What filters do I need?

At the moment I have an ND4 and just a UV to keep my lens safe, I quite like to buy an Cokin P filter kit, but just wanted other peoples views on them before I buy. What filters should I buy, I quite like a couple of gradient ND's and and sunset, but I don't know whether this can be added in post. I enjoy any types of photography and don't just focus in one area, so I will need a range of filters. I also enjoy making time lapsing so anything that could help in that area in terms of filters would be useful...

Many Thanks 

George Daulman

When I bought my first SLR camera many, many, many years ago, I was awed by Cokin’s advertising and bought a bunch of filters that I thought would be useful.  Most of them never got any serious use because I really had no reason to buy them other than they looked cool.  Rather than asking what filters should I buy I should have asked what am I trying to do that isn’t working with my current equipment and is there a filter to help with that.  The purchase of a filter should serve a real need.

Generally I use three types of filter.

1. Protective filters, but only when around blowing sand, water spray and similar. I’m in the camp that prefers not to put unnecessary glass in front of the lens.  Digital sensors don’t react to UV light the way film does so clear filters are good enough.  UV works too but isn’t necessary if you’re buying new.
2. A polarizing filter cuts down reflections from sunlight under certain conditions.  It can make colours more intense and reduce reflections. I find it useful for outdoor photography.
3. Graduated neutral density filters are useful when two parts of a subject have very different exposures, such as sky and ground in a typical landscape shot. 

These tend to be the three most widely used filter types.  Most others are just gimmicks unless you have a very clear idea of what image you are trying to achieve and how that filter will help.

I’d suggest looking into a polarizer or a neutral grad.  Research their uses a little more, then, if you think it might help your photography, buy one and experiment with it and learn from it.  Don’t rush out and buy a lot of filters without having a clear use for them in mind.

The irony is that a grad filter is most useful for action subjects.  Since that very action aspect rules out exposure bracketing.  But ... in many action sessions you may not have the time to set up a grad filter.  The things do take some fumbling to get right.  My advice is to buy cheap, not pay full retail.

fromthecokincrypt

I have UV filters, though I wish I hadn't bothered. I also have a couple Circular Polarizers. Those are magnificent if you buy a good one. I bought cheap glass and now I'm looking for an upgrade. I also have a 9-stop ND filter. The most useful for me is the Circular Polarizer, just for it being versatile and being able to "toggle" it on and off. ND filters are great if there is another artistic way of composing the photo as well. Those are what I have and I can't think of any other filters that are overly useful. 

Do you have a polarized filter?

cod wrote: When I bought my first SLR camera many, many, many years ago, I was awed by Cokin’s advertising and bought a bunch of filters that I thought would be useful.  Most of them never got any serious use because I really had no reason to buy them other than they looked cool.  Rather than asking what filters should I buy I should have asked what am I trying to do that isn’t working with my current equipment and is there a filter to help with that.  The purchase of a filter should serve a real need.

Generally I use three types of filter.

1. Protective filters, but only when around blowing sand, water spray and similar. I’m in the camp that prefers not to put unnecessary glass in front of the lens.  Digital sensors don’t react to UV light the way film does so clear filters are good enough.  UV works too but isn’t necessary if you’re buying new.
2. A polarizing filter cuts down reflections from sunlight under certain conditions.  It can make colours more intense and reduce reflections. I find it useful for outdoor photography.
3. Graduated neutral density filters are useful when two parts of a subject have very different exposures, such as sky and ground in a typical landscape shot. 

These tend to be the three most widely used filter types.  Most others are just gimmicks unless you have a very clear idea of what image you are trying to achieve and how that filter will help.

I’d suggest looking into a polarizer or a neutral grad.  Research their uses a little more, then, if you think it might help your photography, buy one and experiment with it and learn from it.  Don’t rush out and buy a lot of filters without having a clear use for them in mind.

Chris nailed it. I only use the Clears for adverse conditions as well. My most used filter is the CP, and then I am still not using it a whole lot.

 good post