This is a high quality glass filter, coated on both sides or "double coated" as it is commonly referred to, made by Omega.
These filters are actually the made under contract by HOYA but labeled as Omega. They are the same as the Blue label coated HOYA filters, made in JAPAN.
The anti-reflective coating reduces surface reflections, allowing maximum light transmission. Reduces or eliminates the possibility of flare or unwanted reflections in your photographs. The filter ring is metal and threaded on both sides.
As we all get further and further into the digital photography abyss we are loosing our focus. What is it we all want? Snapshots for the most part, really great photos of a memorable place, and once in a while something cool. Well the snapshots are easy, great photographs require a little bit of knowledge but it's mainly all about composition, and finally something cool. The cool shots require taking the camera off auto and taking some manual shots. The great thing about digital is you can check your work as you go.
Here is the generic description used by all the retail stores to sell this filter.
These filters reduce the amount of light passing through the camera lens without changing the color of the scene. They are especially useful in bright light conditions to help prevent overexposure. Neutral Density filters also allow proper exposure at a wider lens opening for reduced depth-of-field to highlight a key subject by making the foreground and/or background out of focus.
- Eliminates overly bright, washed-out images
- Balances exposure
- Controls depth-of-field
- Allows slower shutter speeds to produce blurred motion effects
This description is fine if you have some understanding of photography. If not it doesn't mean much and is not very convincing, a shame.
I like to explain things so everyone can understand it.
Here's the question.
What do you do when you go outside on a bright sunny day? OK, besides put on sunscreen, a hat maybe, ok, and shorts, ok, and flip flops, BUT how about on your EYES?
Sunglasses perhaps? Of course you do and why? To see better.
Same goes for the camera, it needs sunglasses. That is what this filter is, a sunglass lens.
Now that you understand that you will see the benefits of this filter. Here's some example shots taken in the yard of some flowers.
Without Filter
With Filter
Now here's some examples taken on the street of cars, not that these are pictures you would want to remember but it's a good example of the possibilities.
Without Filter
With Filter
Now for something cool and memorable. We have all seen the real cool pictures of a waterfall where the water looks like heavenly mist. That is the most common use of the filter and here's my shot of the river running after a hard rain.
I hope you have found this to be both entertaining and informative. The filter is brand new as pictured, works for still photos or video.
Now get out there and take some pictures!
Don't forget the SUNGLASSES!
