Silver Efex alternatives

I downloaded the trial for Silver Efex Pro, and I really like it. That being said, are there any alternatives that do a decent job? I don't mind spending the $200 if there is nothing close out there, but I figured it was worth a shot to see what others were using. Need something compatible with OS X as well.

I have been using ononesoftware.com Perfect B&W. So far I am very happy with it.

You can do it all in photoshop if you make the effort.

Clark wrote in post #15399317
I have been using ononesoftware.com Perfect B&W. So far I am very happy with it.

Thanks. I'll look into it.

neil_r wrote in post #15399347
You can do it all in photoshop if you make the effort.

I have Lightroom. You can do conversions in there too, but Silver Efex greatly reduces the time it takes to process the files, and the conversions always come out nicer.

Silver Efex is indeed very good, one other alternative on the same level as Nik's offering is Alien Skin Exposure 4, which also costs $200, but simulates color films as well, so it's kind of a 2-in-1. You might want to try their demo out too, I personally love some of the punch their color filters can add to your image, even if you don't add stuff like grain.

A big advantage of plugs like these is that you can manipulate a variety of effects simultaneously and see how they interact right away. I'm sure it can be done in PS, but it would require a number of non-related steps and you don't get a preview till you're done, so you needs good idea of what you're doing.

Actually you should take a look at the one Topaz offers. 1/4 the price and it looks ver good.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1259124

+1 for Perfect B+W

Here are seven ways to get it done in Photoshop - http://photo.tutsplus.​com …op-conversion-techniques/ and some ways to get it done in Lightroom - http://digital-photography-school.com …ptions-in-adobe-lightroom.

Hope this helps.

Personally, I use Nik's software. The price is worth not having to hassle with PS or LR and I think that with their Control Point technology, you have a lot more degrees of freedom in how you do your "conversion". My opinion, FWIW.

WesternGuy

Is the Topaz B&W a standalone software because I only have LR4 not photoshop?

I'm not sure. I have other Topaz products that are plugins but in photoshop only. I have not tried to set them up a as a plugins with LR yet. I don't realIy use plugins in LR, just presets. I can't see not being able to do so this day and age. Hopefully someone can answer that one.

Topaz B&W can be used with both Lightroom and Photoshop. I use it with both programs. To use Topaz B&W in Lightroom you will need to download Topaz Fusion Express from Topaz's website. It is a free download. After downloading and installing, you will need to configure Fusion Express as your external editor in Lightroom.

I hope this helps.

Earthdead wrote in post #15401873
Topaz B&W can be used with both Lightroom and Photoshop. I use it with both programs. To use Topaz B&W in Lightroom you will need to download Topaz Fusion Express from Topaz's website. It is a free download. After downloading and installing, you will need to configure Fusion Express as your external editor in Lightroom.

I hope this helps.

Thanks!

DXO Film Pack 3:

http://mobile.dxo.com …pack/what_is_dx​o_filmpack

It is used as a stand-alone or plug-in for PS, LR. In addition to emulation of color and B&W filmstock and grain, you can do all of the filtering, toning, etc. adjustments. The "Expert" edition is $99US now.

kirk

I have been using this since about 2006. It does not have all the fancy pants options that Sliver Effects, Topaz and others offer. They never existed back then. It has provided me with every good B&W control for many years so I keep using it. I have looked at Topaz but have not budged on it yet. Even though it is well priced I'm concerned it may become a novelty. I have some effects packages that I have not used in years. Mind you B&W is in its own category.

http://powerretouche.c​om …hite_plugin_tut​orial.html