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Post by Eric Patdu on Apr 6, 2009 19:47:43 GMT
Again, a question from a newbie. ;D - Are lens filters needed in bird photography?
- What filters are usually used?
- If filters are used, on what cases do you use them?
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Apr 6, 2009 21:54:18 GMT
My preamble: From my old school training (film days), I was told not to use "plastic" (read: cheap) filters. Why put a cheap filter on an expensive lens? And was also told to put either an A1/ UV/ clear filter for protection. I carried those principles when I moved to digital. And to answer Eric's queries (revised the order): What filters are usually used?If filters are used, on what cases do you use them?In digital photography, the only ones that I still find relevant are: - Clear/protection - self explanatory. But I have an asterisk on this one. Read further.
- ND (Neutral Density)/ GND (graduated ND).
ND - if you really need a specific shutter speed and aperture setting, and you're at the lowest ISO your camera can provide, you really need this to tame the light for like 2 or 3 stops. GND - if you hate doing HDR (bracketing) in PP, you can go this route. Great for landscapes.
- CPL (Circular Polarizer) - to eliminate unwanted reflections. There are things you can't do in software editing, and this is one of them.
- IR (Infra Red) - Hoya R72, RM90, Tiffen 87, etc. For IR photography of course! ;D
If someone say you can do it in post processing ... RUN away!
Are lens filters needed in bird photography?From the above list. Only the clear/protection makes sense. * - Now here's the asterisk. I used to be a proponent of protective filter. As long as it's a quality one. People have different preferences as to what brand. But I don't usually go into an argument on which one to get. As long as the filter is multi-coated (to prevent flares, internal reflections, and improves contrast) on both sides, it should be ok. But, I noticed even expensive ones can get bad. It's possible that the surface will get out of alignment (not dead flat respective to the len's front element). It affects the bokeh. So right now, I remove it together with the lens cap. Tiny dusts won't really affect the image, unless a strong light source shines directly on the front element. And the lens hood is usually good for that. Again, those are debatable. But I rather trust my own experience.
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Post by Eric Patdu on Apr 6, 2009 23:13:23 GMT
Thanks Ted! Very informative! ;D I'm trying to sort things out and learn a lot while waiting for the Canon T1i to come out on May. Can't wait for its release.
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Post by Teddy Regpala on Apr 7, 2009 0:54:38 GMT
Special effects and color filters can now be done through PP. And there are "filters" or plug-ins you can buy and install for Photoshop.
So happy for you. Don't worry too much about the camera's tech specs. Newer models are still way better than the first or second gen dslrs. And they took very good images.
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Post by Romy Ocon on Apr 7, 2009 1:32:28 GMT
Agree with Ted, filters aren't necessary for bird photography. For protection, the hood is good enough. The only filter I use is a polarizer, and that's for landscapes not birds.
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