1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Equipment Research, Buying and Using
  4. Lenses
  5. What is your favorite basic filter?

What is your favorite basic filter?


9 years 4 months ago #136324 by bad mom
I am looking for a basic filter for my D60. Nothing to fancy, just talking the basics here. I do a lot of outdoor shooting. I only have 70-200 mm lens. I am curious to see what you all recommend for filters. Thanks.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136325 by MLKstudios
Get a good lens hood instead. A filter degrades the image and a hood improves it.

:)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136327 by bad mom
I already have a hood.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136328 by dwi3x4

MLKstudios wrote: Get a good lens hood instead. A filter degrades the image and a hood improves it.

:)


a hood and a filter are two different "tools" and do two different things to the shot...do you know that?

To answer the question..
My favorite is a circular polarizer filter.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136329 by MLKstudios
A filter is useful around salty air and sand (beaches). The best are made by B+W. Though Lee and Hoya also make good filters.

A basic filter is a 1A or UV filter. Either will work.

:)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136331 by MLKstudios

dwi3x4 wrote:

MLKstudios wrote: Get a good lens hood instead. A filter degrades the image and a hood improves it.

:)


a hood and a filter are two different "tools" and do two different things to the shot...do you know that?

No, I didn't. Thank you.
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #136449 by cod
Why are you looking for a filter? Is there something about your current images that you are unhappy with that a filter will help improve? That's the real issue. What do you want to do that a specific filter will help with? Identify the problem then get the filter that helps. If you can't identify a specific issue then I'd suggest reading up on types of filters and their uses and learn more before buying. Each type of filter serves a different purpose. Filter purchases should be deliberate with a particular goal in mind.

Common filter types include;
  • UV and plain glass "protective" filters. I'm with Matthew on that one. Digital sensors are rarely affected significantly by UV light. A hood is better protection than an otherwise unnecessary extra piece of glass.
  • Polarizing filters help reduce reflections and are good for darkening skies and improving colours on foliage and similar things. For general outdoor photography I would suggest a polarizer as a first filter.
  • Graduated neutral density filters improve contrast between sky and land in landscape photography but you would probably want to be working from a tripod to get the best out of them.

Here is a good article about choosing filters.
Chris O'Donoghue
Winnipeg, Canada
codonoghue.prosite.com

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago - 9 years 4 months ago #136464 by MLKstudios
:agree:

However, improve means a graduated ND "lowers" the contrast between land and sky. Used when the contrast is too high.

Just to be 1A.

:)
Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137183 by effron
A circular polarizer is my favorite, most used filter......B)
Why so serious?
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137203 by Baydream

effron wrote: A circular polarizer is my favorite, most used filter......B)

If I have to choose only one, this would be it.
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137225 by fotozone
At this point I never use a filter. I need to get a circular polarizer, but I never use any of the filters I do have. I have a brand new ND I have not even played with.
www.zazzle.com/thefotozone

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137227 by Baydream

fotozone wrote: At this point I never use a filter. I need to get a circular polarizer, but I never use any of the filters I do have. I have a brand new ND I have not even played with.

If you ever visit a waterfall or an ocean beach, the ND can work magic.
Shoot, learn and share. It will make you a better photographer.
fineartamerica.com/profiles/john-g-schickler.html?tab=artwork
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137241 by fotozone

Baydream wrote:

fotozone wrote: At this point I never use a filter. I need to get a circular polarizer, but I never use any of the filters I do have. I have a brand new ND I have not even played with.

If you ever visit a waterfall or an ocean beach, the ND can work magic.

I got a discount on it when I ordered my macro lens. I never pass up a deal, especially on photo equipment.
www.zazzle.com/thefotozone

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137267 by Stealthy Ninja
Honestly you only really need the following:
Circular Polarizer.
Grad ND of some kind (you can try different ones)
ND (different stops for different effects).

Everything else can be done in post.
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com or www.aidav.net

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
9 years 4 months ago #137271 by Screamin Scott

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Honestly you only really need the following:
Circular Polarizer.
Grad ND of some kind (you can try different ones)
ND (different stops for different effects).

Everything else can be done in post.


I would add an IR pass filter like a Hoya R72 as the IR in photoshop just doesn't cut it (provided you don't have a DSLR with a strong anti -aliasing filter that is...)
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,

  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Equipment Research, Buying and Using
  4. Lenses
  5. What is your favorite basic filter?

802.3K

205K

  • Facebook

    802,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    205,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Latest Reviews

Fujifilm X-A7 Review

In this FujiFilm X-A7 review, learn why this camera is an excellent entry-level option for beginner photographers.

Jan 18, 2021
Sony a6100 Review

The Sony a6100 has been out for over a year now. In this long-term Sony a6100 review, learn all about its features, specs, price, and more.

Jan 13, 2021
Panasonic G85 Review

The Panasonic G85 might be a few years old, but it still has the specs and features to make it a highly useful camera. Get all the details in this Panasonic G85 review.

Jan 12, 2021
Olympus OM-D E-M1 I Review

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 I is pushing eight years old, but for budget-minded photographers, it represents excellent value in 2021.

Jan 08, 2021
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1
Sponsored Imageimages2/mpb145x145sell.pngSponsored Imageimages/articles/2017/08/24/PTbannerad145x145.jpg
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

How to Get More Leads From Your Website

Learn how to get more leads by optimizing your website and making it as user-friendly as possible. More leads equals more business, so this is an easy way to boost your bottom line.

Jan 19, 2021
How to Step Up Your Mobile Photography Game

Use these simple mobile photography tips to get better results whether you have an iPhone or an Android device.

Jan 19, 2021
4 Benefits of Text Messaging for Business

Text messaging for business can help you in many ways, from keeping in touch with clients to sending invoices to get paid. Learn other benefits in this photography business guide.

Jan 18, 2021
Fujifilm X-A7 Review

In this FujiFilm X-A7 review, learn why this camera is an excellent entry-level option for beginner photographers.

Jan 18, 2021
How to Make Someone Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, but with these portrait photography tips, you'll learn surefire ways to help models relax and have fun.

Jan 18, 2021
Boost Your Creativity With These Photography Exercises

It's easy to be inspired in photography, but sometimes you need some photography exercises to regain that creativity. Learn a few creative photography ideas in this guide.

Jan 18, 2021
4 Ways to Make It Easier for Your Clients to Pay You

One of the best things you can do for your photography business is to make it easier for your clients to pay you. Learn how you can do that with these simple photography business tips.

Jan 15, 2021
Why You Should Use Canon EF Lenses on Your EOS R Camera

Canon EF lenses have a long-standing reputation for quality. And with an EF-RF adapter, you can continue using your EF lenses with an EOS R body.

Jan 15, 2021
More Articles