One of the more useful, but under used filters in the Cokin kit is the Incolor 061. Unlike many of the other spot filters this one is practical and can be used in different ways for different effects. The spot filters with colour can look quite naff whereas this one can be adjusted to give a soft focus style effect or a lovely white vignette. This makes it perfect for wedding photography or portraits. The filter is available in A and P series and has a small hole in the centre. When placed in front of the camera lens the hole will either appear small or large, hard edged or soft edged, depending on the lens focal length and aperture used. To get a large soft edge you should take photos using a longer focal length (around 50-80mm is fine with this filter) and use a wider aperture. If you want a more pronounced circle, use a wider lens and a smaller aperture.
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| The texture on the filter can be made to look white/grey or neutral depending on how parallel it is to the ccd/film…and if light is reflecting on the rear surface | You could focus lock on the filter so the subject through the hole is blurred and the filter texture sharp. This makes interesting creative shots. |
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| A longer lens and wider aperture was used here. Notice how soft the edge is and how neutral the filtered area is. | Here the filter was adjusted so the spot was on the face. You can do this if the filter is hand held in front of the camera. The filter was held further away and angled so light reflected on it. |
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| Here’s the filter being used to it’s best. Good choice of aperture and focal length gives a lovely diffused vignette. | Another version with a slightly more defined effect. Using the filter like this is great for wedding photography and romantic portraits. |
You can buy the filter here: Cokin A series 061 Spot In color Filter
Kenro have added two Marumi digital high grade filters, the Super Circular Polarising Filter, and the Super Lens Protection Filter to their range.
The selection of Marumi digital high grade filters have been specially designed with digital photography in mind. Each filter uses a specially developed ultra-low reflection coating to minimize internal reflection off the cameras built-in CCD and CMOS Sensors. Other anti-reflect features include a special slim frame with satin smooth finish and a black ink process on the glass edge to eliminate flare.
Both new filters incorporate the same features as the popular Digital High Grade range, plus three additional benefits. They both incorporate Hard Protection that guards the surface of the lens from scratches even with heavy duty use. They are also water and oil repellent, meaning water and oil spots simply wipe off. Both ranges also come with Anti-fouling, this keeps the lens surface clean from dust and dirt. Additionally these filters are lens cap capable.
The Super Circular Polarising Filter can be rotated to reduce reflection off highly reflective surfaces, it also increases colour saturation under sunshine bright conditions.
The Super Lens Protection Filter has a colourless lens protection filter that is designed to minimize flare and ghosting on CCD and CMOS sensors. The thin mount is designed to prevent vignetting when used with wide angle digital lenses.
Both filters are available in the following sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm. Prices for the Super Circular Polarising Filters range from £83.15 to £186.82, while the Super Lens Protection Filters start at £33.06, rising to £72.79.
“Marumi filters offer photographers a simple, cost-effective way of improving their images.” says Kenro Managing Director, Paul Kench. “The difference between an image taken using a polarising filter and one without is really striking. The lack of reflection plus the increased contrast achieved with a polarising filter are very difficult to replicate in post production.”
Kenro is the official UK distributors for the range of Marumi photographic accessories, including filters, lens hoods and flash guns. See www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.
