BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

wide angle lens any suggestions

A new tripod I want it to be able to conform or adjust to wherever I want to beTaking a shot

color enhanced polarized filter and other filters

Ok What are your thoughts Help thanks Susan

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October 23, 2010

Filters: The only filters that you need are a standard polarizer because you will probably need to adjust your color anyway during post processing (PP).
That will negate the color enhancement of the color enhancement CP and save you money. Other filters are ND and GND filters in 1 and 2 stop variations. They can be stacked to give you 3 stops of density. For The GND's I recommend the soft edged ones. It is highly recommended, by people a lot better and smarter than I, that you use and add any other filters from your PS program.
Do not use the filters that are in camera.

Tripods: If money is not a problem, congratulations, purchase the finest Gitzo tripod that will cover your needs with thoughts of future equipment that may be used on it.
Any tripod you purchase should be capable of heavy duty for stability. Cheap tripods are spindly and a waste of money since even with the lightest breeze they will vibrate and move or/and possibly break. Carbon Fiber tripods are more expensive than the aluminum ones but are stronger and lighter. Weight matters when carrying
these things around all day. I suggest a Manfroto tripod in the $100+ range because it has the stability that is needed along with a ball head that will hold more weight than what is necessary for your equipment. Remember that you extend the legs as far as you can before you even think about raising the center post. On a three section tripod that means you extend the middle section all the way before you extend the 3rd section, bottom, at all. Insure that the tripod is high enough to reach your eye level, not the top of your head, when the legs are fully extended. As for the wherever, I found that I used the standard spread of the tripod 80% of the time. They are considerably more expensive also.

Wide Angle lens: While nice it is up to you to decide just how wide you want to go. Telephoto lenses cost more as you increase power and WA lenses are more expensive the wider you go. Use your "kit" lens, preferably in the 17-55/85mm range, at its widest and determine how much further you NEED to go to cover your desires.

Good Luck,

Lynn

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October 24, 2010

For really! wide angle photos with the D200, you would want a 10-24mm or similar lens.

Your camera requires you to use a so-called CIRCULAR polarizer. Stick to well known brands such as HOYA.

I do not recommend other filters in digital photography.

If you do buy a tripod don't buy one that is flimsy. The Manfrotto brand is very good; expect to pay at least $150 for a tripod with a tripod head.

Peter

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October 27, 2010