NDR - top side

[bladephotog]

Don't worry about using an adapter ring. Usually with GND's the photographer is using a wide angle lens so you want the filter as close to the lens as possible to prevent vignetting. Using the filter holder puts the filter out a bit and with some wide lenses you'll see the filter holder in the corners.

Also, I'm usually using a tripod with them so I can just hold it up in front of the lens. But the filter holder is handy sometimes. I just cut off the outside slot so the holder is thinner giving less chance of vignetting.

It takes some getting used to so don't be dissapointed if you make a few mistakes. Put the filter in place and use the depth of field preview so see the effect.

One quick note about the Cokin filters, they aren't truely neutral. You'll notice a slight magenta cast with them. But it's easily fixable. The Singh Ray filters, though expensive, are awesome. But since you have the Cokins give them a whirl. I have a few and they work fine. Just not as well as the SR filters.

I don't know where you can get some photo classes in your area but I'll bet there's some camera clubs around. Or check out www.naturephotographers.net. It's a great photo forum and anyone can learn quite a bit from hanging out there.

 

[justleesa]

Thanks Andy...I'll try with what I have and then take it from there. Aside from the pol filter and a GND filter, what are other must have filters?

FWIW I have Cokin A filters from my first 35mm camera. I think they are too small for my canon....I'll be needing new ones anyway.

 

[bladephotog]

Thanks Andy...I'll try with what I have and then take it from there. Aside from the pol filter and a GND filter, what are other must have filters?

FWIW I have Cokin A filters from my first 35mm camera. I think they are too small for my canon....I'll be needing new ones anyway.

The polarizers and GND's are the only things I don't like to be without. But I do have a few warming filters which I rarely use anymore now that I shoot digital 100% of the time. I also carry a Canon 500D close-up diopter. This is extremely handy when used on my 70-200/2.8 for doing close up work. I don't have a dedicated macro lens because I don't do a lot of macro work. Using this diopter, which is super sharp, allows me to do some macro/close-up work without carrying an extra lens. I sometimes use it with an extension tube as well.

But having a polarizer filter and a couple GND's can help take your land photography to the next level.