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- Usman M. Bajwa

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CP Filter / IR Filter on a UWA Lens?


I am a total novice when it comes to using an Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lens in combination with Filters such as, Circular Polarizers/Infra Red, etc.

I am planning to buy a B+W 77mm MRC Circular Polarizer Filter AND/OR an IR Filter which I plan to use on a UWA 11-16mm f/2.8 Tokina lens.

A friend has a Canon 10-22mm lens and he tells/warns me against using any CP filter as in his experience the CP does not work properly on his lens and there are multiple shades in the sky. He also has Canon 24-105mm L lens and the same circular polarizer works just fine.

Any feedback on using a CP/IR filter on an UWA lens is very much appreciated.

Thanks.

Usman.


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January 16, 2012

 

Nicholas Semo
  I don't know about the ir filter but the cp on that lens don't work very well because of the varying shades in the sky. A split ND filter would work better. And it sounds as though you bought the lens.

Nick.


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January 16, 2012

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Thanks Nick. Actually my friend has bought it for me but he is still in Singapore. Can't wait to test the lens out, I have read that composition is very very challenging on the UWAs!

Anyone else with their views on IR filter usage on an ultra wide lens? So as you know, I own a Nikon D40 camera body.

UB.


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January 16, 2012

 
- Carlton Ward

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Hey Usman,
How are you ?
I have the B&W Kaeseman 77mm CP filter and its a great filter but there can be issues with really wide lenses for the reasons you & Nicholas mentioned. It works great with my 17-40mm & my 24-70mm BUT I just bought the Sigma 12-24mm for my 5D mkII and the front element protrudes out so a screw on filter will not work for this lens.
I really want to try the Singh Ray ND & Circular Polarizers but will have to see if these will even work with the 12-24.
One thing about adding any optic in front of a lens is that it can degrade quality/sharpness as much as it improves color enhancement. In really wide lenses, the corners are usually soft to begin with so I will make my decision about a filter after putting my new lens through the paces and recommend you do as well.
The B&W 77mm CP is worth the investment IMO and I have even used it on my 100-400mm lens when shooting whales out in the open ocean. It aided in keeping reflections down and adding deeper colors to the captures.
I used my friends 10-22mm for my trip to Europe in 08 and love this lens but it wont work on FF...
Here is a shot with my 40D & 10-22mm lens :)
Carlton


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January 16, 2012

 
- Carlton Ward

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  Strasbourg (Notre Dame ) Cathedral
Strasbourg (Notre Dame ) Cathedral
Canon 40D - f/4, 10mm (with Canon 10-22mm lens) 6.0s, tripod. Straight from the camera except some healing brush at the bottom where passerby's walked during my 6 second shutter :)

Carlton Ward

 
 
pic


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January 16, 2012

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Hey Carlton, hope you are doing great too. Thanks for your advice.

I am now tilting towards getting a UV filter and an IR filter, most probably a HOYA 77mm RM72 infrared filter (720nm). However, I am not sure how well my Nikon D40 responds to this particular IR filter!!!

UB.


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January 17, 2012

 
- Carlton Ward

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  Heart of Europe 2008
Heart of Europe 2008
Heart of Europe 2008

Carlton Ward

 
 
Hi Usman,
Deborah Sandidge is a BP instructor, Nikon Shooter & Infrared Expert. She has websites & blogs - so ask her about the RM72/D40 combo before buying. She also has one of the best books written for Infrared Photography and its really worth the $$ & time to read it before investing in IR equipment.
http://deborahsandidge.com/
check out her Infrared Gallery :)
I was lucky enough to go on a photo tour in Europe with her, Jim Zuckerman, & 9 other photographers in 2008. We had a wonderful time, the beer was great and we got lots of amazing photos as well :)
Cheers,
Carlton


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January 17, 2012

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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  Thanks again Carlton for directing me towards Deborah. Will check with her, I had seen her IR work and the starry trails work too, she does fantastic job on both and more!!!

UB.


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January 17, 2012

 
- Usman M. Bajwa

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I contacted Deborah who was kind enough to promptly gave hints/tips on IR photography.

I have just received the Tokina 11-16mm along with Hoya 77mm 72nm IR filter. Here is a quick sample of the first shoot with the lens, I do like the initial results of this.

UB.


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January 20, 2012

 
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