Newbie needs filter advice

[queenbee288]

I have the camera and a couple of lenses. Now I guess I need filters but I am confused by all the offerings available. What basic filters do I need. What is the difference between UV filters, circular polarizers, neutral density ect. I don't want anything fancy. Just the basics for now.

Also, I bought my 50mm 1.8 II used and it came with a UV filter and hood. The filter looks smeared no matter how much I clean it. I am using lens cleaner and cloth on it. Is this normal?

Thanks,

Char

[AcuraFan]

here's couple of links giving a description of what they are,
uv, sky, or haze filters (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/%7Eshene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/filter-UV.html)
polarizers (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/%7Eshene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/polarizer.html)
graduated ND filters (http://www.cs.mtu.edu/%7Eshene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/filter-ND.html)

i would start with the basic non-coated filters if you're on budget, then save up for the more better multicoated filters later. also it helps if most of your lens are same mm diameter - then you just need to buy one for the group.

regarding 50mm cleaning, i just use warm water and a car microfiber towel. when it dries, i don't see anything.

[mdr]

UV and Sky filters are merely for protecting your lens. It's cheaper to scratch and replace a filter than to end up with a scratched lens.

As for any other filters. Do you really need them? Or is it just a gimmick?

With a digital camera, the only filter you really need is a circular polariser, as this is the only filter whose effect cannot be generated on the computer. Go for the round screw in type, with the Hoya Pro1 ptobably the best one you can get. Go for a square system which utilises a filter holder and screw in lens adaptors if you intend to use a lot of different systems. Circular polarisers are quite expensive, so buy one for your lens with the largest filter thread and buy stepping rings to use this one on your other lenses.

The only other filters that I would recommend in addition to the polariser are natural density graduates. They compensate between foregrounds and skies, avoiding a too dark foreground or a too light sky. Go for a square system, with Cokin P probably being the most commonly used, although if you can afford it, Lee Filters is the professional's choice.

You can create the grad effect on the computer, but you require two differently exposed photos of the subject.

[Deckyon]

I used to be a filter junky. When I had my older G3 and filter adapter (58mm) I had about 15 different effect/color filters and the same amount in Cokin (A Series). Since moving up to lenses with a 77mm diameter, it got a bit expensive. I now have a UV filter on all of my lenses, and one cir pol. While I can use all my 58 mm filters on my 50mm lens, I have yet to. I also just ordered an enhancing filter as well. My next purchase of filter will be an ND graduated filter.

All my filters now are 77mm B+W. Great filters, excellent quality.

BTW, ALWAYS BUY Multicoated filters. It will be better in the long run...

[queenbee288]

Thanks, that was very helpful.

Char