Filters and post processing

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Dan1502

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Dan
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Hi, I'm a newbie, hence posting my questions here. I am interested in landscape photography and am trying to decide whether to buy some ND filters (graduated but I may also try non-graduated). I realise the graduated filters are for coping with shooting in bright light to even up the exposure between land and sky and that non-graduated are to create long exposure shots of water, sky etc.

I have also bought a polarizing filter (high quality second hand).

I am also aware of but have not tried HDR.

My concern is that HDR can often look over done though I would like to try it. Some of the ND shots can also look over done too though.

What I really want to know is what can be done in post processing and what can only be done with a filter or filters? Can anyone point me in the direction of decent step by step guides for beginners for ND filters and HDR?
Where should I start in terms of a good range of filters without spending a fortune (one for the equipment section I guess)? Any other tips appreciated as I don't know what I don't know to ask if you know what I mean.
 
You can probably do the same with a filter that you can with many hours sitting post processing. It depends if you want to be able to take the photograph so that it is how you want it, in camera (with maybe a touch of PP after to correct minor flaws). Or sit, for what IMO, is a large number of hours pixel spotting, in front of a computer to try and recreate something that you can do with a couple of filters...

For PP you can take two exposures (Sky + foreground) and blend them so that they are both perfectly exposed. Which can be achieved by slapping a filter on the lens...
 
I think I would prefer the filter option as although I'm ok with photoshop I prefer to only do minor tinkering. I guess I now need to decide which filters to look out for. I will be using 11-16 and 17-55 f2.8 lenses, both of which are 77mm. Should I go for the square type with adapter or the screw on type? I'm guessing the main advantage of the square type is that it's quick to slot different ones in and out. What would be a reasonable selection to start with?
 
Hi

I've just recently gone into the world of filters, and I bought a set of Cokin P filters because of the cheap price, and you get what you pay for. The Cokin filters are well known for giving a red colour cast in your images, and in hindsight, I am thinking I should have invested in some of the more expensive Lee filters because I know I will definitely quickly grow out of these and want to upgrade. I think I will keep them so that I get a good feel and understanding of how to use filters in general, but seems the quailty is not there.

I've heard people say Hitech filters are a good alternative to Lee, and are cheaper. B+W are also recommended but expensive also I think.

I'd say, if you want to get some cheap ones to try them out, get the Cokin P set, but if you want ones that will last you a long time and won't replace, invest in the more expensive brands.

A set of Lee filters with holders/adapter rings etc, will probably set you back a good £200 though.
 
Thanks, this helps. The polarising filter I am expecting to be delivered tomorrow is a good one (I think) - a Hoya Pro HD which I picked up new at a very good price albeit still not cheap.

I think I will go for high quality straight away but will probably build them up rather than buy a full set in one go as I've already bought three lenses recently (and also sold my kit lens).

Which particular specifications would be good for starters?
 
I have a Hoya Circular Polariser screw on, although not the HD one, the standard one does its job very well for me so far.

As for ND Grads and ND filters, you are probably more wise to go straight for the Lee ones, otherwise you will probably feel exactly how I am feeling right now, little disappointed. And although I got 3 ND Grads, a standard holder, a wide angle holder and a 77mm adapter ring for £60, it kind of feels like £60 wasted on cheap stuff.

If you will only buy one, it is recommended to get the 0.6 Hard ND Grad, as it is the middle one and probably used more in most situations. This is a good starting point, likewise with the ND non grad filters. Although for very long exposures in sunlight, you will have to get a 10-stop ND filter.

From what I've seen online, Lee ND Grads/NDs cost around £52 each, the 10-stop ND filter costs about £80. You will need a wide angle holder if you plan on using it on a wide angle lens, which will be about £20, and the wide angle adapter ring will probably be around another £10-20?

If I was going to buy again now, I would probably just get the holder+adapter ring + 0.6 Hard ND Grad as a starter kit which will set you back about £100 in total, and maybe an ND filter too at a later date if you want to use long exposures.
 
I've just been looking at the Hitech website so have a better idea now. It looks like I would need a wideangle adapter and 77mm ring and would have to decide whether to go for 85mm or 100mm filters. I would also need to decide between a holder that holds one, two or three filters and I'm not sure if I could use my polariser with the holder in front of that or not.

Then I would need to decide on whether to get soft of hard graduated filters. The website seems to suggest only to use hard filters for long lenses and as I intend to use them with my 11-16 and 17-55, wouldn't soft be better?

I would probably also buy a non-graduated filter too. Very complicated this and expensive if the wrong choices are made.

I should probably copy all this to the equipment section but are Hitech comparable to Lee and the same with B&H?
 
I'm no filter expert as I've only just delved into all of this myself, but from what I've gathered, Lee is the brand most professionals go for and highly regarded. B&W and Singh Ray are also in the same type of league. The Hitech brand is a cheaper alternative but I'm not sure on how they compare to those other brands.

As for Hard and Soft.......I'm not sure either but I've read many articles that recommend getting the 0.6 Hard Grad as a starting point. I think it depends on what you will be mostly shooting also, for example if you will be shooting coastal areas with very long exposures, then the 10-stop ND filter is probably essential.
 
I looked at Sing Ray filters and to say they are expensive is an understatement. It wouldn't take many to be at the point of being able to buy a second hand L Series lens!

I think I'll ask on the equipment forum re Hitech filters as they're certainly not cheap but a bit cheaper than the others mentioned and I guess as long as I get the same size holder I could mix and match anyway.

I guess re hard and soft, it might also depend if the horizon is fairly flat otherwise mountains, buildings etc could look a bit weird.

Edited to say I just read someone slate the Hitech 10 stop ND filter.
 
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