Filters I can't live without.

If you can't aford a good CPL, just wait until you can.

What's a good CPL?

Are UV filters okay to have on always? (Mainly lens protection?)

Most people like B+W CPL filters.
Hoya is also good, but personally I like B+W better.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Circular_Polar​izing.html
This is a top notch piece of filter.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …76-REG/B_W_66_044842.html
Pretty dang good filter

You get what you pay for.

Cheers, thanks for the links.

This forum is costing me money! I have just purchased two filters in the last few days and it is all this forum's fault! I looked at the pics created by using ND 10 stop filters and I just had to have one myself. Today I read the posts in this thread and realised that I really must have a GND, so I bought one *grin*
Any tips on how to rob banks, folks?
W

Personally I think a CPL, several ND filters, and a good GND filter set are musts. I have shot in some pretty gruesome environments so for me a UV (ie protective filter) is a must. I think it is a very personal thing though what filers you actually want. Look at the effect each will have and go from there.

Woofess wrote in post #10651492
This forum is costing me money! I have just purchased two filters in the last few days and it is all this forum's fault! I looked at the pics created by using ND 10 stop filters and I just had to have one myself. Today I read the posts in this thread and realised that I really must have a GND, so I bought one *grin*
Any tips on how to rob banks, folks?
W

Hahaha. Nice one, Woofess.

hollis_f wrote in post #10646089
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.
  

Great guide, Skip. Really helpfull for me to decide what filters are a must in one's bag.

rklepper wrote in post #10651598
Personally I think a CPL, several ND filters, and a good GND filter set are musts. I have shot in some pretty gruesome environments so for me a UV (ie protective filter) is a must. I think it is a very personal thing though what filers you actually want. Look at the effect each will have and go from there.

I do have UV filters on all my lenses, as it tends to be dusty here in our country

and being tropical, I am almost always near beaches also

Hogloff wrote in post #10650638
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.

Got it.

I was just thinking of having 1 UV filter (for protection) for all my lenses and 1 ND and 1 CPL since all my lenses are of the same diameter. Sounds right?

Just looking into shooting conditions where I don't want the hassle of changing filters whenever I change my lenses too.

Can you leave a UV filter on the lens all the time?

apcaw wrote in post #10651826
Can you leave a UV filter on the lens all the time?

yes.. specially a good one its clear...

apcaw wrote in post #10651826
Can you leave a UV filter on the lens all the time?

You can, but it's not a good idea. Even the very best so-called 'protective' filters will cause noticeable image degradation under some conditions. Any time there's a chance of flare you should remove the filter.

apcaw wrote in post #10651826
Can you leave a UV filter on the lens all the time?

If you want to use a polarizing filter, for example, and you normally use a UV filter on your lenses, you should remove the UV filter first. In other words, DO NOT stack filters unless the effect you are looking for requires multiple filters. Stacking filters is asking for a reduction in image quality.

As said above, blindly leaving any filter on a lens is also asking for a reduction in image quality. Even the best quality multicoated UV filter will cause image quality problems under some conditions.

Jill-of-all-Trades wrote in post #10650555
LOVE IT!!

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

I have multiple CPLs in my most common filter sizes (58 and 77 mm) since I find it a real bother switching filters whenever I switch lenses.

apcaw wrote in post #10651824
Got it.

I was just thinking of having 1 UV filter (for protection) for all my lenses and 1 ND and 1 CPL since all my lenses are of the same diameter. Sounds right?

Just looking into shooting conditions where I don't want the hassle of changing filters whenever I change my lenses too.

You can work with just one of each kind. If, however, you want a UV as protection againsst wind-blown debris or other hazards you'll be much better off with several - if conditions are hazardous enough you want something covering your lens, do you really want to go uncovering it when you're changing lenses?

apcaw wrote in post #10651826
Can you leave a UV filter on the lens all the time?

I do. Just make sure it's a good quality one. I haven't yet experienced a repeatable case of image degradation from my B+W MRC filters that wasn't just as much of a problem with no filter at all on the lens. Note: "All the time" means "All the time I'm not using some other filter on the lens."