Filters what do they do

A

Ashers

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,981
Name
Ash
Edit My Images
Yes
Ive had a read threw the search engine and I cant find what the purpose of filters are and do i need to buy a load. i seen there is different things, and do you usem all together>?
 
Ally said:
I read ur post about things above your head in the out of focus fourm, don't take it the wrong way but I think your running before you can walk. You don't really need any.
Click to expand...

Having said that.... A polarising filter will protect your expensive glass to a great extent and also reduce reflective flare etc.
 
gwocni said:

Having said that.... A polarising filter will protect your expensive glass to a great extent and also reduce reflective flare etc.
Click to expand...

I would say your better with a UV filter, polarising filters are not cheap and take away 2-3 stops of light which a UV filter does not. I personally don't put filters on just for protection I like a lens hood better.
 
There are arguements that a UV filter does reduce picture quality though. So it's a balance of protection vs quality.
I'm quite religious about using my cap lens when not shooting so don't use a UV filter, don't like the fact that they reduce quality either. If however, I was shooting at a place where there would be a high chance of lens damage e.g. stone chips at a rally race then I would use protection.

I use a Circular polarizing filter to reduce the glare and bring out the blue of the sky.
 
I rarely use filters. Years ago I got into the whole filter thing to the extent I needed a pack mule to cart them all around. Nowadays there are few filters I'd regard as essential as most filter effects can be duplicated in digital processing. I'd say get a polariser, and if you're into landscape work - a few ND or grad filters... that's it for me.
 
UV filters – as the name implies – are useful for reducing UV light, which shows in your images as a blueish tinge. So a UV filter is useful only in high-UV environments: in the desert, at the beach, at sea and at altitude (over 3000 feet). So use them in those circumstances. Not in others.

UV filters were never intended for 'protection'. So for protection of your lens: 1) be very careful, 2) keep it nice & clean (simply pay attention!), 3) use the hood, 4) put the lens cap on whenever you're not taking pictures.

IF you get a UV filter, get a good quality one.
 
michaelho said:
There are arguements that a UV filter does reduce picture quality though. So it's a balance of protection vs quality.
I'm quite religious about using my cap lens when not shooting so don't use a UV filter, don't like the fact that they reduce quality either. If however, I was shooting at a place where there would be a high chance of lens damage e.g. stone chips at a rally race then I would use protection.

I use a Circular polarizing filter to reduce the glare and bring out the blue of the sky.
Click to expand...

I think like that aswell, I'm 100% sure they reduce quality and if your using one of these to protect your glass what are you doing to it??!! :lol: When I see a lens that has finger marks on it I always wonder what are their fingers doing their! I just use a lens hood and if I'm walking in big crowds I put it over my shoulder pointing down. Thats my view anyway :)
 
its a nice orange filter for me for most of the time .
 
When they produce NDs for valleys I'll consider them, until then I'll shoot 2 and blend them! :lol:

And my circ pola may as well be sold off as I only wanted it for extreme wide-angle shots, but it doesn't work across the whole frame and so isn't any use for such

Filters pah!

As CT says, in days of old I had about 20 of various types, all Cokin P range, sold the lot for £5 just to get rid of them

It's 77mm btw !
 
I have a filter question as well. I was looking around in a bag of goodies my uncle passed down to me and ran across a couple filters. a x2 and a x4. Both are Hoya filters, but I have no idea what they do. I assumed they would just magnify my current lens, but I can't seem to get the darn thing to focus with them on. Any help?
 
nd filters and they cut out light reaching the sensor or film
 
F-Stop said:
I have a filter question as well. I was looking around in a bag of goodies my uncle passed down to me and ran across a couple filters. a x2 and a x4. Both are Hoya filters, but I have no idea what they do. I assumed they would just magnify my current lens, but I can't seem to get the darn thing to focus with them on. Any help?
Click to expand...

Are they clear filters? If they're close up lenses you might have to get really close to your subject - almost touching it to get focus. Close-up lenses usually have their power specified on the side in diopter strength... +1, +2 and so on.

X1 or X2 on the side of the lens could be a filter factor... the amount by which the exposure needs to be increased when using it. X1 would be no increase, X2 would be double the exposure, so increase exposure by one stop.

If they're not close-up lenses they coud be almost anything if they're clear.. soft focus or diffuser filters Try fitting them and focusing manually to see what happens.
 
CT said:
Are they clear filters? If they're close up lenses you might have to get really close to your subject - almost touching it to get focus. Close-up lenses usually have their power specified on the side in diopter strength... +1, +2 and so on.

X1 or X2 on the side of the lens could be a filter factor... the amount by which the exposure needs to be increased when using it. X1 would be no increase, X2 would be double the exposure, so increase exposure by one stop.

If they're not close-up lenses they coud be almost anything if they're clear.. soft focus or diffuser filters Try fitting them and focusing manually to see what happens.
Click to expand...

You are correct. They seem to be close up filters. I was trying to focus on something far away when I first put them on. Cool stuff. Thanks!
 
I'm glad I found this thread. I've had a couple of lens's for christmas. A Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS which came with a Hoya uv(n)hmc filter and a 17-85 f/4 5.6 IS. I have since bought a Hoya uv filter for the 17-85 and fitted both.
Can anyone tell me the difference between the uv and uv(n)hmc?
I thought the filters were used as protection for the lens only and didn't affect the shot but seeing the previous replies I am now unsure.
Am I better of without and just "take down"or "shoot" any kids/animals/strangers that come within 2 feet of my camera:D:D:D
Cheers

Ian..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top