Filters. Which one?

12 years 7 months ago #143668 by Hip Hop3
I'm trying to decide what next to purchase, a circular polarizer or graduated neutral density. I shoot outdoor scenery/landscapes/nature most often. I know that filters can cost quite a bit for quality ones so I'm only looking to buy one right now. I will definitely own both in the future. I like the ND because I hate blowing the sky out in my landscapes. I also love clouds that pop out. I'm not EXACTLY sure if the polarizer is much different. I know what it does and how it works but it looks like it functions the same: it brings out the sky and increases contrast between the clouds and sky. It also reduces glare if I'm shooting the ocean. Help me decide or even throw me a different suggestion. Thanks.


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12 years 7 months ago #143671 by KCook
I find the graduated filers a bit tricky. So I prefer to play that game in PP. Don't rule out a linear polarizer. As long as you are not shooting extra wide angle, they can help too.

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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12 years 7 months ago #143674 by ChrisPenn
I vote polarizer, I never owned a graduated neutral density filter. I did find a ND filter in my old camera bag and don't remember using it, must have bought it for a special shot or something. Of course never really using one I really don't know how valuable it might be.


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12 years 7 months ago #143675 by Olivia 12
A polarizer is a better general purpose filter, IMO. It'll give you the affect of a 2x neutral density filter, as well as cut glare, increase contrast of the sky and clouds (in some situations), etc. The only real limitation with a polarizer is that they're not of much use at really wide angles. Since a polarizer depends on the angle of the light source (in most cases, the sun) to the lens, a really wide angle sky shot can come out uneven with a polarizer.


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12 years 7 months ago #143676 by Hip Hop3
Looks like polarizer is the winner. Alrighty then. Thanks everyone.


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12 years 6 months ago #144762 by Addicted2Photos

Hip Hop3 wrote: Looks like polarizer is the winner. Alrighty then. Thanks everyone.


Good choice :thumbsup:


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12 years 6 months ago #144808 by Baydream

Addicted2Photos wrote:

Hip Hop3 wrote: Looks like polarizer is the winner. Alrighty then. Thanks everyone.


Good choice :thumbsup:

:agree: I have both and use the P at least 5-to-1 over the GND.

Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork

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12 years 6 months ago #144816 by chasrich
:agree:

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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