Aside from their Polarizers, do you think that Singh-Ray color filters such like the LB Color Intensifier will add something to the image that photoshop can't do? and what about if I am shooting with Velvia, which already intensify image colors, will using velvia along with the mentioned filter makes any problem?
Filters that intensify color affect the entire image. While this may work for certain images, their use may not be called for on other scenes. I shoot Velvia (mostly V-100 4x5) and have found that if I need to intensify color I can use selections and then tweak in PS with either Selective Color and/or Hue/Sat adjustment layers. I find I have much better control over the amount of intensification this way.
I use Singh-Ray ND grads (rarely) and sometimes an 81-A or B, or a polarizer. I would say that 98% of my shots have no filtration applied at the time I expose the film. I have not used the LB Color Intensifier, so can't give you any info as to its effect on Velvia.
If you do use this filter, it may impart an unwanted color cast to the shot. Color casts can be somewhat difficult to deal with on film. Careful scanning is called for in that you should work to eliminate a color cast at scan time and then make any needed minor corrections in PS.
--P
Posted by Greg Lessard on February 20, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Hi Mohsen,
I often use the LB polarizer and warming filter. Preton is correct. It effects the entire image. I often prefer warm light in my images. The warming filter is very subtle, natural looking way and does not effect my images in a harsh manner. I often will intensify the warmth of the light in my images even more in postprocessing in addition to the filter. I do not use velvia, so I can not write about the combined effect of the warming filter with velvia.
I use their Gold-n-Blue polarizer very selectively, especially in hazy/smokey conditions or otherwise indifferent light. I find that it has to be used very "gently" for most believable results. I generally use it as a "bracket" along with shots using a circular polarizer and with none at all, then decide which I like best back home.
In truth I get the most use out of their split neutral density filters due to my aversion to blending photos whenever possible. If I can get the results I want with the GND's, I won't bother with blends. Obviously that's situational, as neither is a cure-all.
I do have their Gold-N-Blue filter and it seems very difficult to use, or its usage is very limited, color cast is huge especially with sky and when photographing open landscape. I found that some photographers use it more for intimate landscape.
I'm just guessing about your local shooting conditions Mohsen, but I particularly like it after a dust storm in the deserts of the southwestern US, that period of time when the sky is still somewhat discolored even as the sun is out. It will help "clear" the skies like nothing else. I've also used it to good effect around Yosemite National Park when controlled burns have added haze and in fact a yellowish cast to the skies. I just don't know of anything else that can be used on-camera to moderate or eliminate color casts from skies. And as you point out, it can be useful for more intimate landscapes without sky.
In the attached image, the sky was decidedly yellow at the time of shooting, but the filter brought it back to blue. In subsequent processing I had to tone down the blue for my taste, but at least the yellow was gone from the sky.
Posted by David Bostedo on February 21, 2011 at 1:10 PM
One thing to remember is that if you're shooting digital with auto-white balance on, a lot of times the camera will try to "undo" the effects of your color filter.
Obviously, with film that isn't the case. Either way though, Photoshop can likely accomplish the job of any color affecting filter other than a polarizer. You may, of course, enjoy doing it on camera rather than after the fact.
I am new here so I am more into learning mode.
I have just posted an image in the gallery where I used Singh-Ray ND Reverse filter. And I must say I love that filter. I am thinking of getting also gold-n-blue however I cannot get one for 82mm diameter lens. They only supply 77mm ones.
Just for reference Jerzy Bin, Cokin Z-Pro filters are intended for lenses with thread up to up to 118mm. Their Vari-Color Blue/Yellow #173 is very much like the Singh-Ray version, if a little more abrupt in transitions between colors. You have to use a "finer" touch when adjusting color, but it can be made to work just fine.
I would say no to your question. Get great moments captured well and if you want to fine tune them or even jazz them up I don't think color filters are necessary. Having said that I like to rely on nature more and don't like the look of filters or PS filters...
Posted by Lars Lentz on April 20, 2011 at 11:50 AM
My short opinion: There is a trade off between the hassle of using a filter and the usefulness, but I think there is something to be gained in your photos by using the filter that can't be achieved in post-processing.
Details:
I have just started using the LB polarizer and warming filter and have had good results on my Canon D500. I have made most of my adjustments with Lightroom and Photoshop in post-processing up until now. It's a work in progress right now, but I think I am having more success with the filter than with the post-process. I really don't like the mechanics of using filters though, so I'm skeptical if my gains are going to be worth the hassle.
I agree with the comments by others in that the color cast on film may be more difficult to deal with. I work with RAW files digitally.
A few other things I've had to deal with are that the wide-angle shots don't get good polarization throughout the entire shot if I'm not at 90 deg to the sun, so I have to watch that. And, I have to up my EV to compensate for the 1 - 2 stops of light attenuation with the filter. So these things detract from my willingness to use a filter as well.
Posted by Lynn Jones on August 29, 2011 at 7:47 PM
I'll just talk about the makers. I've been in the pro photo business for over 6 decades, I knew the Harrisons and their filter business until the company finally disappeared. I've known Dr. Bob Singh for about 35 or 40 years and have trtemendous respect for his technology and business. I'n not sure why most filter buyers, buy or worse how they use them, but Bob Singh is terrific.
Discussion
11 repliesAside from their Polarizers, do you think that Singh-Ray color filters such like the LB Color Intensifier will add something to the image that photoshop can't do? and what about if I am shooting with Velvia, which already intensify image colors, will using velvia along with the mentioned filter makes any problem?
Thanks in advance.
Filters that intensify color affect the entire image. While this may work for certain images, their use may not be called for on other scenes. I shoot Velvia (mostly V-100 4x5) and have found that if I need to intensify color I can use selections and then tweak in PS with either Selective Color and/or Hue/Sat adjustment layers. I find I have much better control over the amount of intensification this way.
I use Singh-Ray ND grads (rarely) and sometimes an 81-A or B, or a polarizer. I would say that 98% of my shots have no filtration applied at the time I expose the film. I have not used the LB Color Intensifier, so can't give you any info as to its effect on Velvia.
If you do use this filter, it may impart an unwanted color cast to the shot. Color casts can be somewhat difficult to deal with on film. Careful scanning is called for in that you should work to eliminate a color cast at scan time and then make any needed minor corrections in PS.
--P
I often use the LB polarizer and warming filter. Preton is correct. It effects the entire image. I often prefer warm light in my images. The warming filter is very subtle, natural looking way and does not effect my images in a harsh manner. I often will intensify the warmth of the light in my images even more in postprocessing in addition to the filter. I do not use velvia, so I can not write about the combined effect of the warming filter with velvia.
In truth I get the most use out of their split neutral density filters due to my aversion to blending photos whenever possible. If I can get the results I want with the GND's, I won't bother with blends. Obviously that's situational, as neither is a cure-all.
In the attached image, the sky was decidedly yellow at the time of shooting, but the filter brought it back to blue. In subsequent processing I had to tone down the blue for my taste, but at least the yellow was gone from the sky.
Obviously, with film that isn't the case. Either way though, Photoshop can likely accomplish the job of any color affecting filter other than a polarizer. You may, of course, enjoy doing it on camera rather than after the fact.
I have just posted an image in the gallery where I used Singh-Ray ND Reverse filter. And I must say I love that filter. I am thinking of getting also gold-n-blue however I cannot get one for 82mm diameter lens. They only supply 77mm ones.
Details:
I have just started using the LB polarizer and warming filter and have had good results on my Canon D500. I have made most of my adjustments with Lightroom and Photoshop in post-processing up until now. It's a work in progress right now, but I think I am having more success with the filter than with the post-process. I really don't like the mechanics of using filters though, so I'm skeptical if my gains are going to be worth the hassle.
I agree with the comments by others in that the color cast on film may be more difficult to deal with. I work with RAW files digitally.
A few other things I've had to deal with are that the wide-angle shots don't get good polarization throughout the entire shot if I'm not at 90 deg to the sun, so I have to watch that. And, I have to up my EV to compensate for the 1 - 2 stops of light attenuation with the filter. So these things detract from my willingness to use a filter as well.
Lynn