margaret b 0 Posted November 4, 2004 Hi All, I'm leaving this evening for Belize with my S2Pro and my new Sigma 15mm WA with the intention of shooting with it for most of the trip... I almost always use my 105mm or 60mm. I'm using an SB105 and a YS120 and DON'T have access to the color balance controls underwater. Does anyone have any opinions about using a red filter with my 15mm? I've never used filters, so I have no clue what my options would be when it comes to filters. And, I've only shot wa with my Nik5 a few years ago. So any ideas or suggestions are welcome, but I won't be checking back after 7pm pacific time. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kdietz 0 Posted November 4, 2004 If you are using strobes, use auto white balance and don't use filters....this would be a good place to start IMHO Generally speaking, red filters are used without strobe lighting Karl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UWphotoNewbie 1 Posted November 4, 2004 Does anyone have any opinions about using a red filter with my 15mm? Alex Mustard had an excellent article in UWPhoto magazine about this. The Sigma 15mm FE has a rear filter holder that takes gel filters. I had to learn this so I'll explain in case you don't know. I still have to try this myself but it is definately on my list to experiment with this November in Cozumel. The gel filters are small flexible clear plastic swatches that you trim to fit the holder. They are cheap <10 and you get them in different strengths like CC10R, CC40R etc. for Color Correcting the strength value and Red (or M for Magenta). Ryan recommends the Magenta, Alex suggests the Red. You can stack the filters to create the strength you want. Ryan Suggests: 30 was a good starting strenth for me, but I expect to use 10-20 in shallow water, and 50+ for some deeper stuff to compare the effect. Generally speaking, red filters are used without strobe lighting Karl is basically right here but just because you have strobes is no reason not to experiment with this. I've seen some great results in relatively shallow water with filters. The advantage you have is in bringing color to a large area, like a shipwreck or reef scenic that you could never light with a strobe. Additionally, if you use the magenta filters as Ryan suggests you can use green filters on your strobes and get great balanced light in the foreground with good color in the background. Also: re color balance controls. If you can shoot RAW, then just shoot RAW and adjust the color balance at home. I think this is easiest and affords the most flexibility. Even in jpg mode you can do wonders with autolevels and a bit of fine tuning in photoshop. So much to try. Have fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
james 0 Posted November 4, 2004 If this is your first wideangle effort I would concentrate on getting your exposure, strobe power, and strobe aiming correct. Once you get that down, you will get some GREAT photos with that sigma. After a couple of trips, you may want to experiment with filters. You should shoot in RAW mode and process your files using Fuji's software, or preferrably, use Photoshop CS. Cheers James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richorn 0 Posted November 4, 2004 I agree with James. It is hard enough to learn one thing at a time while diving. Leave the filters home, and SHOOT RAW! This lens should be fun, but expect a bit of a learning curve after concentrating on Macro! Also, unless you are just looking for uncorrected conversions from your raw files, Photoshop CS will be much easier to use than Fuji's raw convertor. Have a great trip! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwloop 0 Posted November 4, 2004 I had to learn this so I'll explain in case you don't know. I still have to try this myself but it is definately on my list to experiment with this November in Cozumel. So, Newbie when are you going to be there? We will be there 7th -> 13th! Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kdietz 0 Posted November 4, 2004 Dave....we'll be there Nov. 12-19....too bad we don't overlap more Karl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwloop 0 Posted November 5, 2004 Dave....we'll be there Nov. 12-19....too bad we don't overlap more Yeah, that is too bad! I am really looking forward to Coz! We were in Tulum in the spring and conditions were bad, but Coz is always better. Well, enough hyjacking the thread I guess... :oops: Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UWphotoNewbie 1 Posted November 6, 2004 So, Newbie when are you going to be there? We will be there 7th -> 13th! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy Sorry, I'll be there for Thanksgiving the 19-28. It would have been nice to dive with another photographer. Anyone have an opinion of the Reef Club and Sandollar Sports? Where are you staying? It'll be my first time in Cozy. BTW I agree with James. Too much to think about already and strobes are better in most circumstances. The question was about filters so I answered it--with too much detail as usual I'm afraid. :oops: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwloop 0 Posted November 6, 2004 We are staying at the Iberostar, they have DresselDivers on-site. We have been several times but only on cruises and from the mainland, so we have dove with DIMI Divers three times while we were there. We made these arraignments because there are 5 other couples (non-divers) on the trip as well... Would have liked to get together with another from WP or DDN as well. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
