thinking of buying some filters... what should I buy?

BigDaddyCan

as the title suggests!

I'm not big on photoshop and am a big fan of getting the picture right first time so I was thinking of maybe picking up a polarizing or ND filter

which would you boardsies say would be a better option?

ValueInIreland

Personally, I would buy a Graduated ND or Grey first, after that it would be the Polariser, then the full ND.

Kenny Logins

A circular polariser can do what may be very tricky in Photoshop - removing reflections from windows and water etc. I'd buy one of those first. ..but it all depends on what you want to photograph really.

LeoB

Is there a preferred brand of filter? A lot seem to be using Lee filters but they are very expensive

I was going to buy a set of 3 Tiffen N/D filters and like the op where do you start as I cant afford to buy a set of Lee filters. So Cokin, Hoya, Hama.........

tororosso

LeoB wrote: »

Is there a preferred brand of filter? A lot seem to be using Lee filters but they are very expensive

I was going to buy a set of 3 Tiffen N/D filters and like the op where do you start as I cant afford to buy a set of Lee filters. So Cokin, Hoya, Hama.........

Hi Leo, I bought a set of Cokin filters last year and, although I don't use them as often as I'd llike to, I find them to be ok. I found that the filters tend to get a bit dusty and I think that this is likely due to the material they are made of. If you can wait you should definitely invest in a good set of Lee filters as it might be false economy getting the cheaper ones.

LeoB

tororosso wrote: »

Hi Leo, I bought a set of Cokin filters last year and, although I don't use them as often as I'd llike to, I find them to be ok. I found that the filters tend to get a bit dusty and I think that this is likely due to the material they are made of. If you can wait you should definitely invest in a good set of Lee filters as it might be false economy getting the cheaper ones.

I have some Cokin N.D filters but when stacked there is a colour cast (majenta). I think its because light gets in between them? Also very hard to keep dust off them its a bit of a battle.

Could be false economy ok not getting Lee or a more reputable brand but the purse strings just dont stretch that far as I am looking for another lens also. So unless my numbers come up in the next week or two!!!!!!

tororosso

LeoB wrote: »

I have some Cokin N.D filters but when stacked there is a colour cast (majenta). I think its because light gets in between them? Also very hard to keep dust off them its a bit of a battle.

Could be false economy ok not getting Lee or a more reputable brand but the purse strings just dont stretch that far as I am looking for another lens also. So unless my numbers come up in the next week or two!!!!!!

Know the feeling Have my eye on a number of things but doesn't make economic sense at the moment! I would like to get a good Lee set at some stage over the next year. Don't do much landscape stuff but would like to and no point working with stuff that doesn't optimise the experience. If I see a second hand set anywhere I'll definitely PM you the link

LeoB

To be fair the Cokin are ok on their own and if you take really good care with them. I am happy with a lot of shots I have taken with them. A friend of mine is using a set of Lee filters and is amazed at the results.

If my numbers do come up I will buy all contributors to this thread a set of Lee filters;). When I get back from my trip to Canada, Alaska and the 20 other places I want to go.