How to start a Filter Collection?

[fireplug]

I know noting about filters, and I have read many reviews on them, but if I were to start a collection on them, anyone recommend a brand and different kinds I should buy? I want to know what good quality filters are, oppose to the cheaper made ones.

I also see some that twist on the lens, and others that are square and sit outside of the lens...?

I'm all sorts of confused. O.o

[argyle]

How to start? One at a time...good ones can get expensive.

First, get yourself a good circular polarizer (B+W or Hoya are both very good). This is probably the most versatile filter that you could own. Many uses, and its effects cannot be duplicated in Photoshop. The other two filters that are suited for digital photography are the neutral density (ND) and graduated neutral density (GND). Most other filters, including some of the 'gimmicky' ones can be duped in Photoshop.

ND: Used to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor. For portraits, it will allow the use of a wide aperture for shallow DOF in bright conditions. In landscape shooting, the ND will allow longer shutter speeds in order to achieve a creative effect (silky water, etc). Can be either threaded or square format.

GND: Typically used in landscape shooting to balance the exposure between a dimly lit foreground and brighter sky. These are available in threaded to rectangular formats as well, however, the threaded ones are basically useless since the position of the gradation line cannot be adjusted without changing your composition. The best choice here is the rectangular type. Popular brands include Cokin (not so great), Hitech, Lee, and Singh-Ray. IMO, for a beginner starting out, the best bet would be Hitech...somewhat inexpensive, but a very good filter nonetheless.

[ed rader]

I know noting about filters, and I have read many reviews on them, but if I were to start a collection on them, anyone recommend a brand and different kinds I should buy? I want to know what good quality filters are, oppose to the cheaper made ones.

I also see some that twist on the lens, and others that are square and sit outside of the lens...?

I'm all sorts of confused. O.o

start with what you need now. if you use protective filters use good multi coated filters made by hoya, B+W or kenko. check the pricing at maxsaver, which is about as competitive as it gets. and i mean prices can vary by more than 100%.

the only filter that is a must-have, imo, if you don't use protective filters is a circular polarizer.

don't try to get or understand everything all at once or your head might explode :D.

ed rader

[rklepper]

->HERE (http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Filter-Techniques-Digital-Photographers/dp/1584281960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258846722&sr=8-1)<- is a pretty good read on the subject.