Do you use filters?

[laura]

Just wondered if any of you used filters at all? And when?
I have read many articles on them, with mixed reviews.
Have any of you used them yourselves? How did you find them? Would you recommend them?

[dkippen]

Laura -

I have UV filters on all of my lenses to protect them. There are many views on whether these affect picture quality or not. Some people use them, others stay away. For myself - if it's going to happen, it will happen to me, so I choose to use a UV filter to help protect my costly lens against potential scratches.

Another filter to consider would be a polarizing lens. On bright sunny days, this will give you bluer skies and whiter clouds.

If you shoot waterfalls, an ND filter can be beneficial which will allow you to use a slower shutter speed.

For special effects, a star filter for a night city shot will of course create the star effect on lights.

And the list will go on and on. It boils down to personal choice and what effect you want to create. If you do choose to use filters, make sure you get quality filters like Tiffen or Hoya. Yes, they do cost more, but as I've learned with this hobby, cheap doesn't work.

[laura]

Hi Debbie. Thanks for your reply. I had considered buying a filter as protection for my lense, but was worried about it effecting the picture quality, so thought id ask to see if anyone had any experience with them.
Maybe I should buy on and try it out.

[ladyups]

I'm like Debbie...I have UV filters on all three of my lenses. If the quality is affected, I can't tell it.

[laura]

Thanks Mary.

[jonrayner]

I have a UV filter on my lens and thought it made my shots soft, however have realised that it is the lens that is making my shots soft and not the filter.

I also use a polariser which is great on blue skies and water.

Am looking to purchase a ND filter at some point.

[gocamels]

Filters are great, but be careful what you buy. A poor quality filter can hurt your photos more than help.

Think of it this way. A good quality Canon "L" lens is going to cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Now, if you just paid, say, $1400 for a good piece of quality glass, do you think a $10 El Cheapo filter is going to make the photos coming from that $1400 lens look better or worse?

My advice is to save up and buy good quality filters, just like with lenses.

[Joel]

I'm looking for a polarizer. But can i use a filter and lens hood? It's on a Sigma 70-300 DG.

Sorry if I'm hijacking.

[laura]

Your not hijacking - you can join in any conversation you want.
I haven't got any filters yet, but from what i understand you cannot use a lens hood at the same time. I may be wrong. I'm sure someone will be a long soon with the correct answer though.

[dkippen]

Joel - it depends on what filter you're using and what you're shooting. If the only filter you have on your lens is the UV, then using the lens hood should be fine. With a polarizer, I don't think so - but don't quote me on that.