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Filters question, oh, also lenses one :)
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Hi all :)
Here to pick all your marvellous brains again :wink:
Have a Canon 400D body with EFS18-55 and EFS55-200 lenses so my question is two-fold. The first, and more basic, is which polarizing filter would ya’ll recommend? Have realised there’s a HUGE range out there, and when it comes to the techie stuff I normally ask my boyfriend, but he’s sadly MIA for the next while (bunked off to Florida, the git!!).
The second question is that I’ve been asked to do a few shoots for a volleyball team over the summer, beach volleyball match weekends n the like (am already having nightmares about sand…) and I think I might need another “faster” lense than the ones I’m currrently using. If not please do speak up, would rather save for the ticket out to himself :lol:
Basically, the filter I’m getting, but have no idea where to start, and the lense I think I need, and if I do what would be ideal?
Really, really appreciate any advice ya’ll have, am drowning in a pool of ever increasing confusing research!!
Sórcha
Sórcha –
A polarizer is a polarizer is a polarizer, pretty much. Unless you’re using high end lenses, the quality differences between different brands doesn’t mean much.You have two choices, buy one that screws directly onto the filter thread of your lens (two, in your case as I believe the lens diameter is different for the lenses you have), or you can buy a filter system with a single polarizer that then fits onto your lenses via adaptor rings. Just buy as many adaptor rings as you have different sized filter threads (two, in your case – one for 58mm and one for 52mm).
If going for the first option, any screw-in polarizer will do (just buy the appropriate size). If buying a system, the most affordable is probably the Cokin P system, which will let you use graduated neutral density filters as well: http://www.cokin.com/ico15/ico15-haut.html
For the volleyball, you should be fine with the lenses you have. It’ll be outdoors under bright sunlight, so you’ll get adequately fast shutter speeds even at relatively narrow apertures. If you’re just dying to spend money on a new lens, I’d go for the Canon 70-200 f/4L, with IS if you can afford it. But like I said, the lenses you have will work.
Cheers,
PeterDon’t buy a really cheap polarizer unless you can inspect it for flatness-
A polarizing filter is a polarizing foil sandwiched between two pieces of really thin glass,
and they can distort-
you can check out the reflection for flatness.I got a really cheap one bundled with some other kit,
and it really is a pos-
I kept it as a curiosity…Make sure you get a circular polarizer-
I’m not acquainted with your camera,
but I presume it uses autofocus lenses-
a linear polarizer will interfere with the autofocus- maybe-
it’s not worth the risk-There is a difference between the different types of construction of polarizing filters-
but they probably won’t bother you too much,
unless you plan on using them for prolonged periods in particularly humid conditions…Can’t help you with the lens-
but if I were able to get up close to the net,
a fast 85mm might be useful…
but it really depends on what type of pictures you’d like to make…For your camera, you will need a circular polarizer. This does not refer to the shape, but how they work. You can either get one that is round and screws into the front of the lens — simple and effective. Hoya, for example, is a reasonable brand. Alternatively, if you think that you might do more in future, there are systems that use square or rectangular filters that fit into a slotted holder — the holder screws into the front of the lens — and the polarizer fits into this, and can be rotated — Cokin is a well known brand.
[The other type is a linear polarizer, but it will interfere with the exposure meter in the camera, so don’t get this.]
Yes, I should have mentioned to get a circular polarizer. I suppose I didn’t as if you ask for a ‘polarizing filter’, that’s what you’ll get. Linear polarizers are very much a niche product these days.
Cheers,
PeterAs said above. This filter is one that you’ll use pretty regularly so go for a decent one but you don’t need the very expensive ones. As well as “Making skies deep blue” at the right sangle, they are also excellent for controlling glare and reflections from shiny surfaces.
Si
Ok guys, thanks a million for the help :)
And Peter, trust me, I ain’t dying to spend money on the new lense, well, scrap that, I am, but the flight ticket’s taking priority!!
Once again, thanks everyone :)
I got a Hama circ. polariser a while back, it was one of the cheaper ones, bought in the camera centre on Grafton St. I’ve had no problems with it, so far. If that helps! :)
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