Filter Confusion

Hi,

I am still a novice and currently shoot pictures with Canon 50mm 1.8 and Canon 18-55mm kit lens. If I want to take scenic pictures such as mountain-view or ocean or cityscape, which filter do I use to preserve contrast and color. Do I get a UV filter or a circular polarizer? The pictures I have taken in the past have faded colors and hazy feel to them. Please help.

For digital the uv filter doesnt really do anything other than serve as a protective cover for your lens. Digital sensors are not subject to EV haze like film was. A circular polarizer will help cut certain kinds of haze, as it eliminates reflections on water and glass so that can help clear out some atmospheric haze. But given your description you probably may have more issues than a filter can solve. Work on nailing your exposures, dont shoot in the middle of the day (hard shadows and higher dynamic range than your camera can record) and dont shoot directly into the sun.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11289809
For digital the uv filter doesnt really do anything other than serve as a protective cover for your lens. Digital sensors are not subject to EV haze like film was. A circular polarizer will help cut certain kinds of haze, as it eliminates reflections on water and glass so that can help clear out some atmospheric haze. But given your description you probably may have more issues than a filter can solve. Work on nailing your exposures, dont shoot in the middle of the day (hard shadows and higher dynamic range than your camera can record) and dont shoot directly into the sun.

I've checked the histograms of these pictures and they show correct exposure. It's just that the pictures seem foggy and don't make the mountains stand out as much.

Per your suggestion, however, I will go for a circular polarizer. Thank you.

circular polarizer and graduated neutral density filters are normal for landscape photographers.
As gonzolgolf said sounds like you have other issues.

nepali wrote in post #11289827
I've checked the histograms of these pictures and they show correct exposure. It's just that the pictures seem foggy and don't make the mountains stand out as much.

A histogram will tell you if your exposure is correct, but not if the light is any good.

nepali wrote in post #11289827
I've checked the histograms of these pictures and they show correct exposure. It's just that the pictures seem foggy and don't make the mountains stand out as much.

Per your suggestion, however, I will go for a circular polarizer. Thank you.

Make sure that your lenses are clean. Second, if you are shooting in midday and your subject is quite a distance away, atmospheric effects (airborne dirt, dust, moisture particles, etc) can contribute to a hazy image. A polarizer can cut through the haze somewhat, but it won't eliminate it entirely. If at all possible, try shooting during the best lighting conditions and avoid the harsh midday light if you can.

Sounds good guys. I will try all of these methods as well as invest in a circular polarizer. Thank you.

Faded colors and hazy feel can often be fixed in post processing. Adding some contrast and saturation can do wonders.

Posting a picture or two could help diagnose the problems.

richarddd, I will try that. Thanks!

One more question for you guys! If I get a 52mm to 58mm step-up ring and buy a 58mm Circular Polarizer to go with my 18-55mm lens, I will be able to use the same filter with the step-up ring on my 50mm 1.8 with no problem, right?

nepali wrote in post #11297132
richarddd, I will try that. Thanks!

One more question for you guys! If I get a 52mm to 58mm step-up ring and buy a 58mm Circular Polarizer to go with my 18-55mm lens, I will be able to use the same filter with the step-up ring on my 50mm 1.8 with no problem, right?

Yes, it will work fine, except you wont be able to use the lens cap for that lens while the filter is mounted.

gonzogolf wrote in post #11298279
Yes, it will work fine, except you wont be able to use the lens cap for that lens while the filter is mounted.

Cool, thank you!

gonzogolf wrote in post #11298279
Yes, it will work fine, except you wont be able to use the lens cap for that lens while the filter is mounted.

Or the hood for that matter.

Yep, circular polarizer and ensure you aren't getting any flare.

Also, try exposing for the different parts of the scene - sky, mountains, foreground and look at how each of the portions are affected. You can then start to think about using Neutral Density filters if the dynamic range is too wide.