Filters for UWA

[tatarmfresh]

I am moving to Seattle for the next year or so for work, so I am preparing my camera bag for city shooting. I am going to get a Sigma 10-20 the old one, with variable f/stops. I was wondering what people recommend for filters on this camera when walking around if any. I want to see Lee filter mount with hitech filters 0.6 soft and 0.9 hard for landscapes. But I am wondering about the walking down the street shots. Any information or help would be greatly appreciated.

[Tsmith]

I'd opt to go with a good multicoated Circular Polarizer. B+W and Hoya are popular brands and the ultra thin versions aren't needed with that lens.

[Hogloff]

I'd opt to go with a good multicoated Circular Polarizer. B+W and Hoya are popular brands and the ultra thin versions aren't needed with that lens.

You have to be careful with polarizers and wide angles as at the extreme wide angles, the polarization effects vary across the image, making the photo look phony.

[GoneTomorrow]

You have to be careful with polarizers and wide angles as at the extreme wide angles, the polarization effects vary across the image, making the photo look phony.

Agree with this, my CPL really makes the skies look awful and patchy at 10-12mm or so, but it's a little better at longer focal lengths. Honestly, because of this, I don't use it for landscapes anymore or when I have a lot of clear sky in the shot. Also consider a wide CPL to minimize vignetting from the filter.

[Naturally Aspirated]

so would a graduated neutral density filter be better in this case?

[Tsmith]

You have to be careful with polarizers and wide angles as at the extreme wide angles, the polarization effects vary across the image, making the photo look phony.

I've taken many a photo at 10mm with my Canon EF-S lens and don't have an issue with the "the polarization effects vary across the image" that would force me to quit using it. Its often times ones inability to use it at full polarization that causes this effect to take place, along with time of day and angle you are shooting at.

Agree with this, my CPL really makes the skies look awful and patchy at 10-12mm or so, but it's a little better at longer focal lengths. Honestly, because of this, I don't use it for landscapes anymore or when I have a lot of clear sky in the shot. Also consider a wide CPL to minimize vignetting from the filter.

As posted above the wide angle thin filters are not necessary on these lens.

Example at 10mm using a B+W 77mm F-Pro Kaeseman Circular Polarizer

http://www.pbase.com/smith_xt/image/101227493/original.jpg

[Hogloff]

I've taken many a photo at 10mm with my Canon EF-S lens and don't have an issue with the "the polarization effects vary across the image" that would force me to quit using it. Its often times ones inability to use it at full polarization that causes this effect to take place, along with time of day and angle you are shooting at.



I didn't say it was impossible to take good photos with wide angle lenses and a polarizer. I said you have to be careful as the results surely can get weird with the ultra wides. I use a 17-40 on a 5d for landscapes all the time with a polarizer... but there are many conditions under which I leave the filter in the bag as I know the results would be disappointing.