Need some filter advice, please

[Wes]

I'm planning on going on Tom Hick's Tiger shoot towards the end of July. As much as I'd like to say that I'll be taking my Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens with me, I can't. Mostly because I don't own one yet. I will, however, be renting one for the day. My guess is that this lens will not come with any kind of filter, so I'm going to buy one. What would anyone recommend with regards to the appropriate filter for the stuff that I'll be shooting? I'm leaning towards the Tiffen warming polarizer. Any other thoughts?

And, more generally speaking, what do you guys consider to be "must have" filters, and why?

Thanks!

[venchka]

I own That Other Brand 70-200 2.8, 77mm filter diameter. I own UV, Skylight 1B and circular polarizer, all in slim mounts so that the filters interchange on the 17-35 2.8 lens. An 81A and medium yellow filter are on my shopping list.

[srwatters]

Why do you feel you need a filter for the tiger shoot?

Aside from lens protection, you don't need much else IMHO.

I would PM Tom to verify.

[Wes]

Why do you feel you need a filter for the tiger shoot?

Lens protection is high on the list. The last thing I want is for an $1800 lens get scratched; especially one that I don't own. Given that fact, if I'm going to put a filter on the end of the lens why not use one that might enhance the pictures that I'm going to take?

[jeffkohn]

I don't use UV filters, for me the hood is protection enough. My gear's insured though, I guess I might feel a little differently if I was renting a lens.

I don't recommend a polarizer for the Tiger shoot. Lighting levels are fairly low that early in the morning, especially since some of the habitats have lots of shade. Polarizers result in up to a 2-stop loss of light, and personally I'd rather be able to use a low ISO and/or higher shutter speed.

[CaptainTom]

filters are Ok, but generally remnants from the "good old film days". I have one to protect the front element, mostly from inadvertant scratches when I clean it with my shirt tail.

You can simulate digitally any filter nowadays. If you shoot RAW, you don't want to "disturb" the data with some sort of filter. That being said, a polarizer can be handy, and a ND if you need to slow the shutter speed down while keeping minimum DOF.

[srwatters]

I concur with Tom and Jeff (both great shooters, BTW).

1. Use the hood
2. Filter with Photoshop.
3. Be more concerned for your protection rather than the equipment. I've done the tiger shoot twice and those cats are NOT house pets.

This is a pet:


This is NOT a pet:


Nor is this:


Have fun and don't turn your back on Sugar

[venchka]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

filters are Ok, but generally remnants from the "good old film days".

Aye, that would be me. My gear and I are relics from a long gone era. I keep forgetting that this is a digital forum and y'all don't use the same stuff that I use.

Howsomever, show me the Photoshop commad or plugin that removes excess or unwanted glare and/or reflections from water or other shiny things. Eh? Or the one that naturally darkens clear blue sky on Kodachrome or Velvia without affecting the rest of the frame. Got one of those? Does a polarizer work the same on a digital sensor? An inquiring mind wants to know.

[Wes]

Have fun and don't turn your back on Sugar

Ummmm.... which one is Sugar?

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by xmenporsche

Ummmm.... which one is Sugar?

She is the lioness and she loves to 'play' with the photographers.

Like Leslie

[Wes]

Oh, great. Has anyone been hurt? I'm still looking forward to it.

[Angelo]

I guess I'm also from the old school. I try and capture the moment as I see it. That means removing glare, accurate skin tones, deepending the sky and just setting the mood as I see it through the eye piece (or envision it). Filters are a basic tool that bring out the creativity in all of us. This gives me minimal need of enhancements after the fact, and provides that great feeling of achieving my desired masterpiece.

I use a Polarizer, Skin tone filter, and when I'm not using them I pop on the UV filter for protection.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by xmenporsche

Oh, great. Has anyone been hurt? I'm still looking forward to it.

When I was there last fall one of the keepers got a nasty gash on his hand because he was just a little slow in releasing the chicken neck.... .. You'll know what I mean after you've been there.

Keep in mind also that a basketball is about the same size as a human head.....!!!!

[Wes]

You guys are just chock full of encouragement. ;)

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by xmenporsche

You guys are just chock full of encouragement. ;)

When they say "Don't turn your back on the animals" they really mean it. You are inside the security fencing, and the cats can reach out and grab you if you aren't careful.. They just wanna play.....