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BetterPhoto Q&A
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 Nevia Cashwell Contact Nevia Nevia's Gallery imagesbynevia.com member since: 12/9/2004 |
Are Filters Obsolete? Been wondering what with so much editing that can be done with software, are there still advantages to actually using real filters, such as polarizing, ND, etc.? It seems that a lot can be done, maybe so much as to render filters obsolete. For those who disagree, what filters do you still carry with you and use on a regular basis? Also, interested in opinions on the Cokin filter system. Thanks. 4/1/2009 1:47:10 PM |
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Bob Cammarata
cammphoto.com member since: 7/17/2003 |
Filters to balance light sources will likely become obsolete, since auto-white balance will adjust to whatever illumination is present or applied. Split ND's and polarizing filters will be tough to eliminate entirely with a digital equivalent so those will probably stick around. And of course, those ubiquitous "filters for protection" for your new lens (such as the skylight filter) will hang around as long as the undercarriage rustproofing you were talked into on that new car you just bought. 4/1/2009 2:21:36 PM |
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Ken Smith Contact Ken Ken's Gallery member since: 6/11/2005 |
I second Bob's comment about the split/graduated neutral density and polarizer filters. True, with software, you can try to replicate some of this, but it's not the same ... kinda like true infrared and a Photoshop IR effect. You should strive to be as true as possible out of the camera, then polish with Photoshop.
4/1/2009 6:17:05 PM |
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Nevia Cashwell Contact Nevia Nevia's Gallery imagesbynevia.com member since: 12/9/2004 |
I agree with both of you about the polarizer and split ND filters and I do have skylights on my more expensive lens. any experience with the Cokin filter system?
4/1/2009 6:24:56 PM |
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Ken Smith Contact Ken Ken's Gallery member since: 6/11/2005 |
Nevia, I did buy the Cokin mount, but actually don't use it as much as I should. I just hand-hold my graduated ND filter in front of the lens...I guess I'm just lazy! :-) But, the concept is excellent, because it gives you the control to place the filter right where you want it, so I would recommend it!
4/1/2009 8:35:21 PM |
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Nevia Cashwell Contact Nevia Nevia's Gallery imagesbynevia.com member since: 12/9/2004 |
Ken ... not a bad idea. would probably encourage me to use the filters more often. thanks
4/2/2009 3:11:52 AM |
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Richard Lynch member since: 6/12/2005 |
On-camera filters, in my opinion, are still useful depending on how they alter light. Some things can be replicated, like soft-focus effects, simple gradient filters, etc. However, something like a polarizing filter (which changes how light is selectively captured in a scene) or using a R72 filter on a camera that can capture IR are not replaceable. Neutral Density filters would also fall in that category. I use all three of these. Color filters would generally be something I would not recommend ... such as those you might use for capturing B&W, as the result will actually cut down on the possibilities you'd otherwise have in converting to B&W from a full-color image. Ken, I actually do the same with a 95mm R72 with a reversed hood when shooting digital IR. The hood helps block any potential seepage. It's just too time-consuming to unscrew, focus, screw back, shoot... I hope that helps! 4/3/2009 12:57:07 PM |
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