My favorite Filters for Landscape Photography | Which ones do you actually need?

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey friends, just a quick note when I asked at the end of the video "Which filters to you use?" I am much more interested in the densities/filter type and how that helps your photography. Rather then just the brand of filters you use. Thanks everyone for watching, I know this video is a little more gear related then usual. More in field photography vlogs coming soon.

[@bryangarcia2962]

Hey Michael the filters i use is K&F concept i really enjoy them a lot, your videos are really great i love your photos so much very unique.

[@mannipearce3357]

Recently purchased the KASE Wolverine Pro Circular Magnetic filters. Absolutely love them, very pleased with them compared to the cheap set i previously used.

[@ninacleven7889]

Kase filters give me a lot of flexibility. They're magnetic, stackable and very lightweight and portable. Their glass is very tough, making them hard to scratch or break. Really enjoy using them.

[@pun1shment]

Same a you, CPL, 10 stop and 6 stop. I use Kase filters and I find them to be a very good quality product!

[@joelwolski]

I think the most fun I've had with an ND filter was stacking my new 12-stop filter with a 6-stop (18 total stops) to achieve a modest 47 second exposure looking out over the ocean toward the sun on an overcast day. It made the water look like brushed stainless steel and gave the whole composition a metallic feel. I can explore a scene for hours just by changing up filters; so awesome.

[@martinpickard5818]

I use the Kase magnetic system,really recommended.👍🏻

[@christopherchall7056]

Thank you, Michael, nice, easy-to-understand, and concise video. Love telephoto landscapes and minimalism. I just purchased some 6-stop and 10-stop 52mm drop-in filters for my Nikon 400mm lens. Headed to the coast of San Diego CA to see what I can create. It's all good.

[@Mr09260]

I use Nisi filters ..Great quality

[@karenwalter5784]

I use the same three filters Michael. Just started using the CPL a little more and love it. This video reassured me I’m probably pretty set with what I have and no need to invest in more. Always look forward to your videos. Thank you!

[@torstenrichertz]

Love that you don't seem to care too much about gear, which makes you a great artist simultaneously as well. Don't get me wrong gear is important, but sometimes having less leadsto more creativity.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey thanks so much!

[@torstenrichertz]

@@MichaelShainblum You're welcome! :)

[@Mr09260]

GREAT Topic ..thanks so much Mike

[@seantomlinson3320]

Yup 6 stop ND and cpl from breakthrough photography for me. Nice as always.

[@emj2884]

Thank you for your recommendation!

[@kawiemer]

3 stop ND, C-PL, and a Genustech combination vari-ND/C-PL. recently added a Hoya R-72 infrared and a Hoya FL magenta.

[@mbnyus]

Great video Michael, simple and very well explained. Thank you.

[@Mackymcd]

Kase Magnetic, pure bliss not foostering around sliding filters into holder

[@maxmillion4216]

Michael......I found that Kace magnetic filters work best for me. You don't have to screw them on and they stack perfectly. Well, I'm late and I see everyone is using Kase Magnetic Filters. They do come with a very nice leather case.

[@tmbacz]

I like the Kase filters as well. Unfortunately, I got the 77mm as the largest filter, and now I just ordered a lens that is 82mm. No bueno! Definitely something to consider if you’re getting into filters.

[@jesse113553]

Very informative thank you.I got a CPL and am looking to buy an ND filter. So this is quite helpful

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

Formatt Hitech 3-stop reverse ND grad I find really really useful at sunrise / sunset I also use Lee 6 and 10 stop ND and standard 3-stop soft grad, Kood 3-stop ND and a Haida CPL I sometimes play with an IR filter and star filters too if I'm bored quick tip from my DSLR days (redundant with mirrorless) - cover the viewfinder when taking long exposures to prevent light leak

[@rsakamoto808]

I've had issues with flaring & light leaks with the PolarPro Summit system but in my opinion, these are the best-designed square filters as far as ease of use is concerned. It's so easy to change filters with the tabbed frame. My go to filters are the NISI & I've started to use the Kase Magnetic Filters & loving it for ease of use, weight & portability...mostly portability!

[@peterafilms]

Nisi filters for me!

[@melissahall7009]

Really enjoy your tutorials. Thanks so much. Moving to Charleston soon & hoping to get back into seascape photography. 💜

[@alghamdiyusuf]

Wow Michael, I asked you about this a few years back and there it is. Much much much appreciated man

[@djking9828]

Very cool video, thanks. 🍻

[@wliu6381]

All you said are true, the top 3 filters I usually use are exactly ND64, ND1000 and CPL!

[@russellburton541]

Hi Michael, I think we have similar mindsets regarding filters, my polariser is very rarely off my lens, I use a 6 and 10 stop for water shots, I have graduated filters but find I never use them. Just found your channel, really enjoying the 100-400 shots, I've just bought one. Regards Russ

[@WilliamLesourd]

Using NiSi. Great quality.

[@PhotoTrekr]

I used to be all Singh-Ray filters. My graduated filters are still Singh-Ray. But, when I switched to Sony cameras and lenses I also switched to the Zeiss T* filters. The only types of filters I commonly use are circular polarizers and ND. I do have some UV filters, but I only use those for special situations like ocean spray or fumes in Yellowstone to protect the lens. The exception is a PolarPro CPL that I use on my Sony 200-600mm lens.

[@eduardomachado489]

I use exactly the same 3 but the screw-in from polar pro! Best filters I ever had! Really appreciate your reviews and photography content! Keep it up 👍🏻

[@livedeliciously]

I'm gonna splurge on a set of Kase Wolverine 112mm magnetic filters. No more color banding issues with wide angle lenses and they'll be compatible with most lenses.

[@garyheaton3302]

I recommend a phone app for determining the exposure time when using a 6 or 10 stop filter. Compose the shot and determine the proper exposure without the filter. Enter this into the app. It then calculates the best shutter speed for a given aperture and ISO.

[@akashdeeppuri4344]

Circular polarizer is the one filter without which I don't usually leave for shooting my waterfall images. As you mentioned about its effect when kept at 90° , i shot most of my Taj mahal images using that same trick to get that contrast between Blue sky and white tajmahal.

[@MichaelShainblum]

It is such a helpful filter in cases like that!

[@jhonnybakkenphotography]

Thanks for your video, no problem with some gear videos from time to time. I use NiSi V6 system. Just love their CPL , and it stay on my lens almost all the time. My only square filters are the ND1000 and the ND 64, sadly not NiSi since I'm on a low budget, but bought them from K&F Concept and they works very nice. Can't see any colorcast from them so very happy so far. Use the ND1000 for long exposure in the day, and the ND64 in the morning and in the evening, mostly to smooth out the water and the clouds in my long exposure images. when shooting waterfalls and I need to smooth the water I used my CPL filter. never been slower than one second so the CPL handle that very nice. I shoot almost only at ISO100, so I end up with exposure around 1 sec and up. Use higher ISO only when I need to blend in moving leaves or similar stuff. Have tried screw on filters, but have the same problem as you, find them to hard to screw on in a hurry, the Square filters are a breeze to use, both in a hurry and in low light.

[@massdistraction6169]

Love your videos man, your delivery is always so chilled, KZbin photography's answer to Bob Ross 👍

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you :)

[@massdistraction6169]

@@MichaelShainblum apologies should have also said your work is amazing, particularly love your time laps. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@snapshot_texas]

Lee system and my go to are the 2 stop ND 6stop ND and CPL got at 10 stop but rarely use it.

[@Schroeder3000]

how cool - i need to use my filters more often again after see this beautiful results! :) thanks for inspiring me Michael!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@frankf9233]

Loved the intro. I use a 6 stop the most as well.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Frank, Yep the six stop filter is awesome!

[@hamishstubbs]

Really interesting to see you don't use a 3 stop as one of your top 3 I find the 3 perfect for seascapes to capture motion which you do so well

[@pauloalho]

I just bought a filter kit, i hope i like the result of my compositions. Greetings from Brazil

[@bigbrownmab189]

I have a polar pro peter mckinnon variable ND 6-9 stop along with a ploar pro CPL crew on.

[@dtyl59]

Great video. I use Lee Filters, 6 and 10 stop. Also, I am glad that we have a great You Tuber on here for photography.

[@baimaiPL]

Thank you.

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

Great video, as always. Gobe is a very underappreciated filer company. Very reasonable, excellent quality. I mostly use the CPL and 6 stop ND but I'll be buying a 10 stop ND from them soon. (they plant 5 trees for every filter you purchase too) Cheers.

[@ForgedxFire]

Love your videos and your personality. Keep it up I have a d750 and am considering going mirrorless. What is your opinion?

[@Romeome99]

Lee filters 10&6 stops, also Circular B+W 10&6, Lee Circular polarizer(105) and Nisi 15 stops(circular). I'm all set with these ones.

[@cool4fam99]

very helpful insights.

[@neild108]

Thanks, very cogent and much appreciated overview. You have a nice knack for boiling down complex issues and weaving in useful info. One question: you mention that you no longer use graduated ND's. I'm also finding that usually I can capture the dynamic range I need from my RAW files, or in extreme cases, by bracketing my exposures and combining them later in LR and PS. HOWEVER, I am wondering if it still might be useful to use an ND grad when you're doing fairly long exposures--1 min, 2 min, 3 min--during lower light conditions. I would think it difficult to bracket your shots in such a situation. I have a pro photographer friend who does a lot of long exposures, and he uses a 3 stop ND grad, and also does some black carding, to avoid blowing out his highlights, while getting adequate shadow detail in dimly lit foregrounds. What do you think? Or do you avoid these longer exposures?

[@marclabro]

nice tuto. what about magnetic filters like freewel... ?

[@spenttimesaving6327]

Excellent useful title

[@barrycainphotography]

Have a bunch of Cokin and Lee square filters.

[@GMC43]

Great tip on the cpl filter 90° from the sun never knew that.. thanks mate.. ps guns are looking bloody huge man 💪💪🦾 keep it up 🤙🤙

[@perjrgensen9648]

I use Lee filters. Square filters are bulky and takes up a lot of space in your bag. Lee are just a little less bulky as far as i know. I use 6, 10 and 15 stops and a polarizer. Just like you i use the 6 stop and the polarizer most. Would not be without the 15 stop for midday long exposures....

[@grantnewton5705]

I also use just 3 filters .... CPL, 4-stop and 10-stop ND.... Haida NanoPro circular ..... got the CPL and 10-stop ... then struggled to make up my mind between the 4 and 6 stop!

[@alghamdiyusuf]

Hey buddy, could you please post each filter's link so we can access them easily? thanks man, your video was so helpful.

[@sarawootch]

Thanks for sharing. Good learning. Are you not using GND at all? How do you block the bright sky in the mountain?

[@AlexandraGrua]

I have just one ND filter for studio photography.) Beautiful photos!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@ospreywindsphotography6937]

Michael, great video as always! I just got the Polarpro Summit system and so far love it as well. One quick question. So far I have always used the rubber cover that has come with the filter. Ideally I would like to not lug around that bulk. Have you experimented and determined if you dont use it you still get equally good long exposures? Thanks!!

[@jamesronnie1000]

Have a look at kase magnetic filters

[@doumepatrice7597]

Tks good video

[@haroldbielstein3530]

Appreciate the information. Are the circular filter able to be stacked also?

[@landonjames3993]

.3 stop graduated ND filter & a 10 stop ND 🤙🏽

[@michaelmanzone8897]

I’m use the exact same lol polar pro CPL, ND64PL an the ND1000

[@marioandrade3925]

Good topic to discuss! I use Lee 100 Filter System. I do prefer to use GND filters, hard and soft edge - 3 each, in the field. I also have a 6 stop and a 10 stop for long exposures. My filter holder also lets be put a Lee CPL on the end that can be used along with the GND filters. The only issue is with my UWA lenses at 16mm or lower...they will catch the filter in the corners. Do you have the same issue with any of your filters?

[@davidnelson6199]

I use a 3 stop and a 6 stop ND with a circular polarizer. I have seen some beautiful black and white photography using a 16 stop during daylight. I may have to get at least the 10step. I wonder if I can mix one company's 100mm filter with a Breakthrough photography holder?

[@allanternent8862]

I use the cokin p filters. But looking for a different one's, but not sure which ones to go for

[@etx007blue2]

I have the exact 3 you have, just B+W brand.

[@positiveendtimes]

Cpl, 10 stop, & 3 stop soft grad

[@PatOutdoorify]

ND1000 big stopper in 90% of the time, CPL and 2 soft grads for the skies

[@1young-geezer]

Kase round magnetic filters do it for me - small carry case, slap them on take them off takes seconds. Kase has an excellant rep, they’re glass, reasonably indestructible, coated against finger prints and rain drops. IMPOSSIBLE TO NOT recommend. So yes, the round magnetics can be stacked, and other brands are going that direction as well - ease of applying is key. I have CPL, 3, 6, 10 stop, and can use any combination of them sooooo easily, just magnetically snap together. Added bonus, mine came w/ a front and back metal covers, very nice and protective.

[@edeto16]

Great video! Quick question - what did you mean by the CPL boosting AND reducing rainbows? Does it depend on the angle of the sun?

[@jeffcolburnfineartphotography]

I use a polarizer, and I have a 6 stop ND filter. That's all I've used for decades. There's so much I can do with RAW files that I don't need anything else.

[@torstenrichertz]

And I also just use a CPL, 3 Nd's 8/64/1000 and a Promist for some Stars and Filmmaking.

[@barrycainphotography]

Manual focus and pre-focus before putting on that 10 stop especially.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Good call!

[@Woodenarrows]

Do you ever combine the 6 & 10 stop ND filters? If not I'm wondering why not carry a 3 & 6 stop ND filter. Won't that give you more versatility??? The added Polarizer filter will also add another stop of exposure.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I had a 3 stop in my bag for awhile and never used it. I rarely had the need to only reduce the light by 3 stops. If I did it was easier to avoid the filters and get there changing the Fstop and lower ISO variations. I have stacked the 10 and 6 in very bright situations. But I use the 10 and a polarizer together more often.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Breakthrough Photography not only has great products, their customer service is the best. I use the 6 stop the most then the CP.

[@JosephHawkins]

I have had great difficulty separating stacked Breakthrought photography filters screwed together - they stick - i have broken more than one trying to separate them

[@MichaelCantwell]

@@JosephHawkins To be honest, I had the same issue once. I did the tap on the edge method a few times and then they unscrewed. I tried many things and only the tap on the edge got them loose.

[@nickdailey9889]

Ever play with the 15/16 stop filter? Pros and cons? I have lees super stopper. Use it every so often for long expo during the day. But other than that

[@MichaelShainblum]

I have not really had the need for anything more then 10 to be honest. But I could see it being useful if you like to shoot REALLY long exposures.

[@hardimoto7125]

5:37 you mean sir.. it's ok not to use CPL during long exposure?

[@fototripper]

Dude! My screen just isn't wide enough for your biceps. I had to stand further back just to view the guns.

[@PickinPins]

Lol. I noticed them too.

[@ExtremAtmosfera_BrunoGoncalves]

Thanks for the video! But, what about those kind of lenses, like a Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 Art, that we can't put those kind of filters in it? What are the options?

[@MichaelShainblum]

You can use the Wonderpana system or Nisi makes one too. They are much larger filters. Personally I just do not use any. I do not bring the Nikon 14-24 with me much, unless I am shooting astrophotography.

[@ExtremAtmosfera_BrunoGoncalves]

@@MichaelShainblum OK. Thanks for the answer. For landscape with filters, do you use mostly the Nikon 16-35mm? I have a tokina 16/28mm, but has the same filter problem. Am thinking on going with a 14-24mm... but the filters issue is making me unsure...

[@abacab1701]

Hi Michael. Query. Am i right? in certain long exposure situations, where there is a chance of blowing out the highlights in a scene, using a ND grad is your only option. So how do you overcome shooting with such a wide variance in highlights & shadows without using a ND. Many Thanks.

[@alanwsmith]

Hi Michael, I have been using Kase Magnetic Filters recently and they are so quick and easy to use. Certainly saves a lot of time compared to screw on filters. Do you bracket all your shots? Or find your camera has enough dynamic range for most situations?

[@MichaelShainblum]

I bracket most of my shots facing into the sun, sometimes I have enough detail in one file, other times I will need to blend them. It really depends on the situation.

[@alanwsmith]

@@MichaelShainblum thanks for the reply. In answer to your original question which I realise I didn’t answer, I use a CPL, 3 stop ND, 6 stop ND and 10 stop ND. I probably use the CPL and 6 stop ND the most.

[@boulx]

if i need to buy a ND, i should buy a 64Nd then...?

[@robinarmentrout3624]

I am getting ready to buy my first nd filter. My question is what do you think about the magnetic ones?

[@MichaelShainblum]

They are good as well. I have a set of breakthrough magnetic filters. I do like my holder a bit more, but its personal preference.

[@Adisa1992]

I use my CPL as a ND filter 🤣. I also use a 10 stop ND.

[@SperS-222]

HAIDA on the top

[@ClintonFerrara]

Do you have any issues with a cpl filter on a wide angle lens?

[@celeno31]

nice!

[@MFreeman]

Would you use or recommend use of an ND while shooting a day to night timelapse?

[@MichaelShainblum]

I would not recommend it. I have used a polarizer for a day to night shots, But ND filters would end up making the night section far too long of a shutter speed towards the end of the time lapse.

[@markzphotoscom]

Thats the three I use

[@carlmcneill1139]

I have the Formatt Hi-tech firecrest filters. I have a 6 stop, 10 stop, 2 still grad and a 2 stop reverse grad. I also have 2 CPL fingers. You didn't mention this but for the ones who like using grads, the benefit to use the square or rectangular filters is that you can raise or lower your filter to match up with the horizon if you want to use the rule of thirds or something else. But I don't use my grads much anymore. I'm learning how to use luminosity masks and I'm bracketing my shots if I can't get the whole dynamic range in one shot. Grads are destructive. If you have an uneven horizon and part of the filter gets into the tree line and part of the trees aren't covered by it, it will take a long time to fix.

[@TBuanes_Photography]

Greate video once again. Thanks for these tips. When i purchased my camera gear, I also bought filters for my first lens. Nikkor 16-80 f2.8-4 I shortly after purchased a second lens.. Latest Sigma 70-200 f2.8 Sport lens Then I needed a second set of these filters. Nikkor use 72mm filters and the Sigma needs 82mm filters Then just now I purchaed a 10-20 Superwide lens and that little thing couldn't use any of my already purchaed filters so I need to order a third filter for this one in 77mm. ( Probably just going for a CPL on this one ) I use CPL, variable ND filters 1.5 - 5 Stop and a 5 - 9 STOP . All NISI filters.. It will be pretty close to expensive in the end buying these filters, but these are the ones I got used to , and as you mentions in this video.. With these filters, you can just put them in you pocket. Norwegian price on these filters are (Converted into USD) ... about160USD for the CPL and about 250USD for the variable ND filters But its worth the cost ..

[@rowan57]

You need step up adapters. 72>82mm. 77-82mm. One set of 82mm filters, step up adapters to use on your smaller lenses.

[@FredericBonneauPhotography]

You look like Popeye with this wide lens you use in your video!! 😂Look at your bicep 💪

[@Qwiv]

You can totally eliminate needing grads taking 2 exposures and using a graduated mask

[@MichaelShainblum]

indeed

[@fromfela]

way off topic nice physique but don't forget about your shoulders