Advice on filters

sjc1919

sjc1919

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Name
Stuart
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Hello

I am looking to purchase a set of filters for my 7d. I have 2 lenses I will be using, the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and Canon EF-S 55-250mm. I am looking for an ND Grad filter and polarizing filters mainly (and any suggestions). Budget of about £150ish but don't mind spending more to future proof myself (as much as poss)

Thanks in advance

:thinking:
 
What do you shoot most? For landscapes a CPL is really a must. ND grad filters are useful, but not essential. It depends whether you prefer getting everything right in camera or are happy doing some post processing. A 2 stop ND grad is a nice compromise, unless you are prepared to spend a lot on them. There are 2 types, soft and hard and they come in 1, 2 and 3 stops, so you could get 6 if you wanted! I prefer the PP route as I can capture 2 shots in quick succession and sometimes that is important when the light is changing rapidly. Also, when shooting scenes where the horizon is undulating, the transition can be visible.
If you like shooting water and the blurry effect then a ND filter can be handy.
If you go for screw-in filters, get one to fit the largest lens and a step-up ring as that can save money. I wouldn't recommend screw-in for ND grads though.
HTH
 
Hello, thanks for the the reply. I will mainly be shooting landscapes/waterfalls/animals with them. I am happy with PP (though my skills need improving).

Is there much difference between makes? Any recommendations?

:)
 
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If you're happy PPing then save some money for now and buy a CPL and maybe a 2 or 3 stop ND filter. See how things go and then consider ND grads at a later date. Look at B&W and Hoya, but make sure you get the multi coated varieties.
Not sure with B&W, but Hoya are Pro-1 Digital filters.
 
CPL - hoya pro1, Bw, sigma ex should be all good. Look for bargain on ebay (avoiding fakes). Funny enough I rarely use mine.

ND grads - 0.9 hard (or reverse) + 0.9 soft. 0.6 hard may be also good. Anything else has too weak effect, may as well do it in LR or PS. Get 100mm Lee or Hitech holder with appropriate wideangle adapter for your lenses.

ND - screw in ones from Hoya or BW are good.
 
To a certain extent you can use film speed as an ND filter, and some cameras have them built in. NOT a graduated one, but allover ND filters.

Slow your film speed down and you get the same effect. When you run out of film speed, then you have to start blocking light by other means!
 
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