Quote (chantal7 @ Tue, 7 Jul 2009, 07:18)

Well, I got a Massa 77mm CPL filter for free from a friend; went online and found out that it's REALLY cheap in price. Couldn't really find a guide.

I am using it on a sigma 10-20mm.

I don't understand how the 200 dollar filter can be so much better than the one I have. Do I lose quality in photographs using this? Or is it better to use it rather than nothing?

Please help me in my questions about filters !

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A polarizer can sometimes make colors pop but this can be done PP with Photoshop. I personally use one to help minimize reflections on water, glass, etc....

Whatever the reason for use I'd suggest buying a good quality one. I'd stick with Hoya Pro 1, B+W or Heliopan. If you have or at anytime may use a WIDE ANGLE lens you may want to get a slim or thin filter. You can then use it on any lens w/o fear of vignetting. Some thin filters may or may not accept the usual lens caps or have front threads to stack filters if thats desirable. The manufacturer will generally make this clear one way or the other.

I currently use the Pro 1. In the past either B+W or Heliopan. The B+W Kaeseman has a special seal around the perimeter for shooting in adverse conditions. If you are shooting digital don't by a TOP Polarizer! Thats a linear filter for manual focus cameras - you need a circular polarizer! A warm polarizer is really two filters in one. Does what it says...adds some warm (81A) tone to the image.

I've used Moose's warm polarizer 81A + PL with good results when shooting film. But have not tried it with digital. I generally try not to use any filters as it just adds more glass with a potential to lessen image quality. A quality optical grade filter will minimize this.

Quote (Futurama @ Tue, Jul 7 2009, 10:31am)

I see you were lucky as usual lol. I personally don't think it's worth paying 200+ bucks for a filter course you could save that money on a better lens instead.

This is what I found in another forum:


and here is the thread I created on thephotoforum when I had hard time deciding which CP filter to buy.
http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/digital-discussion-q/164195-need-help-choosing-cp-filter.html

AND some pictures taken with Massa 77mm CP filter and they are AWESOME!
http://www.trekearth.com/photos.php?cat=filter&id=3055

Quote (chantal7 @ Tue, Jul 7 2009, 11:13am)

My question is what will a crappier filter do to my photo? Better than using no filter? and in regards to a good quality one. Ty for the links!

Quote (SaltheSalmon @ Tue, Jul 7 2009, 11:32pm)

itll be fine, use the filter when u have alot of glare and rotate it till the glares is reduced. i also use a polerizing filter in place of a nuetral denisty filter (less gear to carry) when i want to shoot long shutter speeds in bright lighting conditions. should save u about 1 fstop, which is the difference between 1/60th nd 1/30th. really good for shooting a waterfall in direct sunlight.. you can also use it to greatly increase contrast between the sky and clouds. have fun.