Filter examples

[DonSchap]

We all have been asked, from time to time, what filter do I use for ...?

Anyway, here's a little example that Tiffen created and B&H has put up.

I thought it might be worth a look ... or reference

FILTER EXAMPLE (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Product_Resources/tiffenDemo.html) (<- click on this)

[devin]

Cool! Thanks. That makes me want to get that ND 1.6 filter. :)

[TheWengler]

The ND filter examples aren't great. They should use scenes with motion.

[devin]

Yeah I see what you are saying. The demo to me looks more like what a polarizer would do for that landscape shot. The ND is really cool for the old "soft blurry waterfall" shot.

[Csae]

I have to admit i never really got ND filters, as far as i understood all they did was reduce the light coming into the camera.

I can achieve this in pp or with a bracketed shot...

I have some UV filters for protection and a circ. pol, but i never bothered getting a ND filter.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I reckon they've chosen really bad examples on that link.

Those ND filters should show slowing motion down (ie a waterfall), not just darkenning an overexposed shot.

[TheWengler]

I have to admit i never really got ND filters, as far as i understood all they did was reduce the light coming into the camera.

I can achieve this in pp or with a bracketed shot...

I have some UV filters for protection and a circ. pol, but i never bothered getting a ND filter.

It's not really clear whether or not you're talking about grads or not. NDs reduce the light allowing a prolonged SS. Blurring water usually. As for grads, I have a couple reasons for using them. I like to get it done in camera so I can spend less time on pp and bracketing doesn't always work if there's motion in the scene. However, grads don't work in every scene and sometimes bracketing or HDR is a better solution.

[Rhys]

The links are bad examples. I never ever used an ND filter for anything. When I did a lot of 35mm photography my primary filters were Linear Polariser, Red, Green, Yellow and Orange. I did try starburst, diffuser and so on but even with 35mm I didn't find them that useful. Of the lot, my favourite was the polariser.

With digital, polariser is very useful. I can see no particular use for anything else though.

[TheWengler]

A CPL is by far the most useful filter. Everyone should have one. Still plenty of uses for the ND and GND filters for landscape shooters. Maybe a UV filter could be useful for protection if your shooting in conditions that call for it. Other filters aren't really needed though.

[Visual Reality]

ND grad still has a place - even exposure when a bright sky is in the scene. That hasn't changed.

[Rhys]

Polarisers are pretty good at reducing bright skies to a manageable level too.

[Visual Reality]

A full ND can also be useful to get your shutter speed down for flash sync on a bright day...

[raven15]

Do haze filters actually affect the picture, in a noticeable way? I tried a few shots with one and didn't notice anything (and it was an actual haze-1 or something, not just a generic UV), so I stopped using it. I use a polarizer as my haze reducer now.

[raven15]

Here is my own example of an ND grad in use, taken around three days ago. Straight from camera, no PP. Used to make a reflection as bright as the sky.

I almost forgot, it is easy to merge several shots to make a motion shot with no ND. Pretty easy too, just use five shots set to 20% transparency each for example. You're using a tripod or other surface anyhow, same thing taking several shots as waiting a second.

Top: no grad ND
Bottom: with ND grad
Location: Seqioua national forest, between Bakersfield and... I can't remember. That one town.

I like my example better, despite a slight overall exposure difference.