[kayla_banana]

Just wondering if I could get some advice on lens filters.

I have a nikon d80 and 52mm lenses, I currently have no filters *slaps wrist* I'm looking into a polarized as opposed to a UV on advice of a friend, and am also looking at some macro FILTERS, not lenses.

Obviously for the macro a lens would be optimal, but sadly that is not in my budget at the moment. Ideally I think I would go for a +10 macro filter, or maybe a kit with a few you can stack. Do any of you use macro filters?

I'm a sucker for macro and obviously the camera and typical lens can only do so much.
These pictures are "macro" I did simply with the macro setting on my camera, for what it's worth it's fairly decent (I think anyways haha)






This one is kinda eih, I don't know I jittered or something.

So...with me knowing a lens is optimal but can't afford one, and being a sucker for macro, would you recommend a filter, or set of filters? Or do you think I would be fine to play with it with my equipment and then buy a lens at whatever point in the future I can afford?

I'd love to be able to kick it up a notch, but I wouldn't want to do that at the expense of quality or integrity.

Any input?

[Markulous]

A polarising filter is definitely a good one to have - about the only one that's really difficult to simulate in software!

I'm a great believer in using whatever you can to get a shot, learning all you can along the way and worrying about 'quality' later down the road. So go for macro filters, take some pics and ask for comments - you'll learn and gain experience. Macros are about potential camera shake (so a fast enough exposure), depth of field (so as to get what you want in focus) and fieldcraft (what plants/bugs where and when)

Looking at your shots, as you say, the 3rd is suffering from camera shake - the 1st two from a shallow depth of field. So let's see some more! Oh and

[Dabhand16]

Originally Posted by kayla_banana

I'm looking into a polarized as opposed to a UV on advice of a friend,

These filters do different things and are not really and either/or option. The poloriser will also loose you up to two stops so will need careful use in some situations. Having said that, I'd go for a poloriser as it will make a difference to some of your shots whereas the UV is really only a lens protector and you will not notice a difference in your shots with or without it.

[kayla_banana]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

These filters do different things and are not really and either/or option. The poloriser will also loose you up to two stops so will need careful use in some situations. Having said that, I'd go for a poloriser as it will make a difference to some of your shots whereas the UV is really only a lens protector and you will not notice a difference in your shots with or without it.

Yeah that was the same advice my friend gave, and from what I've looked at so far the prices are similar on the 2 filters. Plus the polarizer will also offer the lens protection (that is of course if it's on)

[clickherephotographytips]

In my opinion, the most important lens that you can purchase is the one that will protect the surface of your lens, I use a skylight 1B. Such a lens will prevent damaging your expensive glass lens surface if it comes into contact with dirt, sand etc...

As far as a filter for macro photography goes, I am unable to assist you with this inquiry other to say that there are various magnification / macro filters available on EBay that may be able to provide assistance, although I have not tried them.

I agree with other comments listed in this forum in regards to a polarizing filter.

Cheers
Dean .

[sejanus]

This is one of those questions that can lead to marital break-up!

I never use a filter unless I have a very good reason. On the other hand, I always use a lenshood, which protects the front element from flare and (most) sticky fingers. If you have a SLR, a set of extension tubes will be a better investment for close-up work, in my experience.

I like polarising filters but you really only want to use one when you come across the appropriate situation, such as eliminating reflections or darkening a sky.