Filter advice for USA trip

skysh4rk

skysh4rk

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RJ
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Hi all,

I'll be visiting family Stateside in South Carolina for two weeks in August and I'm wondering if I should consider picking up some filters for my lenses.

At the moment, I don't use any filters, preferring to use the hoods to protect my lenses, but in these different conditions (e.g., beach, sunshine, etc.), I'm wondering if they'll be beneficial in terms of enhancing the image and/or providing additional protection.

I've never used any circular polarising filters before, but I'm wondering if they might be particularly helpful, especially since I'll be at a number of places with water (e.g., pool, ocean, lakes), where there could be reflections, and it's likely to be very sunny.

I plan to be taking a wide variety of different shots and I think I'd like to experiment with some long exposures as well (so perhaps an ND filter?).

Anyhow, I'm still very new to the world of DSLRs, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
CPL - yes. It was on my lenses almost 100% of the time in the S/W USA when we were there last year. ND filters, yes, if you have a tripod and want to get features like milky waterfalls. (Nearly) All other things can be done in post processing....
 
arad85 said:
CPL - yes. It was on my lenses almost 100% of the time in the S/W USA when we were there last year. ND filters, yes, if you have a tripod and want to get features like milky waterfalls. (Nearly) All other things can be done in post processing....
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Cool, thanks for the advice. I'll look to acquire some CPL filters for the lenses.

I've also just had a quick browse around the internet for some ND filters; is it necessary to get a 10 stop filter? Any brand recommendations?

I get the sense that the B & W ones are best, but they're quite the investment. I don't mind paying for nicer filters if I know that I'll use them and that I'll enjoy doing so, but I might prefer something cheaper to experiment with first before making the bigger purchase.

Any way that I can get a feel for ND filters without breaking the bank?
 
I've also just had a quick browse around the internet for some ND filters; is it necessary to get a 10 stop filter? Any brand recommendations?
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You will only really use a ten stop for very long exposures, for blurring the water and such as Andy says.
I would say it is a more specialized filter than day to day for sure.

You would probably find some lighter ND (2 or 4) more use, and definitely some ND grads!

Personally, I would be looking for a used Cokin 85mm kit, cost effective and can be used on a range of lenses with different filter sizes!

You can get a decent used Cokin kit for the same price as 1 B&W!
 
It might be worth buying a single large CPL and some step down rings.

ND grads are more specialist fiters. You should understand what they are and how to use them (and how they effect the image) before you buy.

If you do want the 10 stop, only buy the Hitech or Lee ones. All others give difficult casts for processing (the Hitech & Lee ones are easily correctable in post).
 
If you don't want to invest in a more advanced system I personally think screw in grads are very undervalued. I'v got a 2 stop Tiffen I picked up used last year that I often take with me for casual shooting and I find it supprizingly versatile, very useful for sunsets/rises or shooting into the sun during the day.
 
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