Originally posted by Digitalis I have been after one of those for a while - how are they?
Actually they are a lot of fun. It takes a few shots to get a feel for what is going on but once I did I have to make myself not to go overboard. Since it's a CPL there is that side of the effect. But also there is the blue and gold color enhancements. Seems like the coloring is more complex than just a 50-50 split of the coloring. You also can't see the coloring in the filter itself. Looking though it at a scene yes you see the effect but the filter, to my eye anyway, doesn't show like half is blue and half is yellow/gold.
I've also found this color combo can really help bring out color on a day/scene with flat boring light. No issues with IQ degradation either. Maybe there might be some at where diffraction sets in but until then I just haven't seen it.
I'll dig up a shot or two and post them here soon as I get caught up at work. Been down for a few weeks from the flu and complications.
Generally speaking about the filter is like any other filter there is a time and place. But for landscapes, especially when you need a polarizer and would like to punch up some color or create and effect in camera they are super to have. Here is a shot with a 77ltd using the Singh-Ray Gold-n-Blue (not a great shot but it shows the gold effect of the filter can cover the whole frame if you want:
I was experimenting at sunset at the beginning of a partly foggy afternoon. I did not like the light and there was a fair amount of glare off the water and sand too. I wish I had a better example handy but will hunt to show off the filter a bit.
There are also times when I completely bugger a shot because I just had to use the thing.
I do find if you lurk the usual places to buy used you can find a good deal eventually. Not sure I'd pay the $240+ from Singh-Ray but neither would I feel I would not get a lot of use from it for years to come if I did buy direct. If you find a smaller more Pentax-like size, say 52mm-58mm they can be found for down to $45-$60 more than a couple times every year. This pass I opted for a larger 82mm coverage option buying the "Cokin-P Circular Sprocket" version. Found a nice price on it which was nice because the more I save on replacing my filters the sooner I can buy a K3 since I've been replacing some disappeared gear anyway.
But more shots soon...
EDIT: Here is a way over cropped shot from a client where I used the G&B on the 77ltd again. But this is a crop down to about 33% of the