Re: Filter advice needed

Bill wrote:
Arild P. wrote:

I've been reading about filters and believe I might need a couple.

You want filters that are well made with good multicoated optical glass.
The two most respected names around my area are B&W and Hoya.

I'm pretty clueless at the moment, so do you have any specific series
or model numbers?
I wouldn't know how to distinguish a good filter from a bad one.
Then again I assume this whole thing is like choosing lenses, which
I've asked about here a few weeks ago. Pros tell me that only "L"
lenses are good enough while newbies tell me I'm fine with the
excellent kit lens. I spent weeks looking through reviews of various
lenses, keeping in mind what *I* needed the lens for and what would be
good enough for *my* use, so I bought the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5 lens
which I'm very happy with.
Unfortunately I don't have the time at the moment to spend as much time
searching for suitable filters, but suffice to say that I want good
quality, but I'm not prepared to pay through the roof for something
that is equivelant to "L" quality in lens terms, just because that's
what the pros use.
I'm starting out with photography (I've taken snapshots for years, but
it's only recently that I've become really interested and serious about
the hobby, spending time and effort learning things from the start),
but what I buy should be quality and allow me to advance to the next
level. If I ever do become a pro some day I'll probably reconsider all
my equipment anyway.


Canon and Nikon filters are good, but overpriced for what you get. Optex
and Tiffen are cheap and are not recommended for serious work.

Good to know.
What about other brands such as Hakuba, Sigma and Cokin?


I've heard about filters that can
darken parts of the image (in this example the sunset sky) while the
rest is left untouched, resulting in an overall image which is easier
to find a good exposure for.
Are these neutral density or graduated filters?

Yes. A graduated filter is darker at the top to block out brighter light
and still allow the lower portion to expose properly as well.

"Graduated filters" and "neutral density filters" are just two names
for the same type of thing?


I assume they work in much the same way as a circular polarizing filter
where you (after having focused) rotate it until you get the result you
want, then shoot.

Yes, and that's a good reason why you want lenses that have non-rotating
front elements.

My Sigma 17-70 is nice that way. The front element doesn't rotate.
But apparently the second lens I'm about to buy (Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6
IS USM) does have a rotating front element.
I've done a lot of research and it seems this is a good lens for my use
and price-range. Is it a minor inconvenience or a problem that the
front-element will rotate?
I don't see any suitable equivelants to that lens (yes, I've considered
the 70-200mm f/4L, but it's 100mm less (and yes, I know about the
extender, but then we're talking about a lot more money in total
again), and it doesn't have IS which will come in handy when not
dragging a tripod along on my trips).


Every time you re-focus, you have to adjust the filter to get the proper
effect. And with some cheaper lenses, merely adjusting the filter can
move the lense out of prime focus.

Hmmmm... I can see that the latter might be a problem, and not just an
inconvenience. Anyone reading this who's got a Canon 70-300 IS USM and
use filters?

.

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