Have I got all I need / are filters really necessary?

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Glass Books

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Name
Sunni
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I'll be going to Norway in August, to do some landscape/nature/birds/anything else photography and I'm trying to sort our what I'll need to bring. Having only bought my first camera in late March, I've got no experience whatsoever in this, so any help is appreciated!

So far, I've got:

My camera! :D
Kit lens, zoom lens and wide lens
Tripod
Remote shutter release

I've got a couple of books on landscape photography and they keep talking about filters; ND grad, polarising, etc. Is this really necessary these days when it seems this can be done in Photoshop? I'd love some thoughts from you experienced people on which you think is best or if you still find them necessary.

Am I missing something equipment wise?

Here's some pictures of where I'm going - none taken by myself:

The island you can see here is where I'm from, it's called Sula.
375191.jpg


A place called Giske, not far from Sula:
image003.jpg


This is a place called Runde, again not far away. A lot of birds here, especially Puffins.
3341445059_7a18a7359e.jpg
 
The filter issue is still one that confuses me as most filters can be replicated, I know a CPL cannot be replicated in PS.

Hopefully someone else will chime in
 
From my experiences in Northern Norway, a CPL and a soft grad would improve your shots no end.

Bob
 
i personally think ND grads are a must have in landscape photography, my results have dramtically improved since using them, not sure you can replicate the same look using photoshop unless taking hours to do it.

I love my nd grads, 100% makes a difference.
 
Philx1979 said:
i personally think ND grads are a must have in landscape photography, my results have dramtically improved since using them, not sure you can replicate the same look using photoshop unless taking hours to do it.

I love my nd grads, 100% makes a difference.
Click to expand...

You can replicate it exactly in seconds with 2 exposures and one graduated layer mask.
That said, because I like to shoot film for landscapes and stuff, I tend to use filters.
 
In seconds? you must be good then. I think most people would be like myself and prefer to get it right in camera and spend less time tweaking in photoshop.
 
Can't speak for Norway but from my experience in Iceland I would suggest that you at least looked at a good Circular Polariser and if possible ND grad - something like 0.6 soft and hard.

Lee filters publish a good book - about £10 - which gives some real world examples of filtered images and the technical as to how they were achieved. The same principle would apply to any filter range not just Lee.

From the images you posted here here it looks a fabulous country for landscape shots so please post some here on your return.
 
Hi Sunni,

Another thing to consider is that batteries will drain a lot quicker in very cold weather. Either take spares or make sure you keep them warm in your pocket etc until needed.

A circular polariser will help and can be had for a reasonable price .... Or can be expensive if you want to buy a good one.

A set of nd grads + holder may cost a bit more than you are willing to spend if it is just for the holiday. Will be cheaper and as good to just to bracket a series of shots and work on them on the pc.
 
Thank you everyone!

I will have a look at those filters mentioned and the prices, but as Hypnotic says it may turn out to be too expensive - at least until I know if I really want to go for landscape photography! At least I now know that I can achieve roughly the same with some exposure bracketing and photoshop - thanks again :)

This is turning into such an expensive hobby, but fun! :lol:
 
I was in Norway / Sweden last June, a circular polariser will make a huge difference. If your lenses are all different thread sizes then just get one (the srew on type are most convenient) - I would suggest you get one to fit your kit lens.

ND grads are a great help, but they can be replicated PP by taking two shots and combining them - so not essential.

A full ND filter is also very useful for creative landscapes where you want slow speeds and the light is still bright - can't be reproduced PP.

I would suggest getting a cokin P holder and rings to suit your wide and kit lenses - not too expensive. And get a 2 stop grad and a 2 stop full ND.
 
hypnotic said:
....Another thing to consider is that batteries will drain a lot quicker in very cold weather.....
Click to expand...

I've never experienced any battery life issues when over there. Northern Norway in mid-summer is generally equal to or warmer than the UK....the days are longer (more warming up time) and the nights shorter (less cooling down time).

Bob
 
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