Filters I can't live without.

For the all-around photographer, what are the necessary filters he/ she must have?

I am currently looking into purchasing some filters but have already a UV and a ND. Does one need to have additional filter types besides the 2 I just mentioned?

Get yourself a good, high-quality circular polarizer...very versatile filter, and you'll probably get more use out of it than an ND filter.

argyle wrote in post #10645943
Get yourself a good, high-quality circular polarizer...very versatile filter, and you'll probably get more use out of it than an ND filter.

+1. I'd also recommend not to skimp on a quality filter. I never understand when people spend thousands of dollars on a lens then put a subpar piece of glass over it.

UV filters are absolutly not what I would call necessary unless you intend to shoot in a sandstorm or driving rain.

ND filters are very special items that few photographers find much use for. Basically they are used to allow slower shutter speeds in brighter lighting situations.

Graduated neutral density filters (usually square or rectangular and used with a filter holder accessory) are generally used to allow exposure control of different areas of a scene such as a sunset. The darker portion of the filter would help prevent overexposure of the sky while the area below the horizon can be exposed more.

A polarizing filter can help darken blue skies and allow the camera to "see through" reflections on non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, paint, etc.

Yup, what Skip said.

In order of usefulness -

• CP - Can be used to enhance an image in a way that's totally impossible with software.
  
• GND - Has an effect that can be replicated in software, but never with equally good results.
  
• ND - Specialised uses where a very slow shutter speed is required in bright scenes.
  
• Special Effect Filters - things like Star filters - Can often be replicated in software (if you should ever be sad enough to want to).
  
• Coloured filters - Can normally be replicated easily in software.
  
• UV/so-called 'Protective' Filters - Can easily be replicated by using the 'Blur' and 'Lens Flare' tools in Photoshop.
  

Thanks for the tips.

So it seems having a CPL is a must eh?

My next question is, if you have 3 lenses, does it mean you have to have 3 CPLs too? Another way of putting it is, do you leave your filters on all your lenses all the time?

How many CPLs, ND, UV do I really need to buy if I have 3 lenses and all of them have the same diameter.

CPLs are must.

Have 1 for each ring size... ie, 77mm, 82mm ,72mm.

hollis_f wrote in post #10646089

UV/so-called 'Protective' Filters - Can easily be replicated by using the 'Blur' and 'Lens Flare' tools in Photoshop.
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LOVE IT!!

I have one CPL for each lens diameter. They are easy enough to switch back and forth.

apcaw wrote in post #10650525
Thanks for the tips.

So it seems having a CPL is a must eh?

My next question is, if you have 3 lenses, does it mean you have to have 3 CPLs too? Another way of putting it is, do you leave your filters on all your lenses all the time?

How many CPLs, ND, UV do I really need to buy if I have 3 lenses and all of them have the same diameter.

You just need to buy 1 filter, especially in your case where all your lenses have the same filter size. You can also buy setup / step down rings that allow you to use the same filter on different lenses that have different filter sizes.

hollis_f wrote in post #10646089
...

• UV/so-called 'Protective' Filters - Can easily be replicated by using the 'Blur' and 'Lens Flare' tools in Photoshop.

What Skip said -

apcaw wrote in post #10650525
My next question is, if you have 3 lenses, does it mean you have to have 3 CPLs too? Another way of putting it is, do you leave your filters on all your lenses all the time?

You don't want to leave the polarizer on the lens all the time because it is dark (think sunglasses). I almost always have it on when I'm shooting outdoors in daylight but remove it under any other conditions.

Filters that I can't live without are GND and Solid ND... I love to do landscapes more than anything else

haven't used a CPL so far yet...I still can't afford them as of now. and I don't know if I really need them except for water reflections

monk3y wrote in post #10650906
and I don't know if I really need them except for water reflections

Plants often have water on the leaves. Clouds are water. Odds are good that you need a CPL.

krb wrote in post #10650916
Plants often have water on the leaves. Clouds are water. Odds are good that you need a CPL.

aw ok thanks, haven't thought about that.. however, I'll just pretend I did not read what you said as I still can't afford a good quality CPL as of now

I just got myself a hitech 100x100 solid ND 1.2.