Help with filters

[Dylanlewis2000]

Hey, im after some filters for my 17-85 USM lens and i dont know what to get. Is there anyway that filters can make images look shaper or is that just wish full thinking?

[crn3371]

Wishful thinking. Not that many filters that you'd really need. Some people like to have a UV filter on for protection, some don't, I won't even open that can of worms. A circular polarizer is helpful for reducing glare, and bringing out the color and contrast of the sky and clouds. A neutral density filter basically just cuts the light through your lens, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds. Think of moving water shots where the moving water is blurred. A split neutral density filter is one where half is darkened, the other half isn't. Useful for landscape shots. Dark half on sky, clear part on landscape. Allows you to correctly expose the scenery without blowing out the sky. Any of the other "effects" filters can easily be duplicated with software, so not really needed.

[jr_senator]

...I won't even open that can of worms.

Please do, it's been almost a half hour since the last one started.

[Dylanlewis2000]

yeah please any help would be appreciated

[Cathpah]

there are many many types of filters: neutral density, neutral density grad, polarizer, uv, haze, every color out there, star filters, soft focus filters, etc.

2 main filters you want to think about are UV (for protection of lens....millions of threads on whether that's even worth it or whether it detracts from image quality) and polarizers (you will need a circular polarizer). the number one rule is to spend as much as you can on the filter. having nice glass and a crappy filter defeats the purpose of the nice glass. I'd recommend checking out 2filter.com for info and good prices within the US, and otherwise I'd buy form a reputable hong kong ebay seller to save a lot on prices.

[Lester Wareham]

Originally Posted by crn3371
...I won't even open that can of worms.

Please do, it's been almost a half hour since the last one started.

Indeed we need our regular fix on the pro and anti filter argument.

To the OP

Just make sure you get top end multicoat filters, I use Hoya SHMC Pro 1 other good types are B+W MRC and Heliopan SH-PMC. Watch out as all three manufactures make cheaper single coat filters as well.

Some info on filter types: http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/Flare/FilterData.htm