Filter for 50mm f/1.4 USM lens [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

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ddjchemist

25th of June 2006 (Sun), 19:17

tracer bullet

25th of June 2006 (Sun), 21:28

I'm pretty much a newbie, so forgive me if this is way off base:

Are you shooting digital?

If so, I don't see how anything other than a UV and a polarizer could be useful. They are the only 2 things I can think of that I'd want to truly alter the light coming through the lens. Everything else seems like it can be done on the computer afterwards. Saves the cost of the filters, keeps you from degrading the original shot, and also makes it such that you can go back and "undo" things if you don't like the result.

Of course if you're shooting film, then disregard all that.

SkipD

26th of June 2006 (Mon), 06:15

What filter should be optimum for 50mm USM lens? I will be using the lens mostly for portraits. However, I am looking for a filter that will also offer a nice deep blue color of the sky. I was considering CPL, but I am not sure if that filter is OK for portrait photography.
Thanks..DanYou don't need ANY filters for portrait work except for possible special effects. You absolutely do not need to leave one filter on a lens all the time.

For portrait work, you might want to get a clear filter and smear Vaseline or something like that around the outside to provide a soft hazy "frame" for the portrait.

For outdoor work, a circular polarizer makes sense at times. It can help to darken blue skies against puffy white clouds. It can help to reduce reflections on glass, water, etc. You would definitely not want to leave a polarizer on the lens all the time because it will cut the available light by 1-1/2 to 2 stops.

Get and use a lens hood. It will do a lot for you. It will help prevent flare due to strong out-of-picture light sources. It will also provide a great amount of mechanical protection for the lens.