Using filters

[Boozy]

Hello all,

I've bought some filters (UV, CPL and FLD) does anyone have any tips on using them? I'm pretty new to the hobby so any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[K12beano]

Using a digital camera? or with film?


Have a read of this: http://bythom.com/filters.htm



You'll get a few different reactions around these parts.

I agree with Thom Hogan - use them sparingly, why put another piece of glass in-between your lovely lens and the big wide world! Can't see the point in UV myself; take care when using a polariser on a wide lens for the sky.....et cetera, et cetera

[GetCarter]

/\ What he said.

[RobDickinson]

UV does nothing for digital cameras (unless you own a leica m8 lolz).

CPL is very handy to use but you need to know when to use it , cant just leave it on.

Whats the other one FLD?

[Simpo Two]

RobDickinson said:

Whats the other one FLD?

Colour correction apparently: http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00...


OP, in the nicest possible way, try to buy stuff you actually need

[K12beano]

Simpo Two said:

OP, in the nicest possible way, try to buy stuff you actually need

Doh! Completely against the unwritten spirit of this forum! "Pistonheads: We Love Spending Other People's Money On Stuff"


(Mind, you are right!)

[Boozy]

K12beano said:

Simpo Two said:

OP, in the nicest possible way, try to buy stuff you actually need

Doh! Completely against the unwritten spirit of this forum! "Pistonheads: We Love Spending Other People's Money On Stuff"


(Mind, you are right!)

To be fair they were dirt cheap here (US) on Amazon and I thought why not, I'll enjoy playing with them, thanks for the advice though! (they're going onto a digital SLR by the way.)

[Simpo Two]

K12beano said:

Doh! Completely against the unwritten spirit of this forum! "Pistonheads: We Love Spending Other People's Money On Stuff"

Hmm, the man has a point. How about: 'The filters will work much better on a Nikon D4'?

[DIW35]

Boozy said:

To be fair they were dirt cheap here (US) on Amazon and I thought why not, I'll enjoy playing with them, thanks for the advice though! (they're going onto a digital SLR by the way.)

The problem with 'dirt cheap' filters is that they usually introduce more problems than they solve due to low quality optical characteristics. As has already been said, it's usually best to buy a filter once you've identified an actual need for one, and then to buy the best quality you can afford.

[tim-b]

DIW35 said:

The problem with 'dirt cheap' filters is that they usually introduce more problems than they solve due to low quality optical characteristics. As has already been said, it's usually best to buy a filter once you've identified an actual need for one, and then to buy the best quality you can afford.

At the same time it's also nice to experiment.....unless you try things out you won't find anything new...

[Matt..]

I use a skylight or UV filter when i need to protect the lens (it is required to weather seal it). I primarily shoot travel and landscape, so make extensive use of ND grads, polarisers, and a 10stop ND.

You will know when you need filters though... and most people don't need them!


The following video shows what UV filters do on a digital camera: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e9TUIC-Dtk