Are coloured filters any use?

[DimensionZero]

So I did a search and couldn't find any info or comments on using coloured filters on a dSLR...

I'm thinking about getting a Yellow and a Red (and if I understand correctly, to bring out the blue skies and sunsets respectively) along with a circular polarizer..

Any thoughts on this?

Also, has anyone heard of Quantaray? Yey or nay?

Thanks guys!

[SkipD]

There is not a single reason that I can think of to use colored filters on a DSLR. Colored filters are used to change contrast between various elements of the subject when shooting with black and white film. You can do everything in software now, and to a much more controllable degree.

Don't even think of Quantaray (a "non-brand") for filters. Quantaray is a private-label name for Ritz Camera (and at least one other store name) and is applied to cheap stuff made by who-knows-who. That stuff may be acceptable for somebody who doesn't have a clue about photography, but nobody who cares about quality should even consider it.

[ddelallata]

SkipD is right, but a good quality circular polarizer is a good investment.

[SkipD]

SkipD is right, but a good quality circular polarizer is a good investment.I overlooked the polarizer in the original post - that is definitely something I would recommend, but a good quality one for sure (multicoated is a definite requirement).

[GSHodg]

Definately should have a circular polariser.

I still use Graduated neutral density filters too to help especially landscapes - to balance bright skies and darker ground areas. What do poeple think about ND filters nowadays?? Could/Should I be doing that in PS?

I overlooked the polarizer in the original post - that is definitely something I would recommend, but a good quality one for sure (multicoated is a definite requirement).

[Scottes]

Definately should have a circular polariser.

I still use Graduated neutral density filters too to help especially landscapes - to balance bright skies and darker ground areas. What do poeple think about ND filters nowadays?? Could/Should I be doing that in PS?
The effect from circular polarizers can't be duplicated in PS. ND grads can be done by "cheating" such as taking multiple exposures and blending them. (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/blended_exposures.shtml) and this may even be desired when there's an uneven border between the light & dark parts of the scene. Pure ND filters - when one wants longer shutter speeds - also can't be duplicated in PS. A CPL will add a couple stops and a smaller aperture will add more stops, but these may not be desired or might not be enough.

[DimensionZero]

ah... thanks everyone, this has helped me greatly!!

A friend of mine was going to check out Ritz Camera so I figured I might pick up a few things, but since it seems I don't need the coloured filters, I'll just get a circular polarizer from a store up here.

Thanks again! :)

[SkipD]

ah... thanks everyone, this has helped me greatly!!

A friend of mine was going to check out Ritz Camera so I figured I might pick up a few things, but since it seems I don't need the coloured filters, I'll just get a circular polarizer from a store up here.

Thanks again! :)DON'T go to Ritz to get the filters. Their stuff (Quantaray) is, shall we say, less than stellar. Get a good name brand such as Hoya (there are others, but that's my favorite).

[neil_r]

I used to use yellow and red filters, but that was only when using Black and White film (do you remember that stuff).

N

[lostdoggy]

DON'T go to Ritz to get the filters. Their stuff (Quantaray) is, shall we say, less than stellar. Get a good name brand such as Hoya (there are others, but that's my favorite).

Actually the high end Quantaray is made by hoya for Quantaray denoted w/ DMC it is equivalent to the HOYA HMC. If you ever get a chance to go to a Ritz store you'll see the filter demo w/ 3 Dimes just like Hoya's. They also have Quantaray by Cokin as well. Ritz also carrys Sunpak Filters. If you check out the site you'll see that one of the filter is made by Marumi Japan.

I'm fortunate enough to have Adorama & B&H near me that I can get practicly any filter brand I want.

[DimensionZero]

hmm, this also brings up another point.
I don't remember where I found it, but there was a site that compared all the different brands of poloarizers and stuff and I seemed to have lost it.

Does anyone here have it? Or maybe something similar?

I'm curious how much difference there is between the major brands.

Thanks!

[Scottes]

This isn't a comparison of filter brands, but I wrote this in response to someone else asking if brand matters:
The reasons to buy good filters are pretty much the same as the reasons to buy good glass:

Good filters are neutral in color and won't add a color cast to your picture.

Good filters are well-shaped or more perfectly flat. They won't add distortions to your pictures.

Good filters have coatings that will allow more light to pass through, and/or reduce reflections. They will greatly lessen the chances of flare or glare or reflections in your final image. (Note, look for Multi-Coated lenses. Considering the same brand and size the more money you pay just about always goes toward the coatings, and every coating has a purpose. All of those purposes are geared towards lessening the bad light and increasing the quality of good light that hits your sensor/film.)

Good filters have better things about their build. Perhaps thicker frames, perhaps better threads, better knurling, perhaps better anti-reflective paint. (I recently had to get a step-up ring and B&H and Adorama were out of the $7 General Brand rings I normally buy. I went local and had to buy a $20 B&W ring. It was quite a difference from the Generals in all the above points.)

Good filters clean more easily. Last week I spent an hour cleaning 4 Hoya lenses, cursing and swearing the whole time because I could not get them clean. I tried 3 different cleaning solutions, 2 different wipes, 2 different microfiber cloths. I went to the camera store and bought $37 worth of cleaning supplies - all different - in order to find the best way to clean my lenses and filter. Well today I saw a message stating that Hoyas are notoriously difficult to clean, and B&W is better. I don't know if that's completely true, yet, but my next filter will be a B&W.


The more you pay the better the coatings, the better the frame, the better the glass, the better the anti-reflective paint, the better the knurling, the better the light and less glare, flare, and reflections.

So buy the best you can afford.

[DimensionZero]

Thanks Scottes, that was very helpful!