Filters -- Thoughts?

[Katie1987]

I'm headed to Hawaii next week (the Big Island) with my husband and taking along some of my camera gear (still deciding what to take and what to leave behind...aiming to pack lightly!)

I'm contemplating getting a few filters to test out especially since I'll have a lot of free time while my husband golfs a few days (I'm 28 weeks preggos with our first child).

My thinking is to get a circular polarizer (looking at the Tiffen one, i know there are some "so-so reviews" but since this is my first go-around at using one I probably won't notice the difference between a "good CP" and a "bad CP" - or maybe I will?

Also contemplating getting a gradual neutral density .6 filter.

I don't want to break the bank on this, I've been doing some looking on amazon.com and finding some very reasonably priced.

I envision trying these filters out during the day, there's a great beach nearby where we are staying and possibly during sunset, I imagine I'll have plenty of time to fiddle around with these. I'll likely get a step up ring as two of my lenses are 58mm and only one is 52mm (there's a high chance I'll utilize both the 58 and 52.

Thoughts on if I should get just one or the other or go ahead and invest in both? Anyone have words of advice?

 

[fotojack]

Katie, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Tiffen filters! If it's good enough for the Hollywood film industry, it'll be more than adequate for you! I use them and they're great filters.
My recommendation; get both of the ones you mentioned. It's a good pairing, actually. CPL near the water on bright sunny days, and the ND filter for spectacular sunset and sunrise shots. Google how to use the CPL filter...there IS a method to it. And have a great trip!

 

[stmv]

Tripod!,,, for sunset or even post sunset pictures (often the best liight!).. Take the polarizer off for the night shots,

ND .6 or even .9 for waterfall shots,

enjoy,,, Hawaii is one of my all time favorite photo heavens locations.

 

[fotojack]

Tripod!,,, for sunset or even post sunset pictures (often the best liight!).. Take the polarizer off for the night shots,

ND .6 or even .9 for waterfall shots,

enjoy,,, Hawaii is one of my all time favorite photo heavens locations.

Oh yeah, absolutely a tripod! Another one of those "must have" pieces of photo equipment. They make all kinds of tripods and at every price range you can think of. Having said that....get the best one you can afford. You WILL get what you pay for.

 

[Katie1987]

Thanks a million for the tips! I went for the Tiffen CP and graduated ND .6 filter. seems like a reasonable price based on my research on Amazon.com (gotta love prime membership too! best thing my husband and I ever invest in each year! )

Thanks for the tip on the tripod! I am likely going to get the Gorillapod, seems like a sensible option considering I want to travel as light as I can (but yet have the essentials!). I'll see how it does me. Later on, especially after our baby comes in March, I'll probably get an upgraded tripod.

Thanks again!

 

[pedroj]

I use a rice bag at times to rest the camera & lens....

 

[stmv]

Thanks a million for the tips! I went for the Tiffen CP and graduated ND .6 filter. seems like a reasonable price based on my research on Amazon.com (gotta love prime membership too! best thing my husband and I ever invest in each year! )

Thanks for the tip on the tripod! I am likely going to get the Gorillapod, seems like a sensible option considering I want to travel as light as I can (but yet have the essentials!). I'll see how it does me. Later on, especially after our baby comes in March, I'll probably get an upgraded tripod.

Thanks again!

I have higher end tripod, but when I want my lightest, I travel with an elchepo Slik travel tripod, not that tall, but ultra light, and you can throw into your bag,, really,, you will be so happy to have a tripod, and yes, can use a rice bag, but heck the Slik is so small, you will won't hardly notice, and only 25 dollars. and of course, you can also take some timer pictures of you and your husband.

 

[RockyNH_RIP]

I am likely going to get the Gorillapod, seems like a sensible option considering I want to travel as light as I can (but yet have the essentials!).......
Thanks again!

Hi Katie, I would check the reviews on the GPod.. I looked at that at one point and steered away.. if memory serves me, it did not reliably hold up the camera (depending on weight.) Just a suggestion before you buy...

Pat in NH

 

[pedroj]

Hi Katie, I would check the reviews on the GPod.. I looked at that at once point and steered away.. if memory serves me, it did not reliably hold up the camera (depending on weight.) Just a suggestion before you buy...

Pat in NH

I had one of them...I think I gave it to someone I don't like...

 

[Katie1987]

Thanks for the heads up on the gorillapod! Steering clear of that now.