Filters?

[calebk]

I've been seeing the word "filters" around a lot.

What are they and what are their applications?

 

[Robbo73]

Cripes ! Such a good question...where to start?
A few good links for you to follow
http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/neutral-density-and-graduated-nd.html
http://www.photo.net/equipment/filters/digital
Extract...
"So which filters do you need for digital? Well, there are probably 6 main types:
A polarizing filter
A UV filter
A Neutral Density filter
A graduated Neutral Density filter
Filters for Infrared Effects
Special Effect Filters

I put my own personal 3 priorities in bold if it helps. UV is good to protect your nice shiny new lens from scratches if you don't have a large hood for example (and even then it may be worthwhile). The ND-grad and polariser are especially useful (although not exclusively) to landscape pics - a broad generalisation, dun flame me lah. No substitute for reading up on these though and looking at with/without pics. It does also help to have a basic level of understanding of exposure & depth of field though to really get to that "ahhhhh now I get it" moment - aperture/ISO/shutter speed interactions (not sure of your level - sorry).

Brands I've been considering for the screw on type (UV & Circular Polariser) are B&W (very ex) and Hoya (can be more reasonable although there top range is also pricey). You get what you pay for as always. 20SGD to 200SGD+ depending on brand, model and size.
For the ND Grad, you need a special holder and the filter is square or rectangular. Singh Ray, Lee and Tiffen are well known brands there (and Cokin for the filter holders!).

This is only a summary of my own research and experience from several years ago on my old EOS 1000. I'm sure many Csers can offer practical experience if you can't find the explanation you need on those resources above. I found them to be excellent brief introductions.

Cheers

 

[calebk]

Oh man, thanks loads!

Where do I get Hoya Filters? They seem the most reasonably priced. Seeing them on many of my friends' lenses is testimony to that.

Once again, thanks!

 

[Robbo73]

No probs. Once you've had a flick through some of the articles, shout if you have any specific questions - likely CSers can point you to decent resources, old threads or answer directly...

btw - do your research on prices before you go trundling off to Cat*** P*o*o complain: :mad2: ) or other reputable dealers.

List of many price guides on Clubsnap below including filter prices. Some more current than others...
http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=205119

 

[calebk]

I know about the C*t*** P**t* pricing issue.

I guess the best way to tell if a filter fits the lens is to bring it down to the shop right?

Haha.

 

[Robbo73]

Note that you can spend a lot or a little on "Hoya filters". They have several ranges - the top of the tree for digi owners being the Pro 1 Digital which I would imagine would be a couple of hundred SGD for a C-PL.
Then if I remember correctly it goes Pro 1, S-HMC, HMC Ultrathin and so on.
Another link highlighting the differen models (so generous today no?)
http://www.hoya-online.co.uk/list.htm

Cheers

 

[Robbo73]

Note that you can spend a lot or a little on "Hoya filters". They have several ranges - the top of the tree for digi owners being the Pro 1 Digital which I would imagine would be a couple of hundred SGD for a C-PL.
Then if I remember correctly it goes Pro 1, S-HMC, HMC Ultrathin and so on.
Another link highlighting the differen models (so generous today no?)
http://www.hoya-online.co.uk/list.htm

Cheers

You should see a symbol like Ø77 on the rim of the lens which indicates a 77mm thread. Probably best to take your gear down if you can though - very sensible.

Filter sizes for all current Canon lenses below (and yes, I do spend to much time on the web)
http://www.canon.com.sg/index.cfm?fuseaction=digitalcamera&prod_type=lenses

 

[calebk]

Eh? The 350D kit lens doesn't have a filter size on the chart. I won't be buying a new lens so soon so I'll probably be sticking with the kit lens when I buy the kit.

What to do man?

 

[Robbo73]

Sorry dude - didn't realise it was for kit lens ! Stick with hoya S-HMC and it's 58mm. Should be 25 SGD or so...

 

[sehsuan]

There's always a Photoshop filter, too. Just that it comes into effect AFTER the shot has been taken. A glass or gelatin filter works WHEN you are shooting.

 

[calebk]

I also want to get the filter to protect the lens' front element from any itchy hands/fingers, not just for better photog. =)

 

[Artosoft]

I've been seeing the word "filters" around a lot.

What are they and what are their applications?

I use filter as a protector for all my lens(es).

B+W MRC is good filter and easy to clean than Hoya HMC.

Regards,
Arto.

 

[Chiang]

i am also in a dilemna, filter screw seems easier , but ND grad photos looks nicer ,

www.cokin.com recently rearrange their filter layout , the choices are so much , but my funds are so little

ot abit on the pricing info i got from the C$$%% P^&&^^^* group

Cokin P Holder adapter @S$12.00
Cokin P 62 mm ring @S$14.00
Cokin P120 @S$27.00
Cokin P121 @S$27.00
Cokin P121S @S$27.00
Cokin P121L @S$27.00
Only limited stock for item 3 to 6

 

[bent]

u mean the grad ND filter is not round and screw on like the otehrs ar

 

[xiaolanku]

Hi guys,

Since we're on this topic, i would like to ask some questions.
Is it ok to stack a UV and CP filter?.
If i am getting a 12-24mm lens, do i need a different kind of filter?.:dunno:

regards.

 

[Robbo73]

Hi guys,

Since we're on this topic, i would like to ask some questions.
Is it ok to stack a UV and CP filter?.
If i am getting a 12-24mm lens, do i need a different kind of filter?.:dunno:

regards.

If you have decent quality filters there should be no reason why not. As you stack them up, the risk of vignetting (darkenning at corners) becomes greater as well as the need for longer shutter speeds (less light getting through). As always, you get what you pay for...

I recommend you have a read of the following...

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/neutral-density-and-graduated-nd.html

http://www.photo.net/equipment/filters/digital

 

[ortega]

i think he is more concerned about vignetting on his 12-24

 

[bent]

can someone tell me how to use a grad nd filter?

 

[Robbo73]

can someone tell me how to use a grad nd filter?

Have a look at the link in post 16 above - it's quite a good article on grad ND

 

[match80]

Is it really necessary for a polarizing filter for newbies? And what do you guys normally use for "red eyes" effect? :dunno: