Which filter ?

Hi I just got my new sigma 70-200mm 2.8 hsm II
I am new to filters have no clue which one to get. I plan to take pictures mostly of dogs and nature.

What are you trying to accomplish with a filter? A circular polarizer can deepen the blue sky. A graduated filter can balance the exposure between ground and sky in a landscape. A neutral density filter can make moving water look silky by increasing the exposure time.

mike_d wrote in post #10347111
What are you trying to accomplish with a filter? A circular polarizer can deepen the blue sky. A graduated filter can balance the exposure between ground and sky in a landscape. A neutral density filter can make moving water look silky by increasing the exposure time.

Honestly I have no idea, I thought filters is a must thing to have so if its not going to help the dogs coat colors look better. Should I just get a UV filter ?

I read what the different filters do for landscape I was just wondering do they help with animals and flowers etc..

kerrysroxy wrote in post #10347139
Honestly I have no idea, I thought filters is a must thing to have so if its not going to help the dogs coat colors look better. Should I just get a UV filter ?

I read what the different filters do for landscape I was just wondering do they help with animals and flowers etc..

I don't know of any filter that'll make your dog's coat look better. "Better" is very subjective anyway.

UV filters don't improve the image quality. Many people use them for protection but I found what when I started using functional filters, removing and storing the UV filter become more of a hassle so now I don't use them. I keep one in my bag in case I ever find myself in a situation with stuff spraying around I'd rather keep off my lens but I haven't had occasion to use it yet.

If you do get a UV filter for protection, get the highest quality, most expensive one you can. B+W makes very good ones.

mike_d wrote in post #10347161
I don't know of any filter that'll make your dog's coat look better. "Better" is very subjective anyway.

UV filters don't improve the image quality. Many people use them for protection but I found what when I started using functional filters, removing and storing the UV filter become more of a hassle so now I don't use them. I keep one in my bag in case I ever find myself in a situation with stuff spraying around I'd rather keep off my lens but I haven't had occasion to use it yet.

If you do get a UV filter for protection, get the highest quality, most expensive one you can. B+W makes very good ones.

Thanks Mike !

If the dog has a shiny coat, a polarizer can help cut the reflections so you see the coat instead of glare. At least 50% of all dogs I photograph think the lens needs to be thoroughly investigated, and often cleaned, so a UV filter for protection isn't out of line when you're not using a polarizer. Protective Filter FAQ. I use B+W MRC multicoated both for UV and for polarizers.