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What filters do you use?

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Aside from UV filters on all my lenses, I like my B+W ND 10-stop filter for landscapes. A 9-stop Hoya is a cheaper alternative, but that extra stop does make a difference.

I bought a slim CP filter as it appeared to be common advice and rarely use it for quite a few reasons:
  • I often find I like the reflections with calm water
  • I don't often shoot landscapes around noon anyways
  • I often shoot landscapes with my XF14, and with the wide angle and time of day you can get uneven polarization
  • Also, my slim CP filter can get stuck, and even with a lens filter removal tool I have a LOT of trouble getting it off, especially with the metal expanding/contracting based on the temperature
I don't use a ND grad filter, but I'm sure that would be more helpful than a CP during Golden Hour if you like shooting landscapes at that time.

I use a 3-stop ND for portrait photography, especially with off-camera flash. If you're not using flash, I wouldn't buy one just to be able to shoot wide open outdoors.

I usually use Velvia film simulation and +10 Vibrance for colors, and that is enough for me.

PM me if you're still interested in a slim Kenko 62mm CP filter - I'll give you a competitive price and that will be an affordable entry :)

Also the usual caveat - everyone's preferences and style are different. What works for me might not work for you. In my case, my CP filter is one of the least used accessories I've bought.

Probably my current favorite 10-stop ND pic I've taken so far:

Velvia film simulation

Velvia film simulation

--
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jklim_photography
 
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georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
persco said:
I have a Lee 100mm holder and use a Formatt-Hitech Firecrest 105mm CP, a Firecrest 3.0 (10-stop) ND, a Haida 1.8 (6-stop) ND, and two Haida Grads (that I haven't actually used yet). I like the 100mm drop-in system because it's easy to stack the filters and change lenses if you want without the hassle of screwing and unscrewing filters. The downside of the system is the little bit of extra bulk to carry - a pouch with the holder, rings, and filters. I'm only starting to learn to use these, but like it so far.
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Polarizer. That's really it. Everything else can be done in post.

I have toyed with the idea of carrying graduated filters, but they just seem like a hassle when I can underexpose a few stops and merge in post.

I don't use filters as protection anymore. Without spending nearly the cost of the lens on them, you introduce flare and distortion that simply isn't worth it for someone like me, who doesn't really drop stuff... Plus I keep my lens hoods on much of the time, which keeps all but the most determined objects well away from the lens elements.

*edit* totally forgot... I have an ND filter for each of my lenses, for those days I feel like getting a little smooth and dreamy with a waterfall.

They do not get used much.
 
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None at all. Clear filters on two lenses that go to dirty places, but they will get removed if I'm shooting towards the light - something I rarely do.
 
HB1969 said:
georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
persco said:
I have a Lee 100mm holder and use a Formatt-Hitech Firecrest 105mm CP, a Firecrest 3.0 (10-stop) ND, a Haida 1.8 (6-stop) ND, and two Haida Grads (that I haven't actually used yet). I like the 100mm drop-in system because it's easy to stack the filters and change lenses if you want without the hassle of screwing and unscrewing filters. The downside of the system is the little bit of extra bulk to carry - a pouch with the holder, rings, and filters. I'm only starting to learn to use these, but like it so far.
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persco said:
HB1969 said:
georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
persco said:
I have a Lee 100mm holder and use a Formatt-Hitech Firecrest 105mm CP, a Firecrest 3.0 (10-stop) ND, a Haida 1.8 (6-stop) ND, and two Haida Grads (that I haven't actually used yet). I like the 100mm drop-in system because it's easy to stack the filters and change lenses if you want without the hassle of screwing and unscrewing filters. The downside of the system is the little bit of extra bulk to carry - a pouch with the holder, rings, and filters. I'm only starting to learn to use these, but like it so far.
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HB1969 said:
georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
georgehudetz said:
HB1969 said:
persco said:
I have a Lee 100mm holder and use a Formatt-Hitech Firecrest 105mm CP, a Firecrest 3.0 (10-stop) ND, a Haida 1.8 (6-stop) ND, and two Haida Grads (that I haven't actually used yet). I like the 100mm drop-in system because it's easy to stack the filters and change lenses if you want without the hassle of screwing and unscrewing filters. The downside of the system is the little bit of extra bulk to carry - a pouch with the holder, rings, and filters. I'm only starting to learn to use these, but like it so far.
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- CPL Hoya

- 3-Stop screw-on ND Hoya

- 72R IR filter (Hoya)

- Lee Seven5 System (3 filters)...

- 2-stop hard ND

- 2-stop soft ND

- Big Stopper 10-stop ND

--
Albert
 
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Very much appreciate everyone's comments. I ended up getting a CP and will test it out soon. Thanks again.
 
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I don't use filters for protection. They can cause flare or ghosting, albeit it rarely. Take them off if pointing the camera toward a light source, or better still only use them when you feel conditions warrant it.

I do use a polariser - Hoya, but many are very good.

I also have a Lee Seven5 kit with ND grads, a bid stopper and little stopper, and I use filter for IR.
 
Great shot!

Is the "plus 10 vibrance" setting you refer to something you are doing in post?

Thanks.
 
For those using ND filters, single or multi-coating?
 
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