Essential Landscape Accessories

15 Comments

1. Maureen makes this comment

   Friday 1 August, 2008

   eing new to SLR's, Digital SLR in particular, I'm interested in a polarizer. But your short description mentions that this filter is for TTL exposure metering and autofocus lenses. So, I guess this lens would not be for a Digital SLR, correct? We just purchased our first ever Digital SLR and we have never had a SLR, so most all of the abbreviations are unknown. Thanks for all the great information.

2. Jeanne makes this comment

   Sunday 3 August, 2008

   Maureen, yes, you should absolutely get a polarizer and it will work great with your DSLR. You will love what it does--in my opinion, a polarizer is close to indispensable. TTL stands for through the lens--just means that your camera will still meter correctly and autofocus even with the polarizer on.

3. Pablo makes this comment

   Thursday 7 August, 2008

   Should a begginer start with the $77 one, or the $210 is the one that really makes the difference?

4. Dave makes this comment

   Tuesday 2 September, 2008

   Pablo... B+W's entry-level CPL (circular polarizer) is more than adequate, and they offer several quality steps above that. Singh-Ray's products are marvelous, but the difference in image quality is exceedingly fine, and may only be of use to extreme hobbyists and pros. More important is to have a strategy for equipping yourself with filters: think about the lens(es) you have and those you want, and buy filters to fit the largest lenses first (usually 77mm). Then you can use step-up rings to mount those filters on your smaller-diameter lenses before deciding if you need to invest in a whole series of different diameter CPLs and neutral gradient filters.

5. Kenn Goutal makes this comment

   Friday 26 September, 2008

   Maureen (and Pablo), I believe that the reason the article mentioned TTL metering is that there are two different kinds of polarizing filters: regular, and circularly-polarizing. As you might expect, regular polarizing filters are (on average) cheaper than circularly-polarizing ones. However, you need to be sure that you have the circularly-polarizing type if you are going to depend on your camera's TTL metering. (I believe I'm correct in saying that if you use a handheld meter, and do the numbers yourself, it's not an issue.) For reasons too obscure to go into here, a non-circularly-polarizing filter will "confuse" your camera's TTL metering. So the article just wants to make sure that you get one of those -- independent of whether you get an an "entry-level" one or a "high-end" model.

6. Stacy Niedzwiecki makes this comment

   Friday 31 October, 2008

   An LED headlamp is a great accessory - I LOVE mine (I have one from Petzl - a Zipka Plus model). It frees up your hands and allows you to work in your camera bag and with other items. The Zipka can even go around your arm, a tripod, or other item if you need to strategically place the light in a fixed spot for awhile.

7. Timothy Hughes makes this comment

   Sunday 22 February, 2009

   A tip I've learned about buying a polarizing filter is to buy a very high-quality filter (e.g. ultra-thin, multicoated) at the largest diameter of your lens collection. In my case that is 77mm. Then simply get step-up rings in order to fit the filter to your various lenses.

8. Frank makes this comment

   Tuesday 28 July, 2009

   I have started using the Cokin P-series filter system for my Nikon. They have square filters of all types such as graduated neutral density and a circular polarizer. The beauty of this system is that for each new lens diameter I only have to buy an adapter plate. For the P-series, the adapter rings will go to 82mm and cost approx. $15.

9. Michael makes this comment

   Monday 3 August, 2009

   Ditch the backpack!!! I only use a backpack for carrying stuff on board a plane, train, in the car, etc. Once I'm where I need to go, out comes the vest. The vest is SOOOOO much faster and easier to quickly grab whatever you need for the shot.

10. landscape accessories makes this comment

    Monday 3 August, 2009

    It’s pretty helpful!! Thanks.Taking a snap of a landscape is not a typical job if you have enough patience and creativity with in you.

11. Eric makes this comment

    Monday 10 August, 2009

    Gitzo carbon fiber sticks and Arca-Swiss Z1 with a Kirk QR (the Arca QR releases too easily). Both will set you back a bunch, but you won't ever need another tripod. Also a Hoodman Loupe--makes a HUGE difference in looking at your in-camera images.

12. Conrad makes this comment

    Sunday 28 February, 2010

    I am over six foot tall, I am in the market for a light weight travel tripod. I have found that most manufactures only make models that go maybe to 60", and I would have to extend the center post in order to reach my eye level. Any suggestions??? Stooped Over

13. Bobby K. makes this comment

    Monday 1 March, 2010

    Conrad, I just recently bought the Slik Pro 700 DX(aluminum, magnesium & titanium alloy). It stands fully open I think 74+ inches. I am 5ft. 8 in., and it is way over my head fully extended. It"s not the lightest at around 8 lbs., but I have no problem carrying it all day in the woods. It"s built like a tank, sturdy, holds between 15 and 20 lbs. I mount my canon and long lenses on it without worry, as well as my spotting scope with camera attached. No problems. You can build a house on this thing and the legs are all foam gripped. The pan head and quick release are great. I paid $139.00 for it. I love it

14. Johnnywyoming makes this comment

    Wednesday 10 March, 2010

    Conrad I have the same problem and solved it with a Seagull 90 degree viewfinder attachment. Works great and was less expensive than buying a new tripod.

15. Ed Hardy makes this comment

    Thursday 13 May, 2010

    In America many people have a romantic idea of life in the countryside.