Henry's Fork Moose
Ok…it’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A session so I thought I would answer a few questions I’ve received over last few months.
Why should I use a lens hood?
I always use my lens hood because it reduces flare from the sun and lights. Most importantly, it is just another way to protect your glass. I don’t know how many times I’ve knocked my camera in doorways, poles, trees, etc.
Do I need a UV filter?
I always use a UV filter on my lens (personal preference). Once again it’s just another way to protect your lens. I do want to add a special note for those of you who have gone out and bought an expensive lens. There is no sense whatsoever in spending $1,000+ on a lens just to put a cheap $5.00 UV filter on it. You get what you pay for, and if you’re buying expensive glass and plan on using a UV filter, than I suggest buying a quality filter.
When I’m taking sunset/sunrise photos, do I need to remove my polarizing filter?
Depends. Using a polarized filter and playing with the exposure can result in a dramatic sunset/sunrises. Or, if you prefer you can leave the filter off and apply filters in Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture…etc.
What’s your favorite all around lens?
I love shooting with my Canon 24-70mm USM L series. This lens goes with me everywhere. But I did stop sleeping with it a few years back… 
Your favorite camera bag?
I’ve owned a few but I have to say Think Tank’s Streetwalker Pro is my favorite hands down. This bag is sturdy, has a rain cover thrown in, and it simply works.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I’m always looking for good Q&A ideas so if you have any questions feel free to leave them here.
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John is an award winning landscape and travel photographer who splits his time between Chicago and Montana. His work has been featured in National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. John loves the outdoors and traveling, and sharing his images with others.
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Lens Hood:
I use a lens hood on most of my lenses. The only lenses I don’t are my 60mm macro (it gets in the way of the bugs!) and when shooting sports shots inside.
UV Filter:
I go Commando. Why in the world would I add another piece of cheap glass in front of my expensive glass? It is just one more thing to refract light and cause unwanted effects. I do use polarizers and ND filters, but they are on for a specific effect.
Sunset shots:
I tend to use the Cokin system, so putting on and removing the filters is very fast and easy and I tend to shoot both with and without so that I have a choice of look later…
My favorite lens:
I really don’t have just one lens I use for all situations. But for vacation ‘all round’ type stuff, it would be the 18-200mm VR nikkor lens. It is actually a really good lens, even though it gets a bit soft at 150-200mm.
It’s in the bag:
I use a KATA R-103 bag. It is a tank (but a bit heavy) but also can carry my D300 with an 80-200mm attached, my 80-400mm, a Tokina 12-24, my 18-200mm, and a prime (such as a 60mm or 105mm) without too much trouble.
Peter….thanks for sharing. John
Nice post, John. And may I add, I sleep with my 70-200mm L, however, I just added the 24-70mm L to my collection ~ but there’s still room in the bed.
The new one arrived on Tuesday but I haven’t put it through it’s paces yet. I plan on trying it Saturday in a nightclub setting.
Thanks for the tip about the hoods. I need to use them more often.
Cheers,
Lori
Let me know how your shoot goes….