what kind of filter

[bahayphillips]

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering what kind of filter should I invest in for shots during bright days?

I know that best shooting times are early morning or late afternoon to dusk...so any tips would be so appreciated.

If you would like to see some of my work, let me know.

Peace,
Irene

[jim greer]

Neutral Density Filter. It's like puting sunglasses on your lens

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by bahayphillips

Hi Everyone,
I was wondering what kind of filter should I invest in for shots during bright days?

I know that best shooting times are early morning or late afternoon to dusk...so any tips would be so appreciated.

If you would like to see some of my work, let me know.

Peace,
Irene

Filters are a tool just like your camera. What effect do you want to achieve?

[Sime]

I use an nd .3

Sime

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Sime™

I use an nd .3

Sime

Why don't you just increase your shutter 1/3 of a stop?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Why don't you just increase your shutter 1/3 of a stop?

ND .3 is a full stop.

• ND.3 = 1 stop
• ND.6 = 2 stops
• ND.9 = 3 stops
• ND 1.2 = 4 stops
• ND 1.8 = 6 stops
• ND 3.0 = 10 stops
• ND 4.0 = 13 2/3 stops
• ND 6.0 = 20 stops

You'll have a hard time finding above a 3.0. I've yet to see a 6.0

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

ND .3 is a full stop.

• ND.3 = 1 stop
• ND.6 = 2 stops
• ND.9 = 3 stops
• ND 1.2 = 4 stops
• ND 1.8 = 6 stops
• ND 3.0 = 10 stops
• ND 4.0 = 13 2/3 stops
• ND 6.0 = 20 stops

You'll have a hard time finding above a 3.0. I've yet to see a 6.0

Okay, why don't you increase your shutter 1 full stop then?

My point is, why is the OP asking for a filter for taking pictures in daylight? What does he/she want to achieve by the purchase of a filter? An nd filter is great but only if you use it to achieve a result you are after. If the OP doesn't like mid-day sun, because of the harsh shadows created on a person, an nd filter isn't going to do anything for that. What they want to achieve will effect the what filters or other photographic equiptment is recommended (at least I hope we have photogs here that are intelligent enough to not just say, "you need to have an nd filter otherwise you won't get good pictures"). As I said before, they are all tools. You have to have a vision of what you want to create first in order to know what you need to complete the job.

[Sime]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

Okay, why don't you increase your shutter 1 full stop then?

...?

I didn't answer the question, I merely pointed out that I use a .3ND - Is that OK with everyone?

Good.

If you want to use a filter to achieve a certain goal, go right ahead - there will be for and against arguments with some one saying that they totally stuff your photos and others saying that they can't live without them...

If you don't have a particular reason for using a filter and you can avoid harsh mid day light, unless you want harsh shadows, then why not try shoot without a filter first?

[jim greer]

They help you to chose to use slower shutter speeds in direct sun light. To help to show movement. Like waterfalls to get that smoky silky look. There was a time I could have used it. I for one don't own one. But it's on the list. I'll try first ND.8x & then take it from there. They ain't cheap though.

[RichardTaylor]

"I was wondering what kind of filter should I invest in for shots during bright days?"

As others have said ND filters will help increase your exposure time, helps with capturing motion.
May also help you shoot at wider apertures to reduce your DOF and help balance fill in flash by giving your more control over aperture if your flash sync speed is limited. .


Polarising filters may reduce reflections and depending on the direction of the sun help saturate skies.

Here is an example where I have used one to deepn the colours of the sky.
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