 Kelly S. Dickinson |
What Type of Filter Do I Need? I have a Canon 300D digital camera. I was instructed in one of my Betterphoto.com courses that I needed a graduated natural density (GND) filter, so I could avoid the sky looking light or blown out. When I went to the photography store, I asked for the GND filter, but was told I probably wanted a Circular Polarizing Filter instead. Can you tell me what the difference is and what would be most beneficial? Any help on this subject would be appreciated.
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Michael H. Cothran |
Your friendly local photography store is full of hooey. The two filters are not the same. They have NOTHING in common. A graduated neutral density filter is usually rectangle in shape, and made to fit some of the filter holders available today. The top is dark, gradually becoming clear towards the bottom, thus allowing more light to strike the bottom part of your image, and less light to strike the top part. This sort of levels the playing field in many instances where the sky is much brighter than the ground area. They are only of use in circumstances where the sky is much brighter than the land. Metering with one on your camera requires special techniques, so if you buy one, you will need to learn how to use it effectively, and how to meter with it. Check out some reputable online photo stores like B&H (www.bhphoto.com), search filters, then Graduated Neutral Density filters. A circular polarizer is a specialized polarizing filter made specifically for auto focus cameras, as opposed to a linear polarizer which may be used on manual focus cameras. Either reduces glare on many surfaces. It is probably the most popular of all filters, and would be of value in any photographer's camera bag. More so than the GND, BUT...in those instances where a GND is absolutely needed, there is no substitute. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
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Kelly S. Dickinson |
Thanks Michael for your response to my question. I appreciate the explanations and better understand what the difference is. Thank you again.
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Hans Abplanalp |
Avoid linear polarizing filters, circular are much better. In addition to reducing glare, for example on water, car or shop windows etc., one of its main uses is to darken a blue sky and accentuate clouds, giving them almost a 3D look. The filter has its greatest effect when shooting at right angles to the sun. Take care not to overdo it to the extent of getting an almost black, unnatural sky. With an SLR camera you can see the effect as you turn the filter. Good luck. Hans Abplanalp
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Peter K. Burian |
The most common ND Grad is the Cokin, but it's not really a true neutral density. Of course, you can fix a slight color cast in Photoshop - if you have the skills to do so. Pros use the Singh Ray brand, although it's very expensive: http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.html Cheers! Peter Burian
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Brian A. Wolter |
Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarized and polarizing filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. Linear Polarizing and Circular Polarizing filters have the same effect, but it is important that you choose the correct version for your camera. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. They also enable colors to become more saturated and appear clearer, with better contrast. This effect is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds. In conditions of extreme light intensity, such as sunshine on snowy mountains or on the beach, or when using a camcorder, ND (Neutral Density) filters are recommended.
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Sujesh Thomas |
Check out this link http://www.edbergphoto.com/pages/Tip-polarizers.html Polarizing Filters are explained in detail in plain language here, with examples.
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