Best filter for clouds

[DustyC]

Which filter gets that really good contrast between clouds and the blue sky?

[simpo two]

I'd hazard 'polariser'.

Or if you're a b/w man, then yellow>orange>red give progressively more contrast.

[shadytree]

Has to be a polariser:






>> Edited by shadytree on Friday 20th August 11:46

[slinky]

I know it's not photography, but my polarizing sunglasses always make the clouds look fantastic!

slinky

[DustyC]

Really?
I have a circular polarisar already and this doesn't seem to have the effect I want. I use that for reflections and glare.

I was expecting people to suggest a grad filter.

Perhaps Im just looking at the wrong type of clouds!

[simpo two]

DustyC said:

Really? I have a circular polarisar already and this doesn't seem to have the effect I want. I use that for reflections and glare. I was expecting people to suggest a grad filter. Perhaps Im just looking at the wrong type of clouds!

Circular polarisers have to be rotated for best results. You can use a grad blue filter for plain pale skies but of course that will make any clouds light blue as well - it won't increase the contrast between clouds and sky.
And if you're getting poor d&p, any difference might be getting lost in translation, so to speak. Do you use a good brand of film?

[DustyC]

Good point on the film.

I was using fuji "???" forgotten which one now! but for a while I have been using up some the freebies that Jessops give me.

I thinkyou just pointed out my problem....
not enough money to buy the things I want!


Thanks though, I'll go back to good old Fuji.

[trackdemon]

I use circular Polarizer + UV1 Skylight.... recommended! Oh, and it helps if the sky is interesting anyway - stating the obvious but if the clouds / sky aint there its not going to work.
Best results when using a Polarizer for the sky occur around 90 degree's from the sun.

[DustyC]

I use a skylight filter with the polarizer too.
and the 90 deg thing does work best too.

I think Simpo has solved my probs though.
it all started to go down hill when I tried to save money by using crappy Jessops films.

[trackdemon]

DustyC said:

it all started to go down hill when I tried to save money by using crappy Jessops films.

AHA! Fuji Velvia is the daddy! Save much money by purchasing in 10's here:


www.photoglossy.com

www.mx2.com

[DustyC]

I bought loads in a sepcail deal from 7dayshop the last time.
Thanks for the links. I'll have to stock up before I do the Stelvio pass.

[Zad]

Go for a linear polariser rather than a circular one. That way you can use it to adjust how much or how little reflection you get off things like windows, water, shiny paintwork etc.

Mike (with another vote for Velvia)

[simpo two]

Note that Velvia is slide film; if you want prints you need Fuji Superia.
I used www.mailshots.co.uk

[tuttle]

Zad said:

Go for a linear polariser rather than a circular one. That way you can use it to adjust how much or how little reflection you get off things like windows, water, shiny paintwork etc. Mike (with another vote for Velvia)

Surely you mean the other way round.
Linear pols (should) be used for manual focus lenses,& circ pol for auto focus,-at least thats the rule of thumb I was taught.

[simpo two]

tuttle said:

Zad said: Go for a linear polariser rather than a circular one. That way you can use it to adjust how much or how little reflection you get off things like windows, water, shiny paintwork etc. Mike (with another vote for Velvia) Surely you mean the other way round. Linear pols (should) be used for manual focus lenses,& circ pol for auto focus,-at least thats the rule of thumb I was taught.

Yep, circular polarisers generally best for AF as I understand it. I thought that linear ones had to be turned and circular ones didn't. However, when my circular polariser arrived I was surprised to find it had a rotating ring on the front: rotate it and effect changes. So there!

[trackdemon]

simpo two said:

Note that Velvia is slide film; if you want prints you need Fuji Superia. I used www.mailshots.co.uk

?

[adam1330]

trackdemon said:

simpo two said: Note that Velvia is slide film; if you want prints you need Fuji Superia. I used <a href="http://www.mailshots.co.uk"><a href="http://www.mailshots.co.uk">www.mailshots.co.uk</a></a> ?

Definitley a slide film, hence the Fujichrome name. Fuji is my favorite too!

>> Edited by adam1330 on Saturday 21st August 19:07

[DustyC]

Im going to get some graduate neutral density filters too.

May get a 0.9 and a non grad one.

I reckon that and resorting back to my old film will do the trick.

[srider]

All you ever wanted to know about polarisers....

www.mat.uc.pt/~rps/photos/faq.polarizers.html