What filter is best for waterfalls and creeks?

argyle wrote in post #10677634
I carry several...a 3, 6, and 10, plus some very good polarizers. I also use a Singh-Ray Vari-N-Duo, which is variable ND from 2-8 stops, plus a built-in polarizer for another 2 stops. I'm not trying to change your mind on the 10, just that I wouldn't recommend it as the sole filter. But near the coast in bright daylight, and what you're trying to achieve, the 10-stop (and probably a stacked polarizer to kill glare) would be a benefit under those conditions.

I understand
Well, there is only one way to find out is to try it out and see what I can do with it
Vari-N-Duo is a pretty cool filter, would like to just get one of those, but I noticed it was a little out of my price range, haha

I would probably get a 3 next and see what I need from there. Not really sure since DSLR is all new to me.

You mentioned Polarizers. You have more then one? there is different types that I might want to link into?

would suggest variable ND....not purchasing a stack of dedicated ones. You can get commerical ones from Singray or Fader. You can also create your own by putting a linear polarizer in front of the CPL. You need to spin the linear filter without spinning the CPL. You can find sites that tell you have to stack and use them. There are also sites that will tell you how to take apart a CPL to make a VND. I would never try that with a nice expensive CPL like a BW Kaisemann unit.

SimpleJack wrote in post #10677689
I understand
Well, there is only one way to find out is to try it out and see what I can do with it
Vari-N-Duo is a pretty cool filter, would like to just get one of those, but I noticed it was a little out of my price range, haha

I would probably get a 3 next and see what I need from there. Not really sure since DSLR is all new to me.

You mentioned Polarizers. You have more then one? there is different types that I might want to link into?

My base polarizer is a B+W Kaesemann MRC. I also have a few from Singh-Ray that I use in certain circumstances, plus a Lee 4x4 that I use with GNDs and a holder. Since you're starting out, I'd recommend that you just pick up a good, high-quality base polarizer such as the B+W Kaesemann (the S-R's are more of a specialty polarizer) and work from there. But whatever you do, stay away from the $10 polarizers on ebay...

The Vari-N-Duo does seem expensive, but when you factor in the cost of multiple high-quality ND filters and a polarizer (77mm size) the S-R actually prices out less than the price of the combined separate filters. In practical use, it does have some issues that could crop up, depending on the focal length chosen and the ND strength. I use the thin mount version...vignettes up to about 24-25mm on a FF camera (the filter is 14mm thick). Also, if you go beyond the max ND density (8-stops), an x-pattern will appear. At 35mm and longer, the x-pattern is no longer an issue. If you can work around the focal length limitations, its a great filter with no color cast and the IQ is simply outstanding. TBH, stacking 2 ND filters will be thinner than the S-R. As long as you are using quality filters when stacking, you shouldn't have any IQ issues to worry about from the filters (just need to be mindful of vignetting).

Last but not least...do yourself a favor and avoid the DIY variable ND filters and welding glass...strange color casts, color balance issues, just not really worth the time and hassle (unless you enjoy a lot of computer time). Stick to high quality filters to start with and your photography will be more enjoyable.

Thanks for the info
I already ordered a Marumi DHG Super Polarizer since it was in my price range of $40 shipped but much more at other websites, and after reading about the testing they did along with about 15 others, this was the top 1 and 3 out of two types of test.
I got one of my CPL filters in the mail today. I got it with a Lenspen w/ cleaning kit and a CPL filter all for $22 shipped, lol.. I figure I might as well just get it to see what it looks like since it was only cost me like $8 more with the filter.
I will do a test on it once i get my better filter in the mail next week and compare the two images and see if people can tell the difference. haha

The thing that worries me the most is being stuck with a filter that leaves me with colors tones that are hard to get rid of. I won't mess around with the DIY stuff. Nothing irritates me more then a bad picture right out of the camera..

So filters that say this:
Specifications:
ND2 Filter
Material: High-quality Plexiglas
Size: 58mm
Bad idea?

How do you know when you need another type of CPL and how do you know what you are going to be getting?
When I look on website sample images on what the filter does, why are they so small and poor quality images that look like they where taken with a cell phone camera with built in color affects.. Shouldn't they use high quality professional photos to advertise their filter?

I'm very interested in HDR Photography, I may try to get water flow in HDR.

While I'm shopping around for lens filters, is there any other lens filter I might want to look into besides a UV filter?

Sorry for all the question, I just want to get couple filters on hand for the type of picture I wanna take and learn from there

If you want to shoot landscapes and want good pictures right out of camera as you say I recommend a set of ND grads. I´ve got a set of LEE soft ND grads and use them a lot, but you might want to use HDR when you see the price, you can get cheaper makes but they have a strange color cast.
http://www.leefilters.​com …/show/ref:C4761​03939BDD6/
http://www.leefilters.​com …packs/ref:P47A9​C932631F0/

The Vari-N-Duo is an awesome awesome filter. I sold a regular thickness one off in the search for a thin mount. Missed it while it was gone.

Those seem to be some real quality filters, little out of my price range though, but I'm sure they would be worth it.
If I had a more expensive camera or more experience, I would probably go for the more higher end filters, but since it's just a 500D I will just get the medium range lens filters.
Or if I'm able to start making some money with my photos, haha.. then I would be more interested in spending more.

Today I just ordered
B+W 58mm ND 3.0-1000x #110 Neutral Density Filter
B + W 58mm 58 mm UV Haze MRC Coated F-Pro Filter

Probably need to get a couple more ND filter once I see what I need once out in the field

Three ND filters from B+W will cost me about $130, so that's not too bad.
I really keep thinking about that Vari-N-Duo.. maybe after a while, I will just sell my ND filters and get one..

Well, things to keep in mind. The Vari-N-Duo is a few filters in one. It's a CPL. On top of that, it's got the ability to be an ND from 2 to 8 stops.

It is expensive though. They are the best. Unfortunately, like most things in photography, you get what you pay for. Want the best, you have to pay a premium. And for you, you'd also have to buy a 58 - 77mm step up ring since it's only available in 77mm.

Yea but the biggest con to the Vari-N-Duo is how thick it is and the vignetting you get anywhere wider than 28mm on a full frame. That would pretty much kill half the focal length range of a 17-40 or 16-35 which are common landscape lenses. For the price they want for it and not being able to use it wider than 28mm, I dont think its really worth it if youre looking to shoot a lot of ultra wide angle.

I would go the filter holder route if you want to be able to use the entire focal length of your wide angle lens.

Just got my +W 58mm ND 3.0-1000x #110 Neutral Density Filter and wow that is a dark filter I can barely see the TV threw it 3 feet away.

How am I suppose to set the focus and all that if I can't see? haha..?

You have two options. I don't know a thing about your camera body, but I'm guessing that you have Live View? If so, its easy. Determine your aperture and set the camera to Manual mode, lens to MF. Attach the filter, and switch to LV (your camera should see through the filter in LV mode...my 5D2 does). Once in In LV, focus manually, then just simply adjust the shutter speed dial until the meter on the LCD zeroes out. You're done. One caveat...if the meter won't zero out, it most likely means that you'll need to be in bulb mode (but in bright light along the coast, this shouldn't even come up). Basically, when using a 10-stop filter, if the 'unfiltered' shutter speed is at 1/30-sec or slower, you will need to be in bulb mode after attaching the filter.

If you don't have LV, you'll need to meter and focus the scene in Manual mode, then attach the filter and back off the corresponding 10-stops on the SS dial. After focusing the scene, move the lens switch from AF to MF before attaching the filter. If your camera is set to 1/3-stop for each click of the SS dial, just back off 30 clicks after attaching the filter. Again, just be mindful of bulb mode if your light isn't very good.

ahh ok thanks.
When I was first messing with it I was in the house and trying to look at the lights and TV and wasn't seeing it, but the outdoor light shines threw.

I think a magnifier would be very helpful for the view finder is these darker situations..
Not sure what BULB mode is since it only left me shutter open for like 1 second when I selected it, but i haven't gotten that far in the instruction book yet
So much to learn and I get impatient and just wanna take pictures ha!
Been living with point and shoot cameras for so long, it's hard not to just take the camera and run out and "try" to take good pictures.

It's about 95 degrees outside, so I tested the filter out on the sun just to see how dark this filter can go and got a nice picture of a yellow spot with 99% black sky around it.

SimpleJack wrote in post #10727390
ahh ok thanks.
When I was first messing with it I was in the house and trying to look at the lights and TV and wasn't seeing it, but the outdoor light shines threw.

I think a magnifier would be very helpful for the view finder is these darker situations..
Not sure what BULB mode is since it only left me shutter open for like 1 second when I selected it, but i haven't gotten that far in the instruction book yet
So much to learn and I get impatient and just wanna take pictures ha!
Been living with point and shoot cameras for so long, it's hard not to just take the camera and run out and "try" to take good pictures.

It's about 95 degrees outside, so I tested the filter out on the sun just to see how dark this filter can go and got a nice picture of a yellow spot with 99% black sky around it.

That's a "cool" day for us Texans...we're in a string of 15 straight days of 100+ degrees...

That's too much hot weather, I been in the house all day. Taking pictures of the sun for a couple minutes, I had to run back in the house after that