyon. We don't have rapids/falls in the swamps here so I was excited to try my hand at a little silky water. The ND filter would be best for this, right?

An ND is a good choice for this application. Do realize that most of the waterfalls and rapids are in the canyon bottom, 4400' below the rim below the rim and almost 8 miles along the trail. It's quite a strenuous trip, especially if you try to do it in one day.

Originally Posted by praline3001

When putting the filter on, how do you get it to not fog up the lens on the inside? I have played around with the UV filter I have but every time I put it on I get fog.

Well, when the relative humidity is 9%, it's not too difficult. 8-)

Usually, fog happens when one or more of the elements is at a different temperature than the ambient. In very humid areas, especially in air conditioner season, it can make sense to take the lens, camera, and filters across temperature barriers in sealed ziplock bags and wait for the temperatures to equalize.

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Depending on how much time you have, the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches) and quite a few National Monuments and State Parks are within quite reasonable driving distance, especially of the North Rim. And it might be worth trying out the lottery for a hiking permit to visit The Wave.

[praline3001]

In summer, the sun will rise in the ENE and set in the WNW, so dawn and sunset are good times to shoot. Midday is just about the worst time to shoot, since the sun will be almost directly behind (South Rim) or in front (North Rim) of you.

But being the mom of the group, my alone time is limited. I would love to get the chance to do sunrise or sunset and I am sure I will be able to as the family will all want to see it but I won't be able to concentrate and have alone time to play with stuff as this is a family trip. I know midday will be my best chance of sneaking away for a few hours...

An ND is a good choice for this application. Do realize that most of the waterfalls and rapids are in the canyon bottom, 4400' below the rim below the rim and almost 8 miles along the trail. It's quite a strenuous trip, especially if you try to do it in one day.

My hubby actually signed us up for a rapids trek. As it is a 3 day hike to the location you have the option of hiking it or taking a helicopter to the location. I told him the only way I was going to do rapids is if he got the helicopter version lol I was reading about how tough the terrain is and I did not want to do that with camera and gear especially in the heat of summer. Hubby and the boys are planning a 2 day hike into the canyon on their own, they have the maps, paths, gps "junk" to do it. My daughter and I will be exploring the rims during that time LOL they have a really nice rim day hike I think she wants to do with me. Again, she is 10 so my priority will be her during this time.

I am planning on buying the Canon waterproof camera for the rapids. I live in very rainy, wet area and have been wanting a decent waterproof p&S for family shots. Hubby can take it on his backpacking adventures he goes on as well.

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Depending on how much time you have, the Utah National Parks (Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches) and quite a few National Monuments and State Parks are within quite reasonable driving distance, especially of the North Rim. And it might be worth trying out the lottery for a hiking permit to visit The Wave.

we are planning on going down further into Az, into the Sedona deserts. The family wants to go all the way down to Tombstone and surrounding areas. Its a 2 week trip and 1 week of it will be at GC national park.

[RichardTaylor]

Re fogging up.

It's only happened to me in one location.
Are you going from an air conditioned building/car to a very hot/humid exterior?
If so Doug's suggestion is a good one.

Re the Grand Canyon.

+1 on the polariser. Practice with it.
For the waterfalls etc a ND will be very handy. Keep in mind that for long exposures you will need a tripod..

Also +1 on midday shooting. Only do it if you are really desperate or there are storms about.

If your family are a bunch of sleepy heads let them sleep in and try to be on location well before dawn (at least set up 1/2 hour before). Stay off the red wine so you have a clear head. You will be back in time for breakfast.

Try capture the sunsets and moon rises/sets and shortly after as well.

This tutorial may help - it included a link to a planner as well..

Light #9 - What time of day to shoot?

and this one.

Light #8 - Weather

[praline3001]

I am going to try the ziplock baggie idea. I live in the swamps outside of New Orleans.... we have high humidity year round. In the summer we stay above 90% humidity at all times.

As to the getting up early, the guys are up at 4:30-5am while on trips. They are usually yanking ME out of the bed at 5:30. They missed the memo about vacations being for sleeping in I am pretty sure the plans are to get up super early and get what they want to do done before it gets too hot. As said, we are used to lower elevations (our house is 6 foot under sea level) and super high humidity. Out there the elevation is higher and the heat is really dry. Most days they are planning on a midday break to rest from that dry heat we aren't used to.

thanks for the links! I am going to go read up. Its just all so much at once to absorb LOL I am trying and taking notes and love photography but I feel like I am taking my LSATS at this point =p

[Krusty79]

Since you live in a humid area, you should be aware of lens fungus:

Lens Fungus and How to Avoid It | Digital Camera Maintenance

Since you're going to the Grand Canyon, have you ever tried taking panoramic shots?

8 Guidelines To Taking Panoramic Photos With Any Camera

I also highly recommend the other parks Doug mentioned.