Reddit mentions: The best camera lens sky & uv filters

Yeah, I feel ya. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like talking about technique and composition is harder in-person, so I tend to fall into the gear talk more easily. Some of that stuff just becomes so automatic that it's hard to verbalize even when you're looking right at it. It's almost like the photographers need to do a debrief with laptops and beer to figure out what worked well the night after a game. I'd be way better at breaking down what I was thinking after a shoot than during--same goes for hearing and processing what the other photogs were working on.


Those tight shots are what I got comfortable with and stuck to for a long time. I knew they worked, so I stuck to them for a very long time. What I like to do now is get the tight shots early and make sure I have a good set of winners that I'd be happy to post. Then, I start playing around and experimenting. I definitely get more trash than keepers that way, but the keepers are so much more interesting. Forcing myself to use a wide lens (24mm on a full frame) and embedding myself within a squad also helped. It really helps to get more environmental when you can't get close, you don't really have a choice.


I like Hoya filters for burners. They're great glass at a super low price: https://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Digital-Frame-Multi-Coated-Filter/dp/B002L60TTI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1526067968&sr=8-3&keywords=hoya+77mm+uv+filter

Get ready, because the world of filters can be very confusing. A solid ND like the Lee Big Stopper will allow you to take longer exposures during the day as it acts like a pair of sunglasses for your camera, limiting the amount of light that comes in the lens. Graduated ND filters like this only limit light in part of the shot, and are commonly used for landscapes and sunsets. These filters help bring down the highlights in your image and preserve detail. Graduated ND filters aren't used for what most would consider "long exposure" photography. I'm assuming you want to shoot something like moving water or light trails during the day. In that case you're going to need some solid ND filters.

There's two main types of filters, slot-in and screw-on. Slot-in filters are more expensive than their screw-on counterparts, but can be more versatile. With a slot-in filter, the filter itself will work for any lens as long as you have the right sized adapter. Screw-on filters will not; a 67mm screw-on filter will only fit a lens with a 67mm thread. If you upgrade to a lens with a larger thread size, say 77mm, that filter will no longer work. With a slot-in filter like those made by Lee, all you need is a new adapter for your existing filters to work. Graduated ND filters are almost always slot-in types, as you can adjust them to match the horizon of your shot easier. The main caveat to slot-in filters is their price. Expect to pay at least $300 to get started with a filter holder, adapter ring, and just one ND filter.

Screw-on filters are what I prefer. They're harder to break and much less expensive than slot-in filters. I have a B+W ND 3.0 and a B+W ND 1.8 filter. Keep in mind that you will need to buy the filter size that fits your lens. If you have multiple lenses, buy the filters to fit your biggest lens thread size. You can then use step down rings to adapt them to all your lenses and save some money. They're inexpensive filters made with quality glass (part of the reason I love B+W). Some filters, especially inexpensive ones, will produce a color cast. I haven't found this to be much of an issue with these filters. I may upgrade to a nice set of Lee filters one day, but I don't have that kind of money to spend right now. My recommendation for you? Pick up a B+W ND 3.0 and 1.8. These cover many situations you'll encounter and are a great starting point. If you have any questions I'll be glad to help!

I agree with oldscotch. This lens is great and easy to use. It also encourages to move your feet more to get the right angle rather than rely on zoom. I ended up using this a lot more than the 18-55 5.6 kit lens when I started off cause it was just more fun. Also, the price is pretty good:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-35mm-1-8G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334116656&sr=8-1

Usually it's $199 so I'd just wait a few days until they get more.

Another thing I would buy just starting off is some sort of filter for your lens. I'll probably get yelled at for saying this here but its a great way to protect one of the most expensive parts of your kit. The filter will break and not the lens. When you start off you most likely wont even see the difference between having the filter on or not:

I originally bought this one because it was so cheap

http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-52mm-UV-Protection-Filter/dp/B00004ZCJG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334116831&sr=1-1

I've bought this one for my other lenses

http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-DG-52mm-Multi-Coated-Filter/dp/B00009R6JT/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334116831&sr=1-3

This camera is fantastic at both photos and videos, and this refurbished model saves you more money for a great lens, which is by far the most important part of your investment.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-D5500-Wi-Fi-Digital-Camera/dp/B00TFYRG3G/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1464046609&sr=1-1&keywords=refurbished+d5500
This incredible lens has recently had a big price reduction. It has pro features such as a fast, constant aperture and stabilization that will make it possible to shoot sharp photos and videos even in low light, where most lenses fail. It shoots everything from landscapes to portraits perfectly. You will likely keep this lens forever, and it is an ideal lens to learn on. Much better than the cheap kit lenses bundled with most cameras that are very limiting.
http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-17-50mm-Aperture-Standard-Digital/dp/B003A6NU3U/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1464049539&sr=1-2&keywords=sigma+17-50mm+f+2.8
Throw this on the front of the lens to protect it.
http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Digital-Frame-Multi-Coated-Filter/dp/B002L60TTI/ref=pd_sim_421_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=313Zr0POzWL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=12EBWXTVA2D5E3BNTGY2

I bought this camera off of craigslist, after a lot of research. While I have a Canon DSLR, I wanted a Point & Shoot that could perform similarly in low light, shoot video, and is small enough to have on me everyday. So far I love this camera, but the real low-light test will be the weekend after next.

That's the price it's been on Amazon for a while, but the $75 gift card would be great for a class 10 SD card, a strap, a case, and maybe an extra battery or two. I also recommend the metal lens adapter, paired with a cheap 52mm filter, for protection in crowds, etc.

I paid $280 for the camera used from a photographer, 6 months after he bought it. He even included a leica hard leather case, the lens adapter, and a PDF book about it. I then bought 2 spare batteries, a crumpler strap, and the cheap filter linked above.

This is my favorite SNL skit. It always makes me laugh out loud. First time I was crying.

I ain't no damn clown.

Edit:
Here is my winning gift pic.

My lens takes a 40.5 mm filter, but the same seller also carries other sizes, like 49mm.

If neither of these fit your lens, your best bet would be finding the size you need and searching "XXmm UV filter." If you can't find the size, you could also search "[e pz 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 oss] UV filter."

Go Stingrays!

Good luck to your daughter and thanks for the contest!

I think I use this one just for when its bright out. works pretty well.

A basic UV filter, cheap ones can add funny flair, but they can be removed quickly and easily. If I take the filter off I generally make sure to use a lens hood.

You need a 52mm filter. Going with Hoya tends to be a safe choice. UV filter is ok. Something like this. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-52mm-Digital-Screw-Filter/dp/B002L72ANK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1519040015&sr=1-1&keywords=hoya+52mm

I appreciate all the fast responses. I have researched a a bit and decided to go with these.
Macro Lens:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005C50H2Y/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Uv lens:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XNMWCF8/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Polarizer lens:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00XNMXNV0/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Camera:
https://www.ebay.com/p/Nikon-D3400-DSLR-Camera-Body-Only-black/886214437?iid=172511228968&chn=ps&ul_ref=https%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmpre%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fp%25252FNikon-D3400-DSLR-Camera-Body-Only-black%25252F886214437%25253Fiid%25253D172511228968%252526chn%25253Dps%2526itemid%253D172511228968%2526targetid%253D313776934696%2526device%253Dm%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526googleloc%253D9052898%2526poi%253D%2526campaignid%253D833559251%2526adgroupid%253D39417365901%2526rlsatarget%253Dpla-313776934696%2526abcId%253D1123856%2526merchantid%253D8567664%2526gclid%253DCjwKCAjwt5DXBRAtEiwAa3vyEijalntN16m4qbG8DRZvYmt-5wBg5dFSSbEBT5f7NBkTr8MSWfoBPhoCNgkQAvD_BwE%2526srcrot%253D711-117182-37290-0%2526rvr_id%253D1514306914752%2526rvr_ts%253D0f7ac2661630aad93b312adbfffe4164

Tripod:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/366230-REG/Nikon_822_Compact_Tripod_with_2_Way.html?ap=y&c3api=1876%2C92051678402%2C%2C&gclid=CjwKCAjwt5DXBRAtEiwAa3vyEpvng7_mfdC4T8JpbT4Q9RTy9EbGakAcC4xrgV7FQjh9FnJOUU6KvRoCb-AQAvD_BwE


Will this be sufficient for this use? Any recommendation other assessories that would be helpful?

Well, sheeeeeeit -- I really appreciate you telling me this, so I don't waste any more energy. Que sera sera! That's for the info about the BK7 and your experience with the Baader filter -- you got a 52mm screw on like this one?

Not sure why you’re saying that mounting a UV filter will triple your surface area for Dew forming. If you attach and seal your circular filter appropriately you shouldn’t be getting dew formation between the lens and the inside of the filter (attach it when you’re not in a humid environment?).

Also strictly speaking, you’re actually going to be reducing the surface area that dew can form on since lenses are typically curved on the outer most element, whereas a filter will be flat. #math

And then, if it’s going to be a dewy environment, it’s going to form on the glass regardless of if you have a filter on it or not. In fact, if you get a filter with a special coating, you might even be able to decrease the incidence of dew formation.

Regarding artifacts: Rare. You’ll get them when you’re at strange angles to your light source and/or if it’s a very poor quality uncoated filter. And even if they do show up, it’s trivial to remove such artifacts in post.

Finally cost/quality? A filter with decent coatings will typically be under $100. So you are saving money by not having to buy another $100 lens. Your argument about cost literally makes no sense. A good enough filter will always be cheaper than the lens, so you are still saving money.

So honestly, you really should have used a UV or general protection filter.

e.g. Hoya Evo Antistatic UV Filter - 77mm - Dust / Stain / Water Repellent, Low-Profile Filter Frame — $75

That being said, I really like your photos—they are quite cool.

Edit: source regarding filters and dew.. I’ve done a lot of outdoor and early morning landscape/Astro shoots for fun in a variety of climates including humid ones.

Im a noob at this, and just purchased all my gear over the last few weeks here. Its arriving by May 6th, so what are some things I should know about photography to help me improve?

Gear:

Camera: Sony Alpha A230

ND Filter: BW 10 stop Filter

Tripod: Amazon Basic 60 inch

Shutter release: Neewar DSLR Shutter release

Hi guys, I am not sure whether this is a good place to post this, so please feel free to delete if it violates the rules.

I am looking to upgrade from a Canon T3 to a smaller, potentially mirrorless, camera. I would like to sell my T3 + gear and use that cash toward the new camera.

What is a reasonable price to ask for this stuff:

Canon EOS Rebel T3 Digital SLR Camera DS126291
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-18-55mm-discontinued-manufacturer/dp/B004J3Y9U6

Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS II
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-3-5-5-6-Lens/dp/B000V5K3FG

Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter
http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-UV-Protection-Filter/dp/B00004ZCJI

Case Logic SLRC-201 SLR Zoom Holster (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/Case-Logic-SLRC-201-Holster-Black/dp/B001TZUS98

AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories - Black
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Backpack-DSLR-Cameras-Accessories/dp/B002VPE1WK

Generic 58mm Hood

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens - Fixed
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-55-250mm-Telephoto-discontinued-manufacturer/dp/B0011NVMO8


Thanks!

Happy Birthday Diaju!

A lens I'd like

If the problem is occurring at the sensor, I really like the cyan filter option. Less drastically, have you considered a filter to cut out the IR or NIR? The sensor has one built in on it in most cameras, but it may not be enough?

http://www.amazon.com/65-014688-52mm-Cut-Filter-486/dp/B000A1SVQ4/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1260205017&sr=1-14

Like this maybe?

The camera and lenses are awesome value.

I would ignore the accessories from your calculation though, especially if you're trying to resell. Most are no name / low quality. They probably work fine but will be a lot harder to resell.

Think Amazon Basics (https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-UV-Protection-Lens-Filter/dp/B00XNMXE82/ref=pd_lpo_421_bs_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DWYJ3KWBXKWTPRAK8YZB)

vs. "brand name" (https://www.amazon.com/Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Multi-Resistant-Coating/dp/B00OK6YSAS/ref=pd_bxgy_421_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00OK6YSAS&pd_rd_r=DWYJ3KWBXKWTPRAK8YZB&pd_rd_w=vP3OQ&pd_rd_wg=dx1nu&psc=1&refRID=DWYJ3KWBXKWTPRAK8YZB)

I use these: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-52mm-Screw-on-NC-Filter/dp/B00009R96C/

Is there some reason I shouldn't? They are very clear and multi-coated. I don't feel that they take away from my image quality.

http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-49mm-HMC-Multicoated-Filter/dp/B002N1WACA

That one? If you could point me towards one I'd appreciate it.

Hoya is a popular favorite for high quality but often at a decent price, which as a newbie is what you'd probably shoot for. Zeikos is generally considered low quality, but as a newbie you might not notice. First-party filters aren't bought very often.

If your camera came with the kit 18-55 then you probably have a 58mm filter size (as in the tip is 58mm wide). You can confirm this by looking for a spot on your camera that says ø58 in which case this filter should work fine for you. If that's too expensive then this one should still be decent quality.

But honestly, my suggestion is don't bother. You're not going to smear chocolate on your lens, and if you did the worst that would happen is you'd have to wipe it up. Just don't be dumb with your new equipment and everything will be fine.

Your sensor is more sensitive than film, to uv light.
With daylight film, UV would cause slight "haze" problems.
With digital it picks up UV more so the manufacturers had to place a UV filter in front of it.

See this link to see what a sensor without a filter looks like.
http://www.lifepixel.com/digital-infrared/samples11.htm

Even a good filter, like the Nikon NC (neutral colour) filter has reflectivity problems with digital if you have a bright subject in the shot:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B00009R96C/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_2?ie=UTF8&index=2

Shot and Edited by Brandon Perez

A cinematic video of a white INFINITI Q50. I got the chance to take video of a friend's INFINITI Q50 with some custom mods. All of the clips were shot with the DJI Mavic Air.

Shot with:
DJI Mavic Air + PolarPro ND16/PL Cinema Filter
https://www.dji.com/mavic-air
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C3BGFC/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_DFhCDb82XTK4V

Edited with:
Adobe Premiero Pro

Music from SoundStripe:
https://app.soundstripe.com/referrals/40082

Oh yeah another thing your lens filter has a crack, I googled and that lens should be a 55mm size, so just get a new screw on lens cap and remove the old one.
They aren't too expensive on Amazon and you can also get them at photography shops.

This is from Jack Perry Park. I had just got the ND filter in the mail and had to test it out. amazon https://www.amazon.com/67mm-3-0-1-000X-Single-Coating/dp/B00485XSQ6
Canon t2I, 18-135mm canon lens @96mm, 4 sec exp, iso 100, f/10

This is what I bought:

PolarPro DJI Mavic Air Filters - Vivid Collection - Cinema Series - Neutral Density Polarizer (ND/PL) Filter 3-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C3BGFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pAydBbV7FWYEA

Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD EVO Select Memory Card with Adapter (MB-ME128GA/AM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWZWYVP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2BydBbXVTJY7J

He does say what it is. It is a UV filter.

Will a polarized lens do the same?

Sold! https://www.amazon.com/58mm-Infrared-UltraViolet-Blocking-Filter/dp/B00A87Y4EI

This one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00485XSQ6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and a adaptor to my sigma 19mm (46mm thread)

Promaster Digital HGX Ultraviolet (UV) Filter - 67 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002694NGA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5lUJDbDF3KFRF

It’s the HGX Ultraviolet

I think this is the exact one I use for my 50 and my 24:

http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Hardened-8-layer-Multi-Coated-Digital/dp/B001G7PMLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419604342&sr=8-1&keywords=hoya+HD+55

The Nikon NC 52mm filter is hard to beat for $23.

I have the B+W I bought after seeing it recommended in another thread and have no regrets. B+W 67mm ND 3.0-1,000X with Single Coating (110) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00485XSQ6/