For questions pertaining to photographic filters, which are usually glass or plastic accessories that are either screwed onto the lens or otherwise added in the optical path.
7
votes
3answers
481 views
How to tell if a polarizing filter is too damaged?
I dropped my CPL onto some rocks and it's a bit scratched up. There's no obvious effect in a (very cursory) look at the photos, but are there tests I can do to see if the damage has a visible effect?
4
votes
3answers
928 views
Where can I buy sets of Lee ND filters?
I am looking to buy some more Lee ND filters, particularly ND's, but also some Coral's for sunset shots. I'd like to buy whole sets if possible (they usually sell .3, .6, and .9 sets for ND and Coral ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
What filters are commonly used in photographing the moon with a DSLR at night without a telescope?
All my, very limited, experience photographing the moon has been through small telescopes with low resolution mono-chrome cameras. Limited in that I prefer deep space objects with large scopes at very ...
9
votes
2answers
876 views
Putting the red back into underwater photographs
I've just come back from the Red Sea and took my camera along on most of my dives. I do have an external strobe, but for most of the shots the light was so strong that the camera didn't fire it. The ...
9
votes
2answers
391 views
What filter should be used to lengthen exposure?
I would like to take long exposure shots in the day, but I just can't imagine how to do it because even fireworks (night shot) exposed for more than five seconds are too bright.
I did some research, ...
3
votes
3answers
229 views
Protective case for one filter
I carry around one 72mm filter (a CPL), and I'm looking for a good, small case to protect it, one that I can put in my pocket.
What I'm envisioning is hard plastic with a foam insert for the filter. ...
14
votes
5answers
3k views
What should I look for in a polarising filter?
I am wanting to invest in a polarising filter for my camera (a Canon T2i/550D). What sort of things should I be looking for? What differentiates a good polariser from a bad one? Are there any brands ...
12
votes
4answers
3k views
How do Cokin and Lee filter systems compare to each other?
Is there any material difference between Cokin and Lee filter systems?
I'm looking for a limited range of filters - ND, Grad ND and Polariser - for use with a Sigma 10-20 Wide angle lens on a Nikon ...
14
votes
6answers
633 views
What types of filter cannot be emulated by post-processing?
What types of filter cannot be successfully emulated by digital post-processing?
Polarizing, obviously. and neutral density for depth-of-field control.
But what about UV filters? and are there other ...
18
votes
4answers
928 views
What types of filters are there and what's their use?
I have basic idea of what a filter is and what it is used for. I would like to know what are the different types of filters are available and if possible would love to have the following questions ...
16
votes
4answers
1k views
ND filter or exposure compensation?
I was at the camera shop a few weeks ago looking for a neutral density filter, so I could play around with long exposure shots without overexposing.
The guy at the camera shop told me I didn't need a ...
35
votes
9answers
2k views
What is the best way to clean lenses and filters?
After removing dust with an air pomp and a brush, what are you using to remove stains from the lens and filters?
So far I'm using the liquid from a Giotto's CL 1002 cleaning kit for the lens, but I'm ...
15
votes
7answers
5k views
Is a UV filter better for lens protection than a protector filter?
I'm usually very good at getting water/finger marks on lens, so I must use something for protection. Is there any downside of using an UV filter instead of a protector filter?
Example: Hoya HD ...
23
votes
3answers
620 views
What is the difference between a linear and a circular polarizer?
When I bought my polarizer, a friend told me that I should get a circular one, because the linear ones can mess with the autofocus. Is this true? What should each be used for?
6
votes
1answer
163 views
Does anyone make filters thin enough for a Voigtländer Bessa III?
Do you know of any manufacturer that makes filters thin enough so that the can stay on the Voigtländer Bessa III even when folded? I would need yellow, red and polarising filter.
5
votes
3answers
5k views
Which filter is the more generally useful: Skylight 1A or Skylight 1B?
I'm looking to buy a Skylight filter leave permanently attached to a lens for the primary purpose of protecting it. I don't really understand the difference between Skylight 1A and Skylight 1B ...
28
votes
5answers
2k views
In which situations should I use my circular polarizing filter?
I received a circular polarizing filter as a gift, but I have a hard time determining when I should be using it.
I've done river shots with some success, but other than that, it doesn't seem to do ...
36
votes
7answers
3k views
Are there reasons to use colour filters with digital cameras?
Digital photos can have colour filters applied after the fact by software, so are there any good reasons to use colour filters with a digital camera? As I understand it, the main reason for them ...
13
votes
2answers
1k views
Which suits better for hobby usage: extension tubes vs. close-up filter?
I am looking to do a little macro work, but am not ready to invest in a macro lens. For hobby work like photographing flowers and such would it be better to invest in a set of extension tubes or in a ...
34
votes
13answers
2k views
11
votes
4answers
299 views
What are your preferred filters for certain subjects?
I know that filters have in common a protective aspect. Beyond that, which filter type would you use for certain shots? e.g. Sunsets, waterfalls, daylight...Any case where you would change filters!
I ...
21
votes
8answers
1k views
What ND filter would you recommend?
I'm thinking about getting an neutral density filter to shoot some silky waterfalls and smooths waves on the beach.
What would you recommend in terms of:
1. Brand - quality, durability, price
2. ...
7
votes
1answer
589 views
What is the highest quality graduated neutral density filter?
I've been trying to find a Lee .9 Hard stop GND since November. Really, November of '09. Adorama, b&h, amazon were all out. I finally found one on amazon through a third party in the beginning ...
50
votes
10answers
3k views
Are there any downsides to using a good-quality UV filter?
Are there any real downsides to using a UV filter?
I know that a poor quality UV filter can effect image quality ... but, assuming I use a good quality UV filter, will that actually be an issue? Is ...
