Lens filters

[northbeach]

I have a C5050Z and I want to get lens filters for summer and winter use. Particularly to help calm down those wide bright skies that are often behind the boats I photograph a lot. I have no clue about filters - I'd appreciate any input.

[JCW3]

Not sure what your talking about when referring to summer/winter use...

But from what I grasp your looking to get a gruadated ND filter. This allows you to expose the sky .5-3 stops less than the lower half, giveing you a more pleasing view.

Again I really did not get the true question here, but I feel its a graudated ND filter your looking for. They also make ND filters, but for your needs a graudated ND is needed.

Dont for get you will need the Olympus addapter tube.

[northbeach]

JC - despite my out of forcus question you have given me a sharp answer. Thank you.

[me_wrestler]

Another option you may want to explore is the use of a polarizing filter. It will may the sky a darker blue and the clouds brighter to give greater contrast. the nice thing about a polarizer is that it is adjustable so you can "dial" it to the amount you need.
Colin

[Bill Huber]

I would make sure you get a polarizer for sure, I use one just about all the time that I am outside. The polarizer will also work as an NDF also.
Here is a little like that will show you just what it can do for you.

http://www.pbase.com/otfchallenge/use_of_polarizer_lens

[northbeach]

Bill, thanks. I'm going to find and order one today.

Very kind of you. A picture truly is worth a thousand words.

Sheila.