Filters And Tripods

[leopuppy04]

So I've been doing a photography course the past few weeks which has been great!

Our topic tonight has been filters and how you can use different filters to get different effects. Has anybody used them and does anybody use them often? I currently have a UV filter on my lens but I was interested in the polarising filter as well as the filter that sort of softens the edges of an image (can't remember what it's called!?)

I was searching on ebay to see what's around and came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/67mm-23pc-filter-ki...id=p3286.c0.m14

Would you ever use all of them? Are there any filters that you think are 'must haves'? Especially for someone that doesn't do a lot of photo editing etc.

what about in relation to dog photography/ travel photography etc?

my next question is that tripods seem to be your camera's best friend We have a tripod at home, but it's a pretty bulky one that would certainly be a pain to carry around all day, particularly if you are traveling.

Since I am going on a trip at the end of the year, i'm trying to find a pretty good, not too expensive tripod that may fit into a backpack? that way, if I want to take a shot of something spectacular, or a night time shot, I can use the tripod (presumably on a ledge or something?!) and capture the moment.

Are there any tripods that are compact, or fold down well, but can also be used 'on the ground' too with a bit of height?!

any help and information will be greatly appreciated

[TerraNik]

I love my tripod, but yes they are a hassle to carry around... But if you want good photos, it's worth it!!

I have a little gorillapod (DSLR version) which is great for carrying in my backpack. It's very light and is quite versatile. It's not as sturdy as a proper tripod, but when you're weighing up weight/convenience, it does a pretty good job! Costs about $50

Edited September 8, 2009 by TerraNik

[Luke W]

I don't use filters at all. Any more.

Most stuff you can do in Photoshop.

Polarisers are difficult to approximate in photoshop - but still, I don't like the uneven skies they often produce.

ND filters (not grads) can be useful for reducing shutter speed to get flowing waterfall shots.

That's about it.

A 23 filter kit for $60 bucks? Probably poor quality filters.

IMO - better to spend your filter money on an alarm clock to wake you up before sunrise

oh - PS - filter size has to match the size of your lens(es) - or you have to get 'step up' or 'step down' rings to convert sizes.

Or you can buy Cokin filters which are square and sit in a holder.

Edited September 8, 2009 by Luke W

[leopuppy04]

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod4909.htm

what about something like this?! Is it possible for something like this to work with an SLR?!

[Guest Tess32]

Unless you're really into landscapes, most people don't bother with filters. I do have a polariser as they can be handy, but that's about it.

Tripods....depends on what type of photography you do.

[Poodle wrangler]

I have a UV filter, but only to protect the lens.

Have read to avoid the very cheap filters as they can produce unwanted reflections etc.

Kenko and Hoya are OK brands.

Am still looking for a tripod. Not so many photo shops where you can try them out near me.

Advice on forums is - buy a good one to start with, otherwise you'll have wasted $ ... i.e. very stable, quick release, practical height for you.

[Rappie]

OH buys a lot of lenses on Ebay and we've accumulated a few filters that have been attached to them etc.

The only one I have used is a CPL (circular polarising). We just came back from 10 days in New Caledonia and it was on my camera the whole time - it makes for lovely skies, but it also came in handy at the zoo and aquarium for taking photos through glass.

We also took a gorilla-pod style tripod with us - was handy for setting a camera up on rocks to take timer photos :p

[Ripley]

You can't replicate what a polariser can do in PS. Like others have said, it's probably the only one worth bothering with. It is great for those days with fluffy white clouds and blue skies and also cutting through glare on water. I had mine on my camera most of the day on a holiday this year so if you are going to a place like a tropical island, you will be glad you took it. You will lose 2 stops of light but in bright conditions that is ok.

I have a ND Grad filter but not a Cokin, I don't like the purple cast it gives. I bought mine of BH New York as I've found it difficult and expensive to buy other brands apart from Cokin in Australia. Lee is supposed to be the best but expensive. I have a Hi Tech brand.

You could just blend 2 exposures together in PS than use a filter. I prefer the effect the filter gives, it's up to you.

eta: You can get soft (soft transition blend) and hard (better for straight horizons) ND grad filters. I have a soft one. I also have a ND filter for longer exposures but I've only used that a couple of times.

Tripod - bought a Manfrotto recently with a ball head. It's a bit heavy to take hiking so I don't, but I always pack it if we are driving somewhere scenic as it doesn't take much to get it out of the car and set it up. It has a quick release and a tilt and pan option. I should use it for wildlife shots but can't be bothered, hate carrying it around.

Edited November 4, 2009 by Ripley

[rubiton]

I use skylight filters - they are basically the same as UV filters but better for some outdoor stuff than the UV filter. Did get a polarising filter but never have had time to use it.

[macka]

My filters:

*a Polariser for landscapes on bright sunny days, or taking photos from behind glass, also cuts the reflection off water.

*IR for a bit of fun from time to time, but that is hardly essential :D

*Also have a couple of hi-tech graduated filters, one 2-stop and one 3-stop, this is useful for when your sky is 2-3 stops brighter than your foreground. Yes, you can do HDR in photoshop, but personally I think it looks like poo and can't figure out why so many people want to learn how to do it.

A good tripod is worth it's weight in gold. Well, maybe not quite, but essential if you're interested in taking longer exposures....evening shots, night shots, waterfalls... also good for macros. A good sturdy tripod will last a lifetime, but will be heavy to carry. But then flimsy tripods just shake in the wind and blur your photos. My OH and I have a very sturdy (heavy) manfrotto with a ball head which is brilliant. ETA My OH has carried it all over Vietnam, Spain, NY, and Canada!!! :D If you're after something light and convenient go for Terranik's suggestion.

Edited November 4, 2009 by macka