To Matte or not to Matte

if you are going cheap with cokin (not cookin) filters, just go to ebay, you will find all what you need for about 15$ for a holder and 10$ for a filter.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...70.l1313&_nkw=cokin&_sacat=See-All-Categories

i bought the X-Pro (the biggest sized Cokin system 2inch/110mm) for about 250$ at B&H , but you can get the same in Z-pro for less than 50$.
I you use samll diameter lenses , the Z-Pro is ok.
In the case you use flat glass filters, you need a matterbox, else you take the risk to see the fromt of the lens reflected into the filter.
filter holder are great if you use graduated ND, because screw-on graduated are usually half dark, half clear, and this is not always the good ratio.
with square filters and holders you can slide the filter to position the transition between dark and clear at the exact level needed.
 
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dtzfilms said:
I'm trying to see how a gradated filter would help on a wedding when the
couple is framed against the sky. Unless there's a loop for subject heads etc, seems like a gradated filter would only help
on landscape photography. Or wait, darker filter on top means you can expose for the face without blowing out the sky?
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Depending on how you frame, the exposure gradation on the subject can almost go unnoticed.

Not to mention that on a compressed video stream it's always possible to raise exposure on a certain part a little bit while recovering a blown area is impossible.

If I didn't have a (screw-on) ND grad filter this photo:

FlickrP102075314mm1-800segemf-28ISO250-3.jpg


Would probably look like this:

FlickrP102075314mm1-800segemf-28ISO250-4.jpg


Notice that I still had to lower the exposure of the sky by 2 additional stops in post, H264 would not let me do that. So I assume a ND grad heavier than 2 stops (perhaps 4) would be needed for video work, but I've never seen those in screw-on type.
 
Another great thing about a matte box which I have never seen mentioned - it's great at keeping the rain off the front of your lens. Here in Oregon, shooting in the rain is just going to happen and there is nothing nicer than having a bit of "roof" over the lens.
 
I found a cheap alternative to a matte box for the AF100 that suits the way I shoot perfectly. It's called a 'Flare Buster' and can be clipped onto one of the hotshoes on the camera. Is quick to attach and can be put at any angle. And it's only $29.95 from B&H Photo Video here.

flare01.jpgflare02.jpgflare03.jpg
I love being able to grab the camera out of my bag, attaching the flare buster and quick as that I'm ready to shoot.

http://www.gorillapictures.co.nz
 
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LoganGorilla said:
I found a cheap alternative to a matte box for the AF100 that suits the way I shoot perfectly. It's called a 'Flare Buster' and can be clipped onto one of the hotshoes on the camera. Is quick to attach and can be put at any angle. And it's only $29.95 from B&H Photo Video here.

View attachment 41405View attachment 41406View attachment 41407
I love being able to grab the camera out of my bag, attaching the flare buster and quick as that I'm ready to shoot.

http://www.gorillapictures.co.nz
Click to expand...
Thats handy.
 
I was really into grads for years. . .when you have used them enough it becomes really obvious when you see something someone did with a grad and a camera move, it actually makes me cringe a little unless its done really well. Filters used to be a necessary evil. Every rental package included a set of filters including such timeless nuggets at corals, promists, and my old fave the "mitch B". I'm really not convinced that with modern digital acquisition and post there is any place for the type of filter use that was typical in the film era. So whats a matte-box good for? I think its essential for studio stuff and interiors where you need to keep light sources off the glass, that and it always looks impressive (which is not to be discounted). One thing almost no one mentions with matte boxes is what a PIA they are in windy conditions outdoors, I don't care how beefy your support system is if the wind is blowing the matte box becomes a sail.
 
EditingFX said:
Does that FlareBuster come with a ShamWow? ;)
Click to expand...

You can choose either the super absorbent ShamWow or the steak knives package. I guess it depends on whether you're cleaning or cooking.

BTW the Flare Buster is useless in wind. But for $30 it's handy to have in your kit for non windy days or interiors. :)
 
Calling it the FlareBuster is OK, but I wish they hadn't printed it in 2" letters across the thing itself -- that's not gonna get a lot of respect at corporate HQ or the lawyer's office when I shoot there.

- Greg
 
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