Hi, I've started getting more into shooting landscapes in the past 12 months or so, I've never really used filters but on a recent trip to Iceland I borrowed some grads and a 10 stop off a friend, I just didn't get on with them at all, In fact the 10 stop ruined a few images with horrible colour cast that I couldn't correct, I found them a real faff to use, I much prefer shooting hand held where possible, I find that as long as I expose properly I have all the info to do everyting I need in PP (although my PP skills are pretty week) unless I want the misty water effect I don't see the point in investing in filters, so should I stick with it and have another go using them ? or do others shoot landscapes without using filters.....cheers M
and please use their services
Filters or not ?
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There must be at least a dozen threads on this very subject. You will get a reasonable balance between yes and no. To certain extent it depends on the dynamic range of your camera and some will suggest some form of exposure blending but that can be problematical if there are things like moving foliage in the shot. Like everything it takes practice and if a 10 stop gave you a colour cast you need a better 10 stop.
If you are happy with what you currently do then I guess you are sorted!
If you are happy with what you currently do then I guess you are sorted!
border_all
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I go largely with what sirch says above though I like a polarised filter more than a ten stop, just what works best for you really
pjm1
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Funnily enough, I've really started to enjoy using them - except for sunrise/sunsets. Which is when you probably most want them...
Kind of ironic really, so I should probably explain. I find filters slow down my photography. If I'm shooting outdoors with natural light, the temptation is to "snap snap snap" because photography is now basically free once you have the kit. Your choices are infinite, so taking time to consider shooting position, camera direction, timing of shutter release - oh and camera settings I guess - are worth slowing down for, but it can be hard to do that. Tripods help, for sure, but I find filters are similar - you have to take time to attach the holder to the lens, decide which filter you want, insert it into the holder. Realise you've picked out the hard grad rather than the soft grad (or vice versa), redo it etc. etc. It's very calming and helps slow things down.
Which is why I hate them for sunsets etc., when I'm usually racing against the clock. Sure, they allow you to capture an image in a single frame that you might use two exposures for otherwise, but I find it all a bit panicked. That's probably because I haven't yet worked out a smooth shooting workflow for filters yet.
I really like plain NDs for natural light portaits - I use them to bring down the exposure value so I can add flash, which I personally find far easier to control than reflectors (which obviously don't have a sync speed so don't need filters...)
Kind of ironic really, so I should probably explain. I find filters slow down my photography. If I'm shooting outdoors with natural light, the temptation is to "snap snap snap" because photography is now basically free once you have the kit. Your choices are infinite, so taking time to consider shooting position, camera direction, timing of shutter release - oh and camera settings I guess - are worth slowing down for, but it can be hard to do that. Tripods help, for sure, but I find filters are similar - you have to take time to attach the holder to the lens, decide which filter you want, insert it into the holder. Realise you've picked out the hard grad rather than the soft grad (or vice versa), redo it etc. etc. It's very calming and helps slow things down.
Which is why I hate them for sunsets etc., when I'm usually racing against the clock. Sure, they allow you to capture an image in a single frame that you might use two exposures for otherwise, but I find it all a bit panicked. That's probably because I haven't yet worked out a smooth shooting workflow for filters yet.
I really like plain NDs for natural light portaits - I use them to bring down the exposure value so I can add flash, which I personally find far easier to control than reflectors (which obviously don't have a sync speed so don't need filters...)
John Soliven
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I never shoot landscapes without my filter system. You cannot replicate the effect of ND filters on post. If you want to give a 10 stop filter a go again, try to get the Progrey 10 stop nd filter, minimal to no colour cast 
Paul Cronin
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To be fair you have hardly given using filters much of a chance, a few days trip. Perhaps have a look at the Lee Filter webpage, there's plenty of information to start with. That doesn't mean you have to buy them (they are expensive), as other makes will probably be sufficient to start with.
There are definitely times when they would really assist and help you get the picture correct in camera as opposed to doing everything in p/p. That said some folk never use and get on fine.
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Again, FWIW I use filters from http://srb-photographic.co.uk/ they are great for the price and the customer service is also good. If you are unsure it is worth giving them a go because it is not a huge expense to get started.
