Official Automotive Rigs - DIY Thread

VisualEchos wrote in post #12594838
Hope you didn't spend much on your lens...

Not quite sure what you mean by that. First of all, no I haven't spent much on lenses, but cheap doesn't always equal crap (that, and I get some good deals). The same applies to most of my filters which I've had no problems with. Secondly I rarely use a polariser, so although it would seem that I've taken the cheap route it's economical for me.

The Ran wrote in post #12594892
Not quite sure what you mean by that. First of all, no I haven't spent much on lenses, but cheap doesn't always equal crap (that, and I get some good deals). The same applies to most of my filters which I've had no problems with. Secondly I rarely use a polariser, so although it would seem that I've taken the cheap route it's economical for me.

With filters, in my experience at least, cheap = crap.

Decent CPL's should be around $100 and a really good CPL would be around the $150+ mark. (wallet damage cold be more depending on lens filter size)

Generally, if you spend a decent amount on your lens, you obviously don't want a cheapo filter going on it that could not only reduce IQ but possibly damage your lens. This is something you can only learn the hard way if you decide not to take the advice of folks who have 'been there, done that'.

tman2782 wrote in post #12595725
With filters, in my experience at least, cheap = crap.

Decent CPL's should be around $100 and a really good CPL would be around the $150+ mark. (wallet damage cold be more depending on lens filter size)

Generally, if you spend a decent amount on your lens, you obviously don't want a cheapo filter going on it that could not only reduce IQ but possibly damage your lens. This is something you can only learn the hard way if you decide not to take the advice of folks who have 'been there, done that'.

This.

Well I've never had a problem with my cheap filters. Besides, it's not as if I've got some ****ty UV filter on there all the time.

Too bad that one is so tight, it's pretty damn cool.

TonyHuntimerRaceHome wrote in post #12444881
Here's 2 outtake images from my magazine shoot with my first day with my home-made rig. I duplicated the AutomotiveRigs.com rig with donated materials and tig welding. I bought about $30 worth of hardware.

For those of you asking how I mounted my rig to this Camaro, I put together this little page on my website: http://racehome.com/ph​otorig.htm

Here's a couple of pictures:

VisualEchos wrote in post #12590480
There is no use shooting an automobile in any day circumstance without a CPL, as it's the only thing that gives you control over reflections.

You can shot without a cpl and you can get some pretty results pleasing the owner of a car too. Shure a cpl is quite a big advantage but I still don't have one. Furthermore, you can eliminate reflections without a cpl.

Maddix wrote in post #12602815
You can shot without a cpl and you can get some pretty results pleasing the owner of a car too. Shure a cpl is quite a big advantage but I still don't have one. Furthermore, you can eliminate reflections without a cpl.

I didn't say it wasn't possible, it's definitely possible, just not probable. The point is that it's unprofessional to not use a CPL because you can't guarantee your control over the reflections without it.

If I win the lotto, I'm buying you ALL a damn B+W CPL!!!

TonyHuntimerRaceHome wrote in post #12601459
For those of you asking how I mounted my rig to this Camaro, I put together this little page on my website: http://racehome.com/ph​otorig.htm

Wow... awesome DIY!! And very clever stabilizer by using a monopod. Thank you much for sharing.

VisualEchos wrote in post #12602923
I didn't say it wasn't possible, it's definitely possible, just not probable. The point is that it's unprofessional to not use a CPL because you can't guarantee your control over the reflections without it.

+999.... CPL result is something you cannot duplicate in post. Phunky Phong's shot would be much cleaner if he had used CPL to dial down the sky reflection.

Yea I need to get one. Just don't wanna waste the money getting it for my kit lens. Haha. I'll definitely get one when I pick up a wide angle

The cool thing is that once you get several pro lenses, most all of them use 77mm filters, so you only have to buy one. Secondly, if you have a smaller one, like my 35 1.4, which takes a 67mm, you just get a stepper-ring for $10 and you can still use the bigger filter!

VisualEchos wrote in post #12607124
The cool thing is that once you get several pro lenses, most all of them use 77mm filters, so you only have to buy one. Secondly, if you have a smaller one, like my 35 1.4, which takes a 67mm, you just get a stepper-ring for $10 and you can still use the bigger filter!

I agree and it is a great plan... What to do about the lack of a lens hood?