Are filters even worth buying?
Baydream wrote: Useful filters: Polarizing AND neutral density, including graduated ND. Add to that cross-hatch (starburst) and I think you have hit the limit - unless you are shooting with film, then maybe.
+1 
Karl Wertanen wrote:
Scotty wrote: Photoshop can't replicate the effects of a polarizer. It also can't recover blown out details. It can't slow down your shutter speed when trying to do landscapes.
Filters are absolutely necessary.
I only have the polarizer and ND filter. I always use the polarizer. 
PhotoByCJ wrote: I'm with everybody else, Polarizing and ND filters are still very useful. On a side note, If you take 2 basic UV filters and smear petroleum jelly around the edges of one, then screw the other one on top of it so the petroleum jelly is between the 2 filters, you can get some really cool results that would be pretty tough to duplicate in photo shop. That's an old film trick that still applies to digital. Filters still have their uses.
Isn't that to have a soft glow?
When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.
Baydream wrote: Useful filters: Polarizing AND neutral density, including graduated ND. Add to that cross-hatch (starburst) and I think you have hit the limit - unless you are shooting with film, then maybe.
Totally agree with this, within the realm of circular filters anyway. Photoshop is spoiling us, isn't it
Baydream wrote: Useful filters: Polarizing AND neutral density, including graduated ND. Add to that cross-hatch (starburst) and I think you have hit the limit - unless you are shooting with film, then maybe.
You could do without the starburst one though. Stopping down to F22 will give you this effect (well enough for most purposes). 
PhotoByCJ wrote: UV filters and smear petroleum jelly around the edges of one, then screw the other one on top of it so the petroleum jelly is between the 2 filters
This is just going to blur your shot when you don't need to, losing sharpness unnecessarily IMHO isn't a good idea.
Here's a shot I DIDN'T take, but I edited it quickly to prove the point. Took me less than 2 minutes to edit this (using layers, masks and blur in Photoshop).
I could/can add more or less blur as needed. If I put petroleum jelly on the lens, it's done. No more choice.
Latest Reviews
The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.
The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.
The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.
The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!
Forum Top Posters
-
1
Scotty 9 posts -
2
CharleyL 4 posts -
3
Roman Omell 4 posts -
4
Razky 3 posts -
5
J Photo Man 3 posts -
6
Colorado Mike 3 posts -
7
Jim Photo 3 posts -
8
TCav 3 posts -
9
Pat White 3 posts -
10
Kenta 2 posts
 |  |
 |  |
Latest Articles
Starting a photography business can be a daunting task. There is a lot to do, and many mistakes can be made. This guide helps you minimize mistakes and maximize your success!
The Canon 6D Mark II might be an older DSLR, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good option for 2024. In fact, this budget-friendly camera is a powerhouse for stills and videos.
In this guide to the bokeh effect, you’ll learn what bokeh is and the factors involved in creating it. You’ll also explore some beautiful example images to spark your creativity with bokeh!
Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.
The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.
The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.
Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!
The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.