Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic

js10053 · Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 126

Hello,
Two quick questions. First. I've been told two different things about polarizer filters. I've been told you only leave it on when you are outside and would need to wear sunglasses and I've also been told you leave it on all the time. When is the best time to use this filter? I also have a UV haze filter, I understand it stays on all the time.

Second, I'm looking to get some canned air to clean the lenses and filters. Is this a good thing to use on them? I have a microfiber cloth, but I think the canned air would be quicker and do a better job. What is the best type of air to get. I found one type that is refillable using a special pump, then also this one: http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/Sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=564124 (I thought this would be nice because it would fit into my case easily) and then just regular canned air. Is there a special type I need to get for my lenses, or will any one work?

SharpShooter · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 201 Location: Toronto, Ontario

UV = ultra violet. some people usa a UV, skylight, haze filter to protect the glass on their lens. They leave it on. Others say that it degrades the pic quality. B+W good lenses.

Polarizers clear us reflections and cut theu haze and stuff in the air. you rotate the filter to remove glare and it darkend the skys, adds saturation. gives adds a couple of f stops.

Not too sure about the sunglasses. Mabye it was so if you had pol sunglasses you would see what the picture would look like before you frame it in the viewfinder?

in my opinion. get a lens hood a good UV, warming, circular polarizer for af dig. The reft of filters can be imitatesd in PS or PSP

SharpShooter · Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Posts: 201 Location: Toronto, Ontario

ROFL OMG!!! Yeah don't use voice recgonition software until you get the hang of it!!!

Almost forgot that caned air part. Blower + brush or ear syrenge. No muss no fuss.

Forgiss · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 7:11 am

well, so much for voice....

Polariser must only be used when you need it.. You lose up to 2 stops of light with it and it affects colours, so sometimes skintones becomes seriously UGLY, go for the UV though....

As far as the canned air goes... shoot it for stock, and then chuck it! unless you want to sanblast your lenses... I have seen people do some serious damage to lenses, filters and sensors when using canned air...

Go for the blower brush and anti static cloth

js10053 · Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 126

Thanks for the replies. By blower brush do you mean like the Nikon pen brush? I have a blower brush that I got in a kit one time that came with a camera. It just doesn't work that well, it doesn't put off any air. I also read somewhere that when taking care of lenses you should never use a brush, is this true? In my manual it said to use canned air, so that it what I assumed would be best :-)

Thanks

Forgiss · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 10:42 am

the problem is that most "canned air" is just to strong, you can use it, but keep it at a distance... and never, never, ever, EVER close to your sensor!

js10053 · Joined: 01 Feb 2005 Posts: 126

Okay, thanks. I didn't realize that it could cause damage to the lenses. I'm going to the camera store today so I will pick up a brush as well.

Thanks again