Which Filter / Which Tripod

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Riki

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Richard
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As a beginner wanting to invest more in my new found hobby I'm contemplating splashing out on a filter!!

I'm very tempted with getting a polarizing filter (circular) but have also recently been reading up about ND filters.

A good friend who is into photography has told me not to bother until I upgrade to a decent lens (not the standard which came with the camera) but I can't afford to get another lens (yet!)

Happy for any advice on what you'd go for first....ND or Polarizing filter ? Looking at Hoya but no final decision has been made.

Also tripod is a must....I reckon these are pretty standard but welcome any comments any one has, not sure which head I should opt for!

Thanks
 
For me its a CPF first this will also give a stop or two lost of light next will be ND if you wish to have long exposures this would be my only filter I would have I do not use Sky or UV filter.
Tripod get teh best you can for your money I have a Uni-Loc which is good if youlike to get it in mud sand or water, the bottom legs go over teh uper legs so no muck or water get inside
 
Thanks! Thinking of going for the CPF first...correct me if I'm wrong but are UV not just used to protect lenses?
 
Riki said:
Thanks! Thinking of going for the CPF first...correct me if I'm wrong but are UV not just used to protect lenses?
Click to expand...

UV’s are meant to be to keep UV light out but I don’t see much differences some keep them on to protect the lens BUT why put some cheaper glass in front of your lens would you take a photo through a window or open it?
I find it removes contrast for protection keep a hood on.
 
Welcome,

If you have an interest in landscapes a couple of square cokin ND grads will give you lots to play with. They do not need to be pricey - check out flea bay.

You do not say what size of kit lens you have. Do not fret over the quality, I have a couple of superb expensive lenses but I still use my canon kit lens from time to time, especially for landscapes.

A cpl will make a difference but it works best on sunny days, if I had a limited budget I would get the ND grads and tripod first, but that is just me as I mainly do landscapes and hardly ever see the sun in Scotland.

Get the mot sturdy tripod you can afford. Do not worry if it is not a branded product. I used a pretty cheap one for about ten years, until it fell apart.
 
Redsnapper tripods are the ones to go for, excellent value for money and very well made. Find them on here.
 
Riki said:
Thanks! Thinking of going for the CPF first...correct me if I'm wrong but are UV not just used to protect lenses?
Click to expand...

Yes, on DSLRs they only act as protectors. UV filters are for film cameras because film is sensitive to UV light. .
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm still on the standard canon 18-55mm lens, plan to upgrade at some point but will have to save up first!

I think I'm set on a CPF but not ruled out some ND's in the future.

With regards to tripods I'm planning on just going down to a decent camera shop and seeing what they have at a reasonable price!
 
Hi Riki

A ND filter blocks light allowing you to use longer shutter speeds - so means that moving objects in the shot will appear blurred, typically used with sea scapes or any moving water - creates a blurry effect. Generall available between 1 stop and 10 stop reductions
A polarizer will enhance colours when set correctly - clouds in a blue sky. They will also remove reflections in shiny surfaces - glass, water etc. They can also act as a ND filter, generally about 1.5 - 2 stops.
Check out Hoya or B+W. B+W are part of the Schneider group - make great lenses and probably have the edge on quality over Hoya.

Tripods - if you are not sure really what to look for check out the video on the home page of the link below, lots of useful info There are further product specific videos in the site. I have a Giotto's - its well made and was great value for money.
http://www.giottos-tripods.co.uk/
 
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