ONE FILTER?

[Tusker]

I just have a CPL MOOSE warming filter on my 18~200 and am wondering if I can just get by with that, or, may something else be required. On this lens. Used mostly outdoors. ?? Any hints on this one? THANKS!!

[rootrider]

most people have a circular polarizer on their lenses. The warming part of your filter isn't something most people want since it's usually better to have the option to change things like that in photoshop rather than having it 'hard coded' in from the start.

If you shoot landscapes and scener than a neutral density and/or graduated neutral density filter can be very useful as well.

[stdon]

I agree with rootrider. A CP is very useful as are ND and GND. I feel I'm better off making tonal changes in post processing if necessary then I can dial it in to what I wish.

Don

[kevgermany]

There's little point in any filter on a lens - unless you have a specific need for it.

Assuming you are reasonable at editing, many filter effects can be applied post shoot.

Polarisers are very different - they cut overall exposures by about 2 stops, but reduce the sky (not clouds) by up to another stop, so increasing sky contrast. They also cut glare type reflections from leaves and so on, giving an impression of better saturation.

ND grads are also a worthy addition, allowing you to keep the exposure within the range your camera can handle. Make sure you buy a sliding/adjustable type in a large size so there's no vignetting.

Straight NDs are mostly useful for slowing shutter speeds when you need it - especially on moving water. Otherwise of little use most of the time.

[Tusker]

I sure welcome all the response. I haven't used ND filters in years, in fact don't even have one for any of my D80 lenses. I need to do a study of GND filters to see what will get the most use with this lens. ANY ideas will be most welcome. Again, all this is for outdoors. Slowing water seems to be something I need to work on as well. THANKS!!

[k9ofkaos]

I'm asking this question out of ignorance. Will the Dlighting feature in the new generation NIkons do the same thing as a graduated ND, only doing it from a different approach??

[kevgermany]

An ND Grad darkens an area of an image uniformly, except in the transition zone, where the effect tapers off. I don't know much about Dlighting, but it doesn't sound like the same thing.

[LeeF]

Nikon's Dlighting won't help you if you need a CPL or ND filter. It makes in camera adjustments when there is excessive backlighting and underexposure. Check half way down this link for more info: Nikon Unveils New Technology For Coolpix Cameras | Adobe Photoshop Blog

[LeeF]

And I thought that I was the only person who owned a Moose filter.

I shoot digital 100% and do my post processing in Elements 5 and CS2. There are times that I like what the Moose filter does and I intentionally use. I'm usually very satisfied witht he results. If I can get the shot exposed and composed properly in-camera, I don't have to spend time post processing. That's a good thing.

If you're happy with your Moose filter, use itbut I wouldn't leave it on all the time just as I would not leave any CPL on all the time.

[Tusker]

Originally Posted by LeeF

And I thought that I was the only person who owned a Moose filter.

I shoot digital 100% and do my post processing in Elements 5 and CS2. There are times that I like what the Moose filter does and I intentionally use. I'm usually very satisfied witht he results. If I can get the shot exposed and composed properly in-camera, I don't have to spend time post processing. That's a good thing.

If you're happy with your Moose filter, use itbut I wouldn't leave it on all the time just as I would not leave any CPL on all the time.

Lee- Well, it was just an idea-- now it seems more like a senior moment. I took a few minutes today in bad lighting to do a few tests. Trying to stop water movement in the "S" mode, just not enough available light. Good thing it was just a test cause everything was wayyyyyyy to dark. At least with the 18/200. Back to square one.

[kevgermany]

As CPL removes reflections, it can make images look very flat...

However they're good with water when you want to slow the shutter down and get a really blurred or misty look. So don't write it off yet.

[Nikonfreak]

Originally Posted by LeeF

And I thought that I was the only person who owned a Moose filter.

I shoot digital 100% and do my post processing in Elements 5 and CS2. There are times that I like what the Moose filter does and I intentionally use. I'm usually very satisfied witht he results. If I can get the shot exposed and composed properly in-camera, I don't have to spend time post processing. That's a good thing.

If you're happy with your Moose filter, use itbut I wouldn't leave it on all the time just as I would not leave any CPL on all the time.

I have the Moose Filter as well. There are times I use it and times I don't.

Polarizers also have a use in eliminating glare on a reflective surface so keep that in mind when shooting in studio sometimes as well. It's not just for shooting water.

Julio