[Pentaxor]

- At center of the lenses the location won't change much, but the shapes do:

Cropping is not same as zooming, it is real!!!
Digital Photography Tutorial: Focal Length - TrustedReviews - TrustedReviews





You can't call this lens distortion...
- With a UWA you look kind of side ways
- With a tele lens you kind of narrow view and magnify

Portrait lenses (for glamor applications) are typically longer to make people (faces) look slim (and support some distance)

I believe people should know the difference about focal length perspective to that of distortion. the obvious way of looking for distortion are lines that are bent or images that are stretched (e.g. faces, buildings, etc...). I can see why some people call this as an illusion or perhaps the term used as "camera trick". however, this does not mean that it's really an illusion nor your mind paying tricks on you, but rather real. it's only how the lens is made for, not necessarily distortion.

[Canada_Rockies]

I can understand the "kick" of using graduated filters, doing it optical rather than digital, but am curious if is actually really needed for dynamic range or you just do it for the fun / habit.

The graduated filter does something that cannot be done by a sensor without taking multiple shots and using HDR software to assemble the images. This requires a static subject and a tripod for best results. A sensor has a fixed, limited amount of dynamic range. The graduated filter reduces the dynamic range of the subject as the sensor sees it, eliminating the need to assemble multiple images to reduce the dynamic range to a value that is possible to use.

[rparmar]

I don't think this fact has been mentioned yet, but I chose the DA12-24 not only for the handling and what I concluded to be superior optics (this can be argued forever -- let's not) but because it goes to 24mm, one of my most used focal lengths. I was willing to give up 2mm on the wide end to get 4mm on the normal end. If you prefer "wider the better" then obviously get the Sigma 10-20. Or that 8mm Samyang... which eventually I will add as well for special effects.

[JoepLX3]

I don't think this fact has been mentioned yet, but I chose the DA12-24 not only for the handling and what I concluded to be superior optics (this can be argued forever -- let's not) but because it goes to 24mm, one of my most used focal lengths. I was willing to give up 2mm on the wide end to get 4mm on the normal end. If you prefer "wider the better" then obviously get the Sigma 10-20. Or that 8mm Samyang... which eventually I will add as well for special effects.

I bought the Tamron 10-24 mm, having both!!!

[JoepLX3]

The graduated filter does something that cannot be done by a sensor without taking multiple shots and using HDR software to assemble the images. This requires a static subject and a tripod for best results. A sensor has a fixed, limited amount of dynamic range. The graduated filter reduces the dynamic range of the subject as the sensor sees it, eliminating the need to assemble multiple images to reduce the dynamic range to a value that is possible to use.

Thanks for feedback, sounds like fun to utilize!!!

[rparmar]

I bought the Tamron 10-24 mm, having both!!!

Never tried that one and now likely never will. A nice solution to the dilemma!

[Biro]

I bought the Tamron 10-24 mm, having both!!!

You asked me about this lens earlier in this string. You know... I was meaning to check it out, despite its getting very mixed reviews. But somehow I never asked once I got involved with the three Sigmas and one Pentax. A possible mistake on my part but I suspect - given my priorities in this purchase - I would have reached the same final decision. Reviews nothwithstanding, you seem to be pleased with the results you're getting, right? But there's a Samyang 8mm fisheye with my name on it somewhere.

[r0ckstarr]

The graduated filter does something that cannot be done by a sensor without taking multiple shots and using HDR software to assemble the images. This requires a static subject and a tripod for best results. A sensor has a fixed, limited amount of dynamic range. The graduated filter reduces the dynamic range of the subject as the sensor sees it, eliminating the need to assemble multiple images to reduce the dynamic range to a value that is possible to use.

Thanks. You said it better than I could.

It helps to really bring the sky on par with the landscape. Meter on the ground, the sky is blown out. Meter on the sky and the land is dark. Use a GND and you will achieve much better results.

Honestly, I find it a pain to use sometimes, but it does do the job and does it well. Sometimes, if I am not doing a long exposure, i'll just hold it up to the lens to take the shot.

[Jewelltrail]

Canada Rockies: The graduated filter does something that cannot be done by a sensor without taking multiple shots and using HDR software to assemble the images. This requires a static subject and a tripod for best results. A sensor has a fixed, limited amount of dynamic range. The graduated filter reduces the dynamic range of the subject as the sensor sees it, eliminating the need to assemble multiple images to reduce the dynamic range to a value that is possible to use.

Agreed! There is an essential place for the Graduated ND filter in Digital as you explain so well. I find them indispensable at times, especially for avoiding the delicate highlights of landscapes with wonderfully decorated clouds and blue.

[RioRico]

I can understand the "kick" of using graduated filters, doing it optical rather than digital, but am curious if is actually really needed for dynamic range or you just do it for the fun / habit.

Yes, they are really needed, if you don't want to be stuck to a tripod. To get a similar effect with HDR software as with a GND filter, you need to stack some tripodded shots. If anything moves, tough -- or you can pretend you're doing Harris Shutter work, but that ain't the same.

Nope, if you want to shoot moving dark subjects under a bright sky, you *need* a GND, at least until silicon foundries produce sensors with region-variable sensitivity. I use a GND out of necessity, not for kicks. For kicks, I snort whipped cream. Doesn't everyone?

[r0ckstarr]

Agreed! There is an essential place for the Graduated ND filter in Digital as you explain so well. I find them indispensable at times, especially for avoiding the delicate highlights of landscapes with wonderfully decorated clouds and blue.

Example from my first time using it. This was one picture. Not much PP involved. I went too far down with the GND and darkened the tree line a bit. You learn from experience.


I've learned that if you put the GND to where it looks right in the viewfinder, and then move it up about a half inch, you will get nicer results than my exmaple above.