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Dan - 99 TA
02-01-2009, 08:18 AM
Since i'm tring to learn and get better i have a question.

Lens Filters? Who's using them? If so which ones and when do you use them? Also what brands do you prefer?
Dom87SS
02-01-2009, 09:46 AM
i have a 58mm uv filter made by canon on mine. didnt see any difference in the pictures . it came in a kit i bought so i just leave it on basically as a lens protector plus its easir to clean than the lens its self cause it just unscrews. you can see through it clearly while cleaning so you know its clean.
Kelly Pelrine
02-01-2009, 11:00 AM
I have Hoya UV filters on all of my lenses. I used to have a polarizer but sold it with my old setup. Theres a site called www.popflash.com (http://www.popflash.com) that has good prices on fiters and the guy that runs it gets things out quick!
kelly andersen
02-01-2009, 06:04 PM
You should have at least a uv just to protect the lense from junk and if dropped, better to buy a $50 filter than a $1500 lense.
OUTLAW PHOTO
02-01-2009, 07:27 PM
I use Tiffen and Hoya daylight and UV filters on all my lenses. Mostly for protection and dust. Like Kelly said , a filter is way cheaper than a new lens. I laso have a wide range of (specialty) filters that I use from time. Polorizer, got one for better fleshtones, (weddings) and few for differant indoor lighting conditions.
JFontaine
02-01-2009, 07:51 PM
I am no photographer by a long shot but my camera came with a few filters and I like the star filter. Ok flame away! :)

http://myweb.cableone.net/jburrow//star_filter.jpg
Tim Adams
02-01-2009, 08:20 PM
I do not use them and never will. Think about this, you spend $1700 for the Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS, and your going to hang some cheap ass piece of glass on the front of it!! Use lens hoods, ALL THE TIME.

Only exception is polarizer for landscapes, especially water falls to cut glare.
Kelly Pelrine
02-02-2009, 10:48 AM
I am no photographer by a long shot but my camera came with a few filters and I like the star filter. Ok flame away! :)

http://myweb.cableone.net/jburrow//star_filter.jpg
I just bought a few new filters (star, sky, etc) just something more to mess around with. I like the star effect. Makes for great nighttime pics too!
OUTLAW PHOTO
02-02-2009, 10:47 PM
I just bought a few new filters (star, sky, etc) just something more to mess around with. I like the star effect. Makes for great nighttime pics too! You bet your sweet a.... , uhm , yes it does. :p
Kelly Pelrine
02-02-2009, 11:17 PM
You bet your sweet a.... , uhm , yes it does. :p

lol. i need to get one for my 18-200
OUTLAW PHOTO
02-03-2009, 12:23 AM
lol. i need to get one for my 18-200
Ouch, that could be pricey. :rolleyes:
CarbGuy
02-05-2009, 10:49 AM
Do any of you use a Polarizer when shooting race cars to cut through the windows and see the driver better?
Kelly Pelrine
02-05-2009, 02:55 PM
Do any of you use a Polarizer when shooting race cars to cut through the windows and see the driver better?
I used to, havent gotten a new one since i got all my Nikon stuff. They are great, especially on overcast or glarey (sp?) days.
Tim Adams
02-05-2009, 04:22 PM
Do any of you use a Polarizer when shooting race cars to cut through the windows and see the driver better?

If the window is not glass, they will make it all kinds of funky colors, which is why I only use it for landscape photogrpahy.
Kelly Pelrine
02-05-2009, 04:27 PM
If the window is not glass, they will make it all kinds of funky colors, which is why I only use it for landscape photogrpahy.
What kind of polarizer did you use? I had a circular one and could adjust for the freaky colors lol, just had to twist the ring a lil bit, never had a prob.
CarbGuy
02-05-2009, 05:05 PM
OK, can anyone give me the real poop on the Circular Polarizers? I can't seem to find any real comparison's on the web. It seems as many people like one brand, there are just as many people who hate them. I've seen the prices from like $35 to close to $200.

Don't want to break the bank, but don't want to waste money
either.

I'm looking at one for my 18-200 VR lens (72mm) if that matters.
Kelly Pelrine
02-05-2009, 05:11 PM
OK, can anyone give me the real poop on the Circular Polarizers? I can't seem to find any real comparison's on the web. It seems as many people like one brand, there are just as many people who hate them. I've seen the prices from like $35 to close to $200.

Don't want to break the bank, but don't want to waste money
either.

I'm looking at one for my 18-200 VR lens (72mm) if that matters.
If your shooting digital, which most are these days, you need a good filter not the old school ones because of the way the light is read by the processor. I just picked this up: http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Digital-Circular-Polarizer-Filter/dp/B0009K50U6

Cheapest i could find it! I got it for the same lense you are looking for ;) At the very least i suggest a super multi coated cir-pol.
OUTLAW PHOTO
02-05-2009, 07:58 PM
Do any of you use a Polarizer when shooting race cars to cut through the windows and see the driver better? No, sometimes to cut down glare but that's about it.
Tim Adams
02-05-2009, 08:19 PM
What kind of polarizer did you use? I had a circular one and could adjust for the freaky colors lol, just had to twist the ring a lil bit, never had a prob.

Mine is a Tiffen. I have never even tried it shooting cars. I have seen many posts, and samples of the horrible looking window glass, so I just don't use anything. The only thing I always do without fail, is keep the lens hood on.
Kelly Pelrine
02-05-2009, 08:57 PM
Mine is a Tiffen. I have never even tried it shooting cars. I have seen many posts, and samples of the horrible looking window glass, so I just don't use anything. The only thing I always do without fail, is keep the lens hood on.
Hmm maybe whoever shot those pics never adjusted the filter, weird lol. Worst case ya try (even if its just on your personal car or something) to see if the same thing happens?
kelly andersen
02-05-2009, 09:07 PM
What kind of polarizer did you use? I had a circular one and could adjust for the freaky colors lol, just had to twist the ring a lil bit, never had a prob.I picked one up a couple weeks ago to try also, nothing worse than windshield glare ruining a shot.
Kelly Pelrine
02-05-2009, 09:15 PM
I picked one up a couple weeks ago to try also, nothing worse than windshield glare ruining a shot.
Amen to that hehe. Im hoping mine gets here before i head to Valdosta next week. That track stinks for front shots with the way the sun is there. Great for the drivers though lol.
Nimrod_R
03-20-2009, 08:34 AM
The filters have alot of mm ranges, whats the difference?
I see some for instance like: Tiffen 55mm or Hoya 72mm, etc.

Whats the purpose of the mm range on a filter? I wanted to get a filter for my 18-55mm lense and my 55-200mm lense.
Packersfan
03-20-2009, 09:49 AM
The numbers refer to the mount size for the filter. You need to check your lenses to see what size the screw mount size is for filters to install.
Packersfan
03-20-2009, 09:53 AM
Also... the only thing a UV filter is good for on a digital camera is to protect the lens. They're essential IMO on a film camera but the digital format doesn't suffer from UV issues. I'm also leery about cheap UV filters on my lenses too. I use lens hoods as one person already mentioned.
Nimrod_R
03-26-2009, 11:31 AM
The numbers refer to the mount size for the filter. You need to check your lenses to see what size the screw mount size is for filters to install.

Sorry if its a stupid question but how do I tell when I look at the lense? Is it printed on it or do I have to measure it, Im not at home by my camara so I cant look.
kelly andersen
03-26-2009, 12:50 PM
Sorry if its a stupid question but how do I tell when I look at the lense? Is it printed on it or do I have to measure it, Im not at home by my camara so I cant look.
Just tell the camera store what lense you have and they can hook you up.