Magic Filters

[whacky]

Does anybody here use them I have seen a few references to them about the web now wondered what results people were getting

M A G I C - F I L T E R S

[Cussy]

I personally dont, but there are quite a few on here and on Digigreen that have used them; both the green water and blue water varieties.

Which are you looking at?

Tim Ingmire has posted really good stuff from the Carribean and Jules has some really good examples from UK - search for both and you'll see some results.
Rob

[Arfie]

I've had them recommended to me too, but not got around to buying one yet.

Arfie

[whacky]

Blue water possibly taking my compact with me on a liveaboard in a couple of weeks. Was going to get a strobe but not sure i will get the most out of it as i might end up with non photgrapher buddies

[Scubee]

Originally Posted by whacky

Blue water possibly taking my compact with me on a liveaboard in a couple of weeks. Was going to get a strobe but not sure i will get the most out of it as i might end up with non photgrapher buddies

Something to bear in mind is that, as with all filters, it takes light away rather than a strobe which adds light (basically). AFAIUI, If the pic is corretly lit with a flash, then the filter will not make any positive difference.

[whacky]

Originally Posted by Scubee

Something to bear in mind is that, as with all filters, it takes light away rather than a strobe which adds light (basically). AFAIUI, If the pic is corretly lit with a flash, then the filter will not make any positive difference.

That is my understanding to. My thinking was/is that a magic filter is a quick wa y of making a difference to my photography. Hopefully for the better! However a strobe would not be such a simple addition and if I get buddied with someone who isnt as keen at photography as me I wont be able to try and get the best from it.

So it's more of a instead of than a with a strobe, of course i could just use manual white balance.

[David P]

I have to say, my experience is mixed. I've only used the "Auto Magic" - and I think my overall conclusion is that - with or without the filter - manual white balance is best. The filter can't work miracles, and is certainly best in eg 10m of clear water.

I've just rummaged a bundle from Barbados 2006 (Olympus 4040; auto white balance, Auto Magic filter) and my bundle from Barbados 2007 (Fuji F30; without filter but manual white balance, also with filter and with both auto and manual white balance). The Olympus results were MUCH better than they'd have been without the filter, and could be processed quite effectively (thus proving that the "auto" nature of the filter does work); the Fuji results are good too, but the best results were always with manual white balance. I'm actually unsure whether I'm getting better results (i) just with manual white balance or (ii) with filter plus manual white balance - if that makes sense. But it's not been very scientific...

Re strobes etc, as I've said elsewhere, my own interest is much more in available light/fish/scenery - which is exactly the kind of circumstances where the filters help.

[Helen F H]

Knew i had read about these before.

Here is a thread from the wonderful Jules

[Jules]

yes , see the pics I posted on the tread helen is pointing to.

They are magic but can't work miracles. If there ain't enought light then there ain't enought light. Great for blue water and green water is shallower and light conditions. Still playing around with these and this year going to try tests with and without in the same conditions to see if I can make a comparison that is more scientific.

Jules

[Cussy]

If considering filters don't forget that the cheaper Magic filters means that you are committed to the filter ALL dive, whereas others like the UR-Pro are screw-on and can be removed during the dive if you want.
Rob

PS there are no quick-fixes. Everything you add has to be learnt