I went out this evening in the hopes of getting some decent landscapes. There were some thunderstorm clouds near, so my hopes were high. But Mother Nature won again - no good colors, clouds were thin. I heard that there was hail about 30 miles away - but no good clouds here.
I'm using a B+W ND grad, but I'm not very happy with it.
What are your favorite landscape filters?
I'm using - Canon 5D, 17-40 F4, 24-70 F2.8, 70-200 F4, ISO at low, 100, 200. AP at F22 or so, tripod, mirror lock up, release.
--edited by the moderator to show correct link format.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on April 4, 2006 at 10:33 AM
Click the Text Style Menu below for instructions on how to link a URL.
As far as the GND filter goes, I use Cokin, but I know they aren't the best. On occasion they create a color cast. But for the most part, they get the job done. Singh-Ray are probably the best of the GND filters, though many use Lee and Hitech.
If I remember correctly, the B+W filter is a screw in filter. You'll be much happier with any rectangular filter system.
I use Singh-Ray ND grads. They sell a Galen Rowell 3-filter set that's pretty pricy, but worth it (IMHO). They are rectangular, sized for a Cokin "P" holder, but I usually hand hold them because I'm either in a hurry or using a wide angle and can't risk vignetting with the holder. I also carry a variety of polarizers. With digital I no longer need warming filters.
If it is a screw-in then I agree with Mel - a rectangular filter and holder is much more flexible in allowing you to position the grad line.
Guy
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 4, 2006 at 10:50 AM
Kathy - See your post above, where I have corrected your link syntax to get it to work correctly. If you click the "edit" button, you can see what I added to get the link to work.
Posted by Scott Bacon on April 4, 2006 at 11:50 AM
I not sure you'd get satisfactory results using a GND on that image. The rocks stick too far up into the sky. The graduated effect of the filter would work on the rocks as well as the sky. I don't think you'd want that.
For this situation you might try a digital blending technique. Here's one method that I've used with some success.
I use the Singh-Ray grads for the Cokin P holders. Given the amount you've invested in your camera and lenses, investing in a good, versatile filter system would be a wise investment. Can't make any specific recommendations without knowing what it is about your B+W that you don't like. However, for grads, the Singh-Rays are arguably the best.
Posted by Brent Murphy on April 4, 2006 at 1:35 PM
I used Lee grad filters for a while, but I eventually decided they were too large, and switched to Hitech filters in a Cokin P holder. I've really liked the results I've gotten with the Hitechs.
My humgous filter list is; 1) A Circular Polariser 2) A 3-stop soft-step Singh Ray ND grad
3) for special applications I may ad a Singh Ray Color Intensifier (Fall Colors).
I've been using my B+W Split ND Filter for almost a year, yet I tend to use my Circular Polarizer more. I usually grab it first. But there have been times when the ND Filter came in very handy. I guess its ok - but I want a better filter system. I don't want to put cheap filters in front of 'L' lenses.
I am a full time people, some commercial, rodeo action, and equine photographer - and I'm trying to do more landscape work. I've been thinking about getting a 3 stop for some extra kick.
I'll definately check into the Singh Ray/Cokin P set up - Thanks!
edit: Kathy - For some reason, this system doesn't understand a link unless you put the http:// in front of it. Should work now. --Your Friendly Moderator
If I hear you right, "better" means "not cheap"? B+W filters (a Schneider Optics brand) are anything but cheap. They make some of the best glass filters out there. Research their construction (fittings, coatings, glass), and compare to other brands.
I'll support what everyone has already mentioned ... you will probably be happier with a rectangular ND ?æinstead of your extremely limiting threaded version. The freedom of a rectangular system will probably make you feel better about using filters. Just don't expect a very noticeable difference in image quality due to filter construction (B+W v.s Singh-Ray vs. any other top brand mentioned here).
Discussion
14 repliesI went out this evening in the hopes of getting some decent landscapes. There were some thunderstorm clouds near, so my hopes were high. But Mother Nature won again - no good colors, clouds were thin. I heard that there was hail about 30 miles away - but no good clouds here.
I'm using a B+W ND grad, but I'm not very happy with it.
What are your favorite landscape filters?
I'm using - Canon 5D, 17-40 F4, 24-70 F2.8, 70-200 F4, ISO at low, 100, 200. AP at F22 or so, tripod, mirror lock up, release.
Thanks
Kathy
A sample:
http://www.hillcountryimages.com/cnp_photo/1217ERock.jpg
How do you get it linked?
Kathy
--edited by the moderator to show correct link format.
As far as the GND filter goes, I use Cokin, but I know they aren't the best. On occasion they create a color cast. But for the most part, they get the job done. Singh-Ray are probably the best of the GND filters, though many use Lee and Hitech.
If I remember correctly, the B+W filter is a screw in filter. You'll be much happier with any rectangular filter system.
I use Singh-Ray ND grads. They sell a Galen Rowell 3-filter set that's pretty pricy, but worth it (IMHO). They are rectangular, sized for a Cokin "P" holder, but I usually hand hold them because I'm either in a hurry or using a wide angle and can't risk vignetting with the holder. I also carry a variety of polarizers. With digital I no longer need warming filters.
Dave Showalter
If it is a screw-in then I agree with Mel - a rectangular filter and holder is much more flexible in allowing you to position the grad line.
Guy
For this situation you might try a digital blending technique. Here's one method that I've used with some success.
FWIW, I use the Singh-Ray rectangular GNDs...
But for what it is worth I am using the Hitech filters and think they are probably the best value out there for quality and neutrality.
RichieV
3) for special applications I may ad a Singh Ray Color Intensifier (Fall Colors).
Thanks so much for your replies!
I've been using my B+W Split ND Filter for almost a year, yet I tend to use my Circular Polarizer more. I usually grab it first. But there have been times when the ND Filter came in very handy. I guess its ok - but I want a better filter system. I don't want to put cheap filters in front of 'L' lenses.
I am a full time people, some commercial, rodeo action, and equine photographer - and I'm trying to do more landscape work. I've been thinking about getting a 3 stop for some extra kick.
I'll definately check into the Singh Ray/Cokin P set up - Thanks!
Kathy
http://www.hillcountryimages.com/cnp_photo/4299.jpg
Hopefully I did the link thing right!
Kathy
edit: Kathy - For some reason, this system doesn't understand a link unless you put the http:// in front of it. Should work now. --Your Friendly Moderator
http://www.photo.net/equipment/filters.html
If I hear you right, "better" means "not cheap"? B+W filters (a Schneider Optics brand) are anything but cheap. They make some of the best glass filters out there. Research their construction (fittings, coatings, glass), and compare to other brands.
I'll support what everyone has already mentioned ... you will probably be happier with a rectangular ND ?æinstead of your extremely limiting threaded version. The freedom of a rectangular system will probably make you feel better about using filters. Just don't expect a very noticeable difference in image quality due to filter construction (B+W v.s Singh-Ray vs. any other top brand mentioned here).