noisy lens ?

[kenleyfred]

My magical extra funds didn't eventuate, so the Nikon D7000 didn't either.
Instead I got myself an old second hand D60 that had a kit lens on it. Actually was quite impressed with the photo's but bought a new DX Nikkor 35mm1.8 with a hoya pro1 polarising filter. what an amazing lens, it is a big improvement and I think the lens that is going to stay on the camera full time.

A few questions
For indoor and night/low light should I remove the filter?

The lens is very noisy while focusing, its only a week old, I didn't notice the noise due to background noise probably but now using it the sound is very noticable. Is this normal?

My Daughter splashed a single drop of pool water onto the filter, it was wiped away within minutes but has left a spot, to be honest I dont notice it in photo's but would like to remove it if possible. Any suggestions ?

Thanks all
Kenley

[dmdigital]

You don't need a polarising filter on unless you need to modify the light conditions. The main purpose being to cut down on reflections, reduce glare and haze etc. Night and low light are not something that normally requires one.

To clean the filter I would use a clean micro fibre lens cloth. The Pro1 filters are multi-coated so if the mark persists, use a fluid suitable suitable for lens cleaning. Make sure it isn't an anti-fog type one though.

Not sure about the lens noise. It's not uncommon for lenses to clunk a little on focusing particularly if they are hunting for focus.

[kenleyfred]

Thanks Derek
One of the benefits of buying from a camera shop as opposed to cheaper on linle. Returned the lens and they swapped it (once I went home and retrieved the original packaging) for another, all agreed that the noise was not right. Upset it faulted within a week, but very happy with back up from store/nikon.

I bought a uv filter that apparently can stay on all the time and protects the lens. So now religiously removing polariser every time I come inside.

Have tried again cleang the filter, but not with special liquids, spot won't budge, but doesn't appear to be ruining anything so living with it for a while.

Thanks again

[theresanothersteve]

I am curious why you always use the polariser outside.

Unless you need to remove stray light (ie polarise) there is not much point in keeping the polariser on, at worst it is acting as a ND (natural density) filter and robbing you of avaialabe light.

Sure, use it to cut reflection from glass (so you can take a picture of the new Evoke's interior while its locked!) or if you want to capture a fish swimming below the surface, but its not needed for general photography.

Some people use it to 'darken' the sky, but unless you rotate the filter to maximise the effect, depending on the sun's angle, its not always effective.

I always have a polarising filter with me, but only use it if the conditions or desired shot make it necessary.

HTH

[vnx205]

I am curious why you always use the polariser outside.

If you take photos in Central Australia with a polarizing filter, the rocks will be the rich red colour that you see with the naked eye. If you take photos without a polarizing filter, the rocks will be a rather boring brown. The intense light washes out the colour even though the photos are correctly exposed.

I have photos taken around Alice Springs and on the Gibb River Road with and without a polarizing filter and the difference is quite dramatic.

(At least that is what used to happen last century when people were still taking photos with film cameras. I assume it is still the case. :p )

[kenleyfred]

I suppose I'm just a sucker for a glossy brochure and a salesman.

Lately around Brissie it's been very hot and bright lately, I think the polariser has helped.
But I'm all for learning and trying. Will take it off more often now and experiment.

The uv filter, can that stay on permanently? I like the idea of something protecting the actual lens.
Kenley

[theresanothersteve]

If you take photos in Central Australia with a polarizing filter, the rocks will be the rich red colour that you see with the naked eye. If you take photos without a polarizing filter, the rocks will be a rather boring brown. The intense light washes out the colour even though the photos are correctly exposed...
Good point, although the proviso is rotating the polarising filter to cut the stray rays.

One of the things I like about the move to digital is the ability to shoot in RAW format so compensation can be made before printing using the computer. My wife says its cheating, but I pointed out all the things that can be done with filters, or in the darkroom. Digital makes all that much easier. The down side is you can become a bit lazy, or forget the tricks we used to use.

[dmdigital]

Yes the UV can stay on. The jury is still out on whether to use a protective filter or not. I sit on the fence and mostly use it only if I'm going somewhere I know the lens is going to probable get dirty.