Best Filters for Landscapes

[SFTPhotography]

Just another angle to consider...... I've never used a holder for my grads (although I sometimes tempted) . It's not always possible but you can hold the filter against the rim of the lens.

I have but would advise against this

1. If you use a zoom that hasn't got an internal zoom mechanism (think 1st gen Nikon 24-70) you might inadvertently push the lens in
2. If you move the filter during a longish exposure (think 1 sec) you might shake the camera or adjust the placement of the filter.

And yes I've done both these things.

It's easy when using a tripod and possible without. I have on occasion done as you suggest (put two filters together) but there is the risk of getting grit or sand in between them leading to scratches.

Why not place the two filters in near the bag - then attach holder with filters to lens and adjust as need be?

 

[justinminns]

Just another angle to consider...... I've never used a holder for my grads (although I sometimes tempted) . It's not always possible but you can hold the filter against the rim of the lens. It's easy when using a tripod and possible without. I have on occasion done as you suggest (put two filters together) but there is the risk of getting grit or sand in between them leading to scratches.

Not a problem if you use a holder as it spaces the filters apart

 

[ASP]

Interesting thoughts in here on filters vs PP - I'm definitely in the filter user bracket!

Partly because my Photoshop skills are lacking, but mainly because I prefer the challenge of capturing the image instead of "manufacturing" an image (and that's not meant to read/sound condescending).

It comes down to personal preference at the end of the day, and I'm jealous of some of the PP skills mentioned, but a CPL and a couple of Grads get my nod over HDR and stacking images any day

 

[ancient_mariner]

Interesting thoughts in here on filters vs PP - I'm definitely in the filter user bracket!

Partly because my Photoshop skills are lacking, but mainly because I prefer the challenge of capturing the image instead of "manufacturing" an image (and that's not meant to read/sound condescending).

It comes down to personal preference at the end of the day, and I'm jealous of some of the PP skills mentioned, but a CPL and a couple of Grads get my nod over HDR and stacking images any day

I'd suggest that for a lot of us, the choice is either use filters in a crude, partially controlled manner or to use them with precision and secificity. Many of us pre-date digital, but really appreciate the ability to do our 'darkroom work' in comfort with greater ease and flexibility than was possible before. As I mentioned in another thread, I've never used photoshop, but rather tend to develop images as I would before digital, only with the better tools available. Filters in front of the lens are a crude solution that can sometimes work extremely well, but often not so much.

As for manufacturing an image, no great picture was ever made as a direct print from the neg/positive at 18% grey, and every picture will benefit from post processing to some degree.

 

[ASP]

I'd suggest that for a lot of us, the choice is either use filters in a crude, partially controlled manner or to use them with precision and secificity. Many of us pre-date digital, but really appreciate the ability to do our 'darkroom work' in comfort with greater ease and flexibility than was possible before. As I mentioned in another thread, I've never used photoshop, but rather tend to develop images as I would before digital, only with the better tools available. Filters in front of the lens are a crude solution that can sometimes work extremely well, but often not so much.

As for manufacturing an image, no great picture was ever made as a direct print from the neg/positive at 18% grey, and every picture will benefit from post processing to some degree.

I remember reading about Ansel Adams and the amount of work he put into each print - I’d loved to have tried developing back in my 35mm days but space (and finances) didn’t allow at the time. Must be a fascinating process to be involved in - and the Pentax is still sat on top of a wardrobe whispering at me each time I walk past [emoji846]

 

[ancient_mariner]

I remember reading about Ansel Adams and the amount of work he put into each print - I’d loved to have tried developing back in my 35mm days but space (and finances) didn’t allow at the time. Must be a fascinating process to be involved in - and the Pentax is still sat on top of a wardrobe whispering at me each time I walk past [emoji846]

Go for it.

I loved making prints, dodging & burning, exposing partially through blurring filters to create pictures that were a mix of sharp & soft, a little like Orton effect and a little like I produce now, correcting verticals etc. I never quite got into masking and compositing, though some did. It's not so different now, but just a lot less trouble.

I tend to take a harsh view of filters, and that's probably a little unfair - as long as you enjoy what you do and like the images you produce then that's all that matters really.