Filters, anyone use them

[Oldboy]

Everyone always says that UV filters can cause degradation on image quality and the
logic is generally impeccable.  Thing is, though, I tested my 18-105VR shooting the same focus test chart with and without my very cheap (7 day shop) UV filter and couldn't see any differences. 

I'm sure that UV filters can cause affect image quality, I just can't see it under relatively controlled conditions

Have you still got your white stick? 

[Chris P]

Everyone always says that UV filters can cause degradation on image quality and the
logic is generally impeccable.  Thing is, though, I tested my 18-105VR shooting the same focus test chart with and without my very cheap (7 day shop) UV filter and couldn't see any differences. 

I'm sure that UV filters can cause affect image quality, I just can't see it under relatively controlled conditions

Have you still got your white stick? 

Nah, I lost it.  Just wander around blindly now with my hands out in front

[picsfor]

Have a circular polariser for a couple of my lenses. It's great for macro and adding some colour to those "white colourless skies".
I'm now starting to look at nd filters. Have a screw in nd4 for the same lenses as the polariser and a kit with nd grads.
Still looking to get a real chance to experiment with them - but living by the sea side - should get plenty of opportunity.

Interested in trying out some other filters as well. But one step at a time.

[Spiritflier]

If you want to have fun with a filter Andrew, go and get yourself a B+W 10-stop Neutral Density filter. They're not cheap but the images are really striking!

This is one of my favourites taken last week at Llyn Efyrnwy near Welshpool...



That was a 90 second exposure at f16 with the Sigma 10-20.

[jimthetrain]

Lovely image there Si.
I've got a couple of uv 's and a couple of cp's plus an nd grad kit but haven't really got to grips with the grads yet. Lack of opportunity mostly. Might get me some normal nd filters for longer exposures though as they really aren't that dear.

jim

[Spiritflier]

Thanks Jim. 

I generally use a three-stop Cokin ND grad over the top of the 10-stop ND or else the sky still gets blown out. Composition gets a bit tricky 'cos I have to put the 10-stop on before the grad but generally they come out ok.

I really need to stop being a tight-arse though and get a decent CP... Mine's only a cheapy and it puts one hell of a colour cast on the images. 

Best wishes,
Si

[minky_monkey]

I`ve got a couple of CP`s, UV`s on all my lenses and a set of ND`s and ND grads.

And a lump of welding mask glass..

I`ve not long had the ND`s, so I`m still learning with those.  Good fun though!

[krennon]

Just got a CP from 7dayshop need to get out there and tr it out now...stupid question time now...should you use a CP filter with or without the lens hood? I'm never sure told you it was a stupid q...want to get some nd filters as well, the potential problem is that the SONY lenses have the focusing ring on the end of the lens...which I reckon could end up opening a whole world of pain.....any suggestions gratefully received....

[Forseti]

stupid question time now...should you use a CP filter with or without the lens hood? I'm never sure told you it was a stupid q...

Don't see a reason why not although a lot of course depends on the design of the hood. The original (Canon) hood for my WA lens is so big that I can easily access the rotating outer part of the CPL. However, the lens hood of my 70-200 is such a long narrow tube that accessing the rotating outer ring is almost impossible.

[Hinfrance]

When I'm using a screw on CP I set the CP first and then put the lens hood on - except for the kits lens hood which has a removable bottom section that allows access to the filter.

[stevebedder]

I've got a CP that I use with my Tamron 17-35 with the lens hood on and it's great. It helps that it is a petal type hood so can get my fingers in to access the filter.

Steve