jlwest63
Guest
I know the best option is a strobe. Would you all consider the second best to be a red filter? I have flash on the camera but I am wondering if a red filter would be better until I can get a strobe.
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jlwest63:I know the best option is a strobe. Would you all consider the second best to be a red filter? I have flash on the camera but I am wondering if a red filter would be better until I can get a strobe.
KingNeptune:If you go to this website, there is some interesting material on filters with pics of various results using/not using filters. http://www.magic-filters.com/
herman:Problem with filters is they are very depth dependent, a filter that works great at 10 ft is not quite good enough at 15ft and it only gets worse as you get deeper. Your much better off either using your internal flash or using available light and adjusting your white balance to suit the depth and conditions-or shoot in raw and photoshop it to the correct white balance. If you stick to close up and macro shots and try to keep a closeby backround in your shots (ie, avoid open water), you will be suprized at what can be done with an internal flash. IMO, save your money for the strobe.
herman:No doubt filters have their place but for general UW photography I just don't see the need. They reduce available light by a stop or 2, just when you need it most and unless your close to the ideal depth and light conditions for the particular filter you have installed your going to have to adjust the photo in Photoshop anyway so why bother with the filter. Then there is the problem of having the filter on when it's not needed, like shots on the boat before or after the dive or when that friendly dolphin decides to come up to you at the surface. Might as well just learn to use manual white balance and spend the $30-40 the filter cost on a good photo program which your going to need regardless of whether you have filter or not.