Filters.....questions

[Cam]

I am a bit confused on lens filters. I am not sure if I should have one to begin with, or what they really do. I've read up on different kinds on the internet, but where should I start out at? Should I just get a basic UV filter? Polarizing? I'm really at a loss on this issue....

Thanks
Cam

[Patrick]

Re: Filters.....questions

I am a bit confused on lens filters. I am not sure if I should have one to begin with, or what they really do. I've read up on different kinds on the internet, but where should I start out at? Should I just get a basic UV filter? Polarizing? I'm really at a loss on this issue....

Thanks
Cam

Start with a good UV filter, leave it permanently on the camera simply to protect the lens.

You could at some stage consider a graduated filter to deal with bright sky's when making landscapes. Possibly lager than you need but with a stepping ring to make it fit your lens. If you anticipate what lenses you were going to buy, it will then fit.

Tip: If you put a white spot(magic marker will do the job) on the top on the ring you will always know where the dark area is.

Patrick

[lumix]

Re: Filters.....questions

I am a bit confused on lens filters. I am not sure if I should have one to begin with, or what they really do. I've read up on different kinds on the internet, but where should I start out at? Should I just get a basic UV filter? Polarizing? I'm really at a loss on this issue....

Thanks
Cam

As the effect of most filters can be applied with editing software I only have and use the ones you mentioned. UV for lens protection on wet or dusty occasions, but avoid using it if possible. Polarizing lens useful for added saturation of colours and to enhance sky's, also will help remove reflections. Buy the best you can afford as poor filter quality will lower the image resolution. Hope that helps somewhat with your question.

Here is a link to filtersim which may also help. http://www.mediachance.com/digicam/filtersim.htm

[Tom]

Re: Filters.....questions

As the effect of most filters can be applied with editing software I only have and use the ones you mentioned. UV for lens protection on wet or dusty occasions, but avoid using it if possible. Polarizing lens useful for added saturation of colours and to enhance sky's, also will help remove reflections. Buy the best you can afford as poor filter quality will lower the image resolution. Hope that helps somewhat with your question.

Here is a link to filtersim which may also help. http://www.mediachance.com/digicam/filtersim.htm

I agree with Ron, I too have FilterSim and it's a handy little tool to have on the desktop.