Filters?

Clixphoto

Thanks to alot of input from the great people here, I have chosen the 24-70 2.8L for my Canon 50D. My next question is about filters.

I'm planning a trip to Egypt/Israel in July. Landscapes aren't usually my thing but I expect I will shoot alot of them on this trip. I would be anxious to hear your input on what types of filters I might need, what brand is best, and should I just get a kit. Keep in mind that I will use the lens mostly for portraits when I'm not traveling.

Thanks in advance.

cmason

Clixphoto wrote:

Thanks to alot of input from the great people here, I have chosen the 24-70 2.8L for my Canon 50D. My next question is about filters.

I'm planning a trip to Egypt/Israel in July. Landscapes aren't usually my thing but I expect I will shoot alot of them on this trip. I would be anxious to hear your input on what types of filters I might need, what brand is best, and should I just get a kit. Keep in mind that I will use the lens mostly for portraits when I'm not traveling.

Thanks in advance.

aside from a skylight for lens protection (i am in that camp) I find I really only use a polarizer, a neutral density, and a graduate neutral density.

I recommend a B+W Circular Polarizer, and Cokin P for the other two.

Art Scott

Clixphoto wrote:

Thanks to alot of input from the great people here, I have chosen the 24-70 2.8L for my Canon 50D. My next question is about filters.

I'm planning a trip to Egypt/Israel in July. Landscapes aren't usually my thing but I expect I will shoot alot of them on this trip. I would be anxious to hear your input on what types of filters I might need, what brand is best, and should I just get a kit. Keep in mind that I will use the lens mostly for portraits when I'm not traveling.

Thanks in advance.

I recommend Lee or Singh Ray 4x4 - 4x6 flat filters ..............and I would also recommend the same style for circular polarizer..........

The flat filter will fit a variety of lenses and can also be hand held......

you may also want to practice your HDR shooting for all the contrast and colors taht will want to absolutley jump out at you................

Clixphoto

I'll admit I don't know much about flat filters. What are the advantages or disadvantages compared to a conventional filter?

Scott_Quier

As I understand it, the real advantage of flat filters comes into play when working with GND filters.

If you use the circular version, you have your grad line right through the middle of the frame and that's NOT negotiable.

With the flat filters, you can move that grad line to anywhere in the frame - thus making your filter work with the scene rather than making your framing of the scene work with your filters.

For the other two types of filters, I'm not sure there is an advantage. But I could be wrong.

cmason

I use the Cokin, or 'flat' filters because i can use them on all my lenses, which have different filter sizes. If I bought conventional filters, I would need 3 different sets for each size lens I own. With the Cokin, I simply need a filter holder adapter for each lens. But I dont even do that, as I simply hand-hold these filters most often. Just hold them up against the lens and take the shot.

As Scott says, the other advantage is the Grad, since the Cokin allows you to adjust the Grad line to align with your horizon.

Clixphoto

This system does seem to be the way to go. So I will need the filter holder, an adapter ring for my lense (77mm), and the filters themselves. Is the holder the same one I see on ebay for $5?

cmason

Clixphoto wrote:

This system does seem to be the way to go. So I will need the filter holder, an adapter ring for my lense (77mm), and the filters themselves. Is the holder the same one I see on ebay for $5?

no idea, don't shop eBay. Here they are at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Filter-Holders/ci/9327/N/4291074966

You only need one, then buy the adapter rings for your lenses:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Adapter-Rings/ci/9326/N/4291074967