Filters

Hi,

I have quite a few filters, but I want to invest in a decent set of Neutral Density graduated filters, so I am looking for advice really. I want to get the square ones with the holder, as I think they will adjust to fit any lens, so I don't have to keep buying different filters for the different sizes. I was looking at a Cokin holder and three filter set.

It is for landscapes, as several people have suggested them , so I can take the landscapes I want in the bright sunshine, without the clouds blowing out.

Thank you xxx

Cokin will work perfectly.

You will also need 'P' series lens adapter rings for each respective size of lens you are going to use them on. A couple of quid each ring. The holder will be universal and simply slots onto the ring. You can chose how many filter slots it has - but you wont use any more than 3. Standard holder can take up to 4 filters.

Then the filters... I use two ND filters. A Cokin P121m ND4 (Grey) and a Cokin P121 ND8 (Grey) of course you can then double them up if you want more dramatic effects. Filters are c. £15 each.

I hope this helps

Thanks Jack, it helps loads, I was hoping you'd answer, as you have to take a lots of shots in bright sunlight

Thanks for the info of what filters you use too, as they have such an array of them, I wasn't sure what were best.

I didn't want to but loads of different filters for all of my lenses again, so thought it will be worth the investment, plus when I get a new camera, and lenses just buy new rings


Thank you, do you have anymore helpful advice for shooting in bright sunlight? xx

Yeah Cokin do hundreds of different filters for all situations - the old adage is you are only limited by your own imagination.

Shooting in bright light - sighhh..how long have you got!!

Rule 1 - avoid it!
Rule 2 - try and shoot during the golden hours
Rule 3 - Always use a lens hood to reduce/negate glare
Rule 4 - Never use a lens hood if you like glare
Rule 5 - Check your white balance for every shot if you move - shadows and sunlight can play havoc with WB
Rule 6 - Check your exposure/metering and then under expose by a stop or even two
Rule 7 - Use a flash for portraits during high sun - it will remove dark shadows from the high sun
Rule 8 - dont shoot into the midday sun - if you value your sight!
Rule 9 - If you are using live view or similar, shield the eyecup or else you will get light leeching into the body.
Rule 10 - Try and shoot with the sun behind you - but watch out for your shadow!
Rule 11 - If using a polarizing filter try and shoot at 90 degrees to the sun for the best effect
Rule 12 - Use Shutter or Aperture mode to let the camera do the thinking - if you are not confident getting the shot you want on manual.
Rule 13 - Take advantage of shadows and light forms
Rule 14 - Shoot RAW where possible - at least you have a recovery plan!
Rule 15 - Photoshop is your friend!! Use it.
Rule 16 - Use shade, dress accordingly, and drink plenty of water
Rule 17 - Sun = dust!!! Take even more care to protect your camera.
Rule 18 - Use a reflector for portraits!!!
Rule 19 - Filters, eh yes....filters - use them!
Rule 20 - Sunlight is great for shooting silhouettes! Have a play!
Rule 21 - see rule 1

Just off the top of my head.... there are probably more...feel free to add.

LOl You are astar!!!!!

I have already messed up so many times since being here, it is unreal, think I have nailed it, to be sooooo disappointed

I do love sun flares, so don't use my hoods, but I am going to take some shots using it to see what happens.

I am finding the bright sunshine, makes really great dramatic, Mono landscapes though. Will also try taking the exposure down a stop or two, and the WB has been driving me mad.

It does feel like, I am starting all over somedays

I never thought of using my Flash gun, to get rid of the shadows in the sun

I am now got into the habit of trying to avoid changing lenses, and if I have to do it outside, not in the car etc, I do it inside my camera bag, so it is closed around my hand


Thanks it really is helpful, as I feel I have taken a step backwards at the moment, as I learnt to shoot in the rain and gloom, and now everything is so different, and it is disappointing when you get home, and the sky is blown, or the WB is awful. XXX

I use Lee filter system. They are 100mm wide and made of the highest quality material.

Some say that the Cokin ND's impart a slight colour cast on digital cameras. Don't know how strong or if it is even noticeable but it may be worth researching.

The Lee filters are expensive (the circular polariser is £170 but it is huge 105mm) but in my opinion they are worth the investment. Also at the price they are, you certainly don't buy the gimmicky ones

Steve

They sound good Steve, but I am not sure I can stretch to that

The Cokin holder and three filter set was roughly around $100, I had budgeted for about $150 for a holder and filter or two.

But,as you say worth the investment, and it is something I will be able to use no matter what camera I have. I will have a look into it though

Thanks Steve xx

That was really interesting JR Thanks for posting!

xx

I have Cokin filter system not sure if it is A or P but seem to remember that you can't use them with a hood or does my memory let me down yet again? Not used them with my DSLR but will sort them out and give it a go.

Did find them more difficult to use than a normal screw in filter as they are inclined to stick or twist with the lens the Polaroid being particularly difficult. Still as I said it is a long while since I have used them, not since my 35mm days.

That is a lot of words just to say Suzi if you can get your hands on a set to play with then do so before you buy, they may have improved and be easier to use or it could just be me.

Thanks Jackie, haven't bought any yet, hoping to go into a store tomorrow and have a look on what is available. Will bear in mind what you have said though.

Steve I have checked out Lee filters online, and they do seem very well respected and rated, but more expensive Very helpful website that shows you the results of each filter, and it's uses/

Arrrgh!!! wish I was rich, and could just say I want one of those, and one of those,