Which ND filters

[Justin1971]

I'm looking at getting some ND filters (mainly for landscape photography) for a Canon 600D. I've seen this kit on amazon which for £24 seems a good price to start off, do you think it's a good inexpensive kit to start with?

I don't want to spend large sums of money to start with. Also, what is a decent UV filter - again relatively cheap with good results?

I've looked at some filters along with reviews and it's giving me a headache, recommendations from you guys would be ideal.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[markmullen]

Certainly cheap, and will get you started.

In time you'll find it limiting (P series won't work on the widest lenses, colour casts etc) but for that price it will let you see how you get on.

I wouldn't bother with a UV filter, I only ever use them when photographing rallying where there are lots of gravel and mud flying about at close quarters, otherwise use a lens hood (useful anyway).

 

[tezmed]

i cant see you link as its not loading on my end.... the link doesnt appear to work...

generally most filters of equal type are relatively similar, but some of the 'so called cheaper brands' leave a colour cast behind (especially with some of the ND filters)

I personally only ever tend to use ND filters when theres a heavy contrast in lighting, or when a really long exposure is required (not that often to be honest)...

as to polarisers etc its more a personal preference i'd say- they come in handy especially when theres plenty of glare about....

Budget wise what was you prepared to spend??? if you go for rings of a specific size then you may need to purchase some more a different size if you buy another lens..... however something like the cokin/lee/hi tech filters are square and have adapters to fit each lens - but you'l only need one of whatever you plan to use etc

 

[Justin1971]

i cant see you link as its not loading on my end.... the link doesnt appear to work...

Budget wise what was you prepared to spend??? if you go for rings of a specific size then you may need to purchase some more a different size if you buy another lens..... however something like the cokin/lee/hi tech filters are square and have adapters to fit each lens - but you'l only need one of whatever you plan to use etc

Here's the link again: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Full-Gradua...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1349337066&sr=1-13

Hopefully that ^ should work. It is a square holder with adapter rings for different size lenses.

I'm not entirely sure of budget for a UV filter, maybe somewhere between £20-£40 - is that reasonable?

I will have to invest in a lens hood too - again, any recommendations for a low budget hood?

 

[markmullen]

I'm not entirely sure of budget for a UV filter, maybe somewhere between £20-£40 - is that reasonable?

Seriously £20-40 would be much better spent on your ND filters. You'd be amazed how most of the professional car photographers I work with look after their lenses, most clean them on their shirt or jumper, they stand up to loads of abuse without UV filters.

If you put the money saved towards a set of ND grads you could get one of the respected makes, at the cheapest end Cokin, above that Hitech and at the top Lee.

I will have to invest in a lens hood too - again, any recommendations for a low budget hood?

You can get cheap hoods off ebay, just check they've got a low reflection material inside (some kind of flock is normal)

 

[Justin1971]

Seriously £20-40 would be much better spent on your ND filters. You'd be amazed how most of the professional car photographers I work with look after their lenses, most clean them on their shirt or jumper, they stand up to loads of abuse without UV filters.

If you put the money saved towards a set of ND grads you could get one of the respected makes, at the cheapest end Cokin, above that Hitech and at the top Lee.

Thing is, I want a cheapish set to start off with just to get used to using them, I'll upgrade in the future as and when I have the money but thanks for the advice anyway

You can get cheap hoods off ebay, just check they've got a low reflection material inside (some kind of flock is normal)

or... just make one out of black card : http://www.lenshoods.co.uk/instructions.php

 

[Byker28i]

Beware of cokin - horrible magenta cast on them, especially on the stronger strength ones. Truly terrible if you stack them.