I have no clue about filters..

Is there a specific thread in here or perhaps a tutorial website that'll tell me exactly what the functions of different types of filters are and how I should use it etc... ?

I wouldn't mind this info either...although if you go on google, there is a fair amount of info available. Have you tried doing some research?

One nice thing about shooting digital is that you can replace many filters with software in post processing. Other than a protective UV filter over each lens and perhaps a C. Poliz. there aren't too many filters you need.

For landscapes a Graduated Neutral Density filter can be useful (ND Grad) This stops the sky from being over exposed.

As gasrocks says, most filters can re replicated in PS.

do you guys have a UV filter on all your lenses?

I heard the best filter is the 81A and moose's filter. How true is that. It has something to do about the Kelvin temp on a bright day giving a blue tint to your pics..

can somone elaborate on this.

skimmilk68 wrote in post #2243986
do you guys have a UV filter on all your lenses?

I don't, unless I want some protection from the elements (sand/dust etc.)

There are countless threads on 'filters vs hoods' for lens protection - PLEASE don't start another one PLEASE!!!

kevin_c wrote in post #2244008
There are countless threads on 'filters vs hoods' for lens protection - PLEASE don't start another one PLEASE!!!

Kevin, it's been almost a hour since someone has started a new one. BTW, I don't degrade my lens' IQ with filters either.

gasrocks wrote in post #2243924
One nice thing about shooting digital is that you can replace many filters with software in post processing. Other than a protective UV filter over each lens and perhaps a C. Poliz. there aren't too many filters you need.

For Digital, really the only filter you need is a polarizer - the effect it produces cannot be replicated in post processing. Otherwise, using warming or colored filters in PP is much easier than fooling with them in the field. As well, it will act like a 1-1.5 stop ND filter which is useful if you are shooting in very bright conditions.

If you want to fool with graduated ND, they can be interesting but you can also do the the same thing with the HDR capability in CS2.

As far as buying ANY filter for digital, make sure it is multicoated to reduce reflections and flare. See:

UV and CP Filter tests

I use a UV filter in front of all of my lenses, but then I shoot in some places where there is stuff flying in the air - alpine skiing and yacht racing (snow and spray) also a lot on beaches (sand). So, I'm a UV guy.

I also don't use one on my 300mm f/4 because the lens hood is so deep that the lens is very well protected. I also shoot with it for soccer games often in the late afternoon when flare can be a problem.

In selecting one, I advocate getting the very best. The lenses now days have very high quality glass. It makes no sense to put a lower quality piece of glass in front of them. So, I use B+W filters. They are expensive, but worth it, IMO.

J.

Also, be aware that cheap filters can and will leave artifacts in the final image that you can't get rid of, particularly on the 100-400L IS lens. Cheap filters will leave diagonal lines in the bokeh behind the subject your focused on. You can even see them through the viewfinder once you know what to look for.

I was worried about that when I ordered my CP for the big lens, but it's a Canon brand and works flawlessly. It's also made with extremely high quality workmanship.

jr_senator wrote in post #2244023
Kevin, it's been almost a hour since someone has started a new one. BTW, I don't degrade my lens' IQ with filters either.

TOO LATE!!!!!! What do you mean image degrading