Filters

[rpearce12]

What does everyone think about filters? Good? Bad? What kinds are there and is there a polarized filter on the market? That may sound ridiculous, but I've been wondering that b/c almost everything looks better when I'm wearing my sunglasses.

[sapearl]

Hi Richard - I own just 2 filters that I share among my lenses. I move them around as needed.

I have a high quality multicoated UV that I use for general purpose protection when I'm hiking, shooting in inclement weather or feel the front element may be subjected to hazards. I also have a CPL that is on my lens most of the time when I'm doing outdoor work. It will deepen a blue sky, improve saturation and contrast, reduce glare and reflection and generally improve the image.

With filters you get what you pay for. Buy cheap, and either the glass has no coatings (this will increase glare and reduce image quality) few and poor coatings and bad construction. More money = multi-coating and superior construction. Use the search function and you'll find much info on this topic. Here is some suggested reading:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=340906

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=341061

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=338353

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=475722&highlight=polarizer

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=474324&highlight=polarizer

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=477804&highlight=polarizer

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=477240&highlight=polarizer


Hope this helps out. - Stu

[kennykodak]

most folks advise keeping a UV or Haze filter on the lens at all times for insurance to protect the lens. that's fine but i have found that it can soften the image quality on the sides when used with wide angle settings. i carry a star filter for weddings but the same effect can be achieved using a piece of window screen held next to the lens. also that same screen will also cause a softening of focus to reduce wrinkles on vain people.

[sapearl]

I understand what you are saying Kenny, but I don't believe this is an issue when high quality filters are purchased..... at least I've never experienced that with my gear. I agree though about the filter being good cheap lens insurance though.

most folks advise keeping a UV or Haze filter on the lens at all times for insurance to protect the lens. that's fine but i have found that it can soften the image quality on the sides when used with wide angle settings. ......

[rpearce12]

So I think I'm going to buy a CPL filter and a UV filter

For the UV's I was looking at the 2nd and 3rd selection in the link below. Also, the 7th selection. Are these what I should be looking for? I primarily take shots outdoors. Any help is much appreciated.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=112&shs=&at=Size_58mm&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

What about a polarizing filter? And what is a CPL filter and what does it do? Sorry for all of the questions, but I want to make sure I get the right filters.

[sapearl]

We often refer to CPL as a circularl polarizing filter.... pretty much one and the same. See my initial post for what it will do. For some examples, check out my gallery:

http://www.pbase.com/sapearl/cleveland_flats

Now I did do some PP on these, but I started out with a good image thanks to the CPL. Photoshop can only do so much - the initial stuff you have to do with gear, eye, brain and talent :D.

.......What about a polarizing filter? And what is a CPL filter and what does it do? Sorry for all of the questions, but I want to make sure I get the right filters.

[rpearce12]

Those are some beautiful shots. Ok, so I need to get a CPL. Is there a major difference between brands or do they all pretty much do the same thing? Also, will it have any major effects on the pictures i.e. will I need to decrease the shutter speed some because of the darkness of the filter?

Would this be ok?
http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-Photo-Essentials-Filter/dp/B00004ZCKZ
or this?
http://www.amazon.com/Bower-Digital-Resolution-Filter-leash/dp/B000ZHC4PM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1207105373&sr=1-2
last one, i promise
http://www.amazon.com/CANON-REBEL-FILTER-COMBO-HOLDER/dp/B001348KN6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1207105373&sr=1-5

[argyle]

So I think I'm going to buy a CPL filter and a UV filter

For the UV's I was looking at the 2nd and 3rd selection in the link below. Also, the 7th selection. Are these what I should be looking for? I primarily take shots outdoors. Any help is much appreciated.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=112&shs=&at=Size_58mm&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

What about a polarizing filter? And what is a CPL filter and what does it do? Sorry for all of the questions, but I want to make sure I get the right filters.

Try this link for a good read on filters and what they're for...before you start dropping a lot of money on filters:

http://www.bythom.com/filters.htm

[kennykodak]

http://www.shootsmarter.com/?option=com_login&Itemid=54&return=%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task% 3Dview%26id%3D167


you'll have to log-in (give up your email address) but this report and the others are worth it (no cost, no spam). Will Crocket is one of the best and his test of filters and wide angle lenses might surprise you.

i only use B+W filters, and it surprised me when it happened. i shot a group of executives (150 people) with a Hasselblad H3-DII39 and used a Canon 5D as a backup. i know that there's a big difference between 39 mega pixals and 12.8 but the ends of Canon shot were soft (24-70 L). i had the customary UV filter on it and then later read Will's report.

[Lester Wareham]

What does everyone think about filters? Good? Bad? What kinds are there and is there a polarized filter on the market? That may sound ridiculous, but I've been wondering that b/c almost everything looks better when I'm wearing my sunglasses.

You should read the protective filter FAQ linked in my sig below. This is directed at UV/Clear filters but a lot of the quality issues apply to other filters.

[Kuma]

A CPL filter is great to have. I don't always carry one around but I should. I have so many shots that really could have used one.

I don't have a UV filter for my present lenses. I want to pick one up just in case I need that extra protection but in all honesty I'm rarely in a situation where I'd need one. I've just followed the advice from many others on these forums and make sure I have my lens hoods on at all times.

If your looking for a place to buy filters from HVstar is very good. I just picked up a B+W CPL 77mm multicoated filter from them not too long ago. Excellent prices compared to buying in the US.

[Jon]

So I think I'm going to buy a CPL filter and a UV filter

For the UV's I was looking at the 2nd and 3rd selection in the link below. Also, the 7th selection. Are these what I should be looking for? I primarily take shots outdoors. Any help is much appreciated.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&ci=0&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&bhs=t&ci=112&shs=&at=Size_58mm&basicSubmit=Submit+Query

What about a polarizing filter? And what is a CPL filter and what does it do? Sorry for all of the questions, but I want to make sure I get the right filters.YOu want the 7th one; the 2nd one isn't multi-coated, and the third is overkill. And definitely check Lester's Protective Filter FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=368177). I use B+W MRC UV filters on all my lenses.

[ben_r_]

Before you buy any filters, be sure to check out the prices at hvstar.com. I highly recommend B+W MRC filters as do many others here.

[sapearl]

Will is a good guy and I respect his opinion and information a lot. I went to one of his seminars last year and thoroughly enjoyed.

I read his article - quite interesting. It should be noted though that he did his tests with a "mid priced" filter which likely would not be the B+W that you and I use. He was also not using an "L" lens, with no disrespect to the Tamron in the experiment.

I don't disagree with the logic of his test - one has to be careful under what circumstances, and also about the purchase. It would be interesting to see what his views are on circular polarizers.

http://www.shootsmarter.com/?option=com_login&Itemid=54&return=%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task% 3Dview%26id%3D167


you'll have to log-in (give up your email address) but this report and the others are worth it (no cost, no spam). Will Crocket is one of the best and his test of filters and wide angle lenses might surprise you.

i only use B+W filters, and it surprised me when it happened. i shot a group of executives (150 people) with a Hasselblad H3-DII39 and used a Canon 5D as a backup. i know that there's a big difference between 39 mega pixals and 12.8 but the ends of Canon shot were soft (24-70 L). i had the customary UV filter on it and then later read Will's report.

[M5Man]

You should read the protective filter FAQ linked in my sig below. This is directed at UV/Clear filters but a lot of the quality issues apply to other filters.

Lester that looks a good article Im printing off as I type to have a read. ;)

As I was just about to raise a thread about the same thing so many accronyms when you go to buy filters and so many different makes out there its a mind field buying something so simple.

I now a lot of people say why put a cheap piece of glass infront of an expensive lens- but the reason I mainly want it is for protection when out and about.

[Lester Wareham]

Lester that looks a good article Im printing off as I type to have a read. ;)

As I was just about to raise a thread about the same thing so many accronyms when you go to buy filters and so many different makes out there its a mind field buying something so simple.

I now a lot of people say why put a cheap piece of glass infront of an expensive lens- but the reason I mainly want it is for protection when out and about.

Hope you find it useful. To be honest filters are not cheap, at least the good ones. By weight of number of optical surfaces they are probably close to many lenses.

[kennykodak]

Will is a good guy and I respect his opinion and information a lot. I went to one of his seminars last year and thoroughly enjoyed.

I read his article - quite interesting. It should be noted though that he did his tests with a "mid priced" filter which likely would not be the B+W that you and I use. He was also not using an "L" lens, with no disrespect to the Tamron in the experiment.

I don't disagree with the logic of his test - one has to be careful under what circumstances, and also about the purchase. It would be interesting to see what his views are on circular polarizers.

i brought this up because it happened to me, albeit on a back-up shot.
24-70L lens with B+W UV filter. the shot was made at about 28mm on a 5D.
when you have edge-to-edge faces (arranged on a tile line) you can easily notice softness. i do not question the len's sharpness. because of the subject matter, the number of pixels for each face is a strength (looking down from a miranda) f8 @ 100 iso using a bank of Elinchrom lights. center of image out to about an inch from each end on a 10x8 would have been acceptable.

btw. the Hasselblad shot, you could read their nametags. $35K camera though with 112mb raw file.

[sapearl]

Beautiful gear that is - three years ago I considered getting digital backs for my 503CW. But after reading in this forum and talking to other pro's I decided to go the 5D route. Overall it was the most intelligent decision in both the short and long haul.

.....btw. the Hasselblad shot, you could read their nametags. $35K camera though with 112mb raw file.

[kennykodak]

i think that you made the right choice. it's great to go out and shoot a large group billboard quality, but how many times do you get asked to? i have a couple of 5d's for event work, love them. the Hasselblad looks great on a camera stand. now that Polaroid is throwing in the instant film towell, can you imagine how nice passport photos are going to look shot on a blad?

[Lester Wareham]

i brought this up because it happened to me, albeit on a back-up shot.
24-70L lens with B+W UV filter. the shot was made at about 28mm on a 5D.
when you have edge-to-edge faces (arranged on a tile line) you can easily notice softness. i do not question the len's sharpness. because of the subject matter, the number of pixels for each face is a strength (looking down from a miranda) f8 @ 100 iso using a bank of Elinchrom lights. center of image out to about an inch from each end on a 10x8 would have been acceptable.

btw. the Hasselblad shot, you could read their nametags. $35K camera though with 112mb raw file.

Are you saying a filter caused softness.

I have tested this extensively and found no measurable effect on sharpness or AF operation. These tests were done using SRF software to measure sharpness to much finer limits than would be possible by eye with 100% crops.

You can't do this sort of test reliably using comparative shots because AF (or even MF probably) varies significantly from shot-to-shot. The approached I used was a statistical one to remove this effect.

[Photo-FX]

Hello Everyone - I am new to the site, and an amateur photographer.
Iam currently studying for a diploma in photography - my course is very technical and Iam basically starting as a newbie and am a little lost to say the least.

I was hoping I could get some advice on a photo shoot:

what type of filter would you reccomend using for a magazine front cover photo shoot. It will be taken outdoors, close up of the models head with hair and makeup, noting that the weather is overcast.

Thank you so much for any advice.
Cheers,
;)

[sapearl]

Welcome to POTN - as long as you have good even light and there is no glare, probably no filter at all. I don't see that any would enhance the picture under these conditions.

[SkipD]

I agree with Stuart - NO filter.

[Photo-FX]

Thank you SO much for your advice.
I was leaning towars the orange filters to enhance skin tone and create a warmer glow, but was having doubts. Thanks for giving me perspective and NOT to go with it.
:lol:

[sapearl]

You're welcome Photo - glad we could help :D.

Back in the days of b/w film, I would say yes to filter use.... some would use green to enhance skin tone one way or another, etc. But with digital, if you are looking to warm up or cool down the image, you can easily do that to the RAW file in seconds with ACR in a non-destructive manner.

Thank you SO much for your advice.
I was leaning towars the orange filters to enhance skin tone and create a warmer glow, but was having doubts. Thanks for giving me perspective and NOT to go with it.
:lol: