Filters for beginners

[Xenedis]

Check out the vari-ND from Singh-Ray

I'm aware of that one, but unfortunately for me, it only comes in the 77mm size.

My lens has an 82mm filter thread diameter.

Besides which, I prefer creative filter systems over screw-in types. More flexibility, and they can be used with other lenses when paired with a suitable inexpensive adapter ring.

[Jimbo]

Besides which, I prefer creative filter systems over screw-in types. More flexibility, and they can be used with other lenses when paired with a suitable inexpensive adapter ring.

Amen to that. I like my B+W110, but I always screw it in, then realise I need to compose the shot and focus first... and THEN screw in the filter

But it's a PITA notwithstanding my absentmindedness - every time I want to try a different shot, framing, composition etc, I need to screw it off, recompose, then screw it in again.

It'd be really nice to have a Lee Big Stopper and just slip it in/slip it out whenever I felt like it. I might sell the screw in one once I get around to getting myself some GNDs...

[Chinook]

Xenedis, Thank you very much for putting that all together. It is all beginning to make sense. :-)

[TOM]

i highly recommend a yellow, green, and a red filter for black and white, but if you're a beginner, just forget about the filters for a while.

[Xenedis]

i highly recommend a yellow, green, and a red filter for black and white, but if you're a beginner, just forget about the filters for a while.

Not necessary if you're doing digital capture; those filters can be easily applied in post-processing.

[DND]

whats that sort of set up worth Xenedis ?

[Xenedis]

whats that sort of set up worth Xenedis ?

Which setup?

[DND]

creative filter systems

[Xenedis]

creative filter systems

I have the Lee filter system, which is quite pricey.

My initial purchase consisted of the filter holder, an ultra-wide adapter (to fit my UWA lens), a three-stop grad and a two-stop grad. I paid around $AUD 380 at the time.

I later purchased two three-stop ND filters, and those came to around $280.

Very expensive plastic!

A much more affordable alternative is the Cokin creative filter system. There are claims of magenta colour casts, and I've seen the results, but I've also experienced magenta casts with a combination of my Lee filters stacked.

I'm not really sure what causes this, but what I can say is that it doesn't happen consistently. I shot with three filters stacked the other night and didn't have issues with colour casts. Perhaps the colour of the light has a lot to do with it. I really don't know.

[DND]

I was on the Cokin site today looking at the A series
But by the look of that I'll just stick with the old screw-in ones till I know what I'm doing

I had a quick look at the vari-ND filter that looks like a good Idea

[Xenedis]

I had a quick look at the vari-ND filter that looks like a good Idea

It certainly has the great advantage of having many stops of light reduction in a single filter, but the disadvantages are not insignificant to me:

1. it's not available in 82mm size;
2. you may need to remove the filter to focus and then re-attach it (annoying); and
3. it cannot realistically be stacked with other filters such as grads or polarisers.

You can screw a creative filter system's adapter ring into the front of the Vari-ND's thread, but with a wide lens you'll experience vignetting. I've stacked my Lee system on top of my 82mm screw-mount ND8 and it vigniettes noticeably even when stopped down to f/8 or f/11.

[Mircula]

Great thread. Thank you for all the information!

I am going to travel soon and planning on doing some landscape shots and waterfalls etc...especially in new zealand.

Have to think about what the most useful filters to take are....

I guess i will take a cpl and a 3 stop nd. That should be ok to start of with.

Ciao,

Mirc