Beginner SLR User Question - Hazy????

[Syd]

Hi all,

I am now the very happy owner of My long awaited Nikon D80
Due to supply problems with the new 18-135mm Kit Lens I opted to purchase a 70-300mm Sigma APO lens to keep my going fro the while.
I took it out on its maiden day out yesterday to Hastings and it was a beautiful day.

I used it with a 'free' circular polariser and it was a bit of a bright/hazy day, so do i assume that has caused a 'hazy' look to the majority of the images I took. (I did take them with the sun behind me!!)

Am I using the wrong filter for these conditions??

If images would help I will post when I get chance at home, but some thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Flibb]

If its a hazy day your going to get hazy photos, you might be able to get rid of some of it post processing. You can try and run higher shutter speeds, and to use the mid range of aperature. Its also worth fiddling with in camera sharpening, especially if shooting jpg. Also run the lowest iso you can get away with, and use a triod / monopod if possible. I use a cir polarizer to try and bring out the colour in the sky, by turning it you vary the effect.

[Nick F]

Silly question but have you made sure you have set the quality to highest in the options.

[kalniel]

I was about to say something then realised it was a digital SLR so it won't be UV fogging on the film

[Stoo]

If you're taking photos on a hazy day then you really want to be using a uv filter - it's a good idea to use them anyway to protect your lens

[Syd]

Silly question but have you made sure you have set the quality to highest in the options.

Yes

Will try a UV filter instead, let you know how I get on!

[chrestomanci]

If you're taking photos on a hazy day then you really want to be using a uv filter - it's a good idea to use them anyway to protect your lens

I am not realy a fan of UV filters becase it is another layer of glass that can easily add flare to the picture.

I prefer a lens hood, as that will keep sunlight off the front element, and will also protect the lens from getting bashed against solid objects. (though not dust etc)

[Stoo]

Yep, for lens protection, but for cutting out haze a lens hood won't do squat

[Bobster]

on a hazy day, you'll have to add some contrast in Photoshop with curves, i don't think there's anyway around it.. the haze isn't foggin on the sensor its in the air between the object you're taking and the lens..

adding a polarizer will loose you stops of light - depending on the denisity of the filter depends on how much light you'll loose, their usually used by photographers who take landscapes with their camera mounted on a tripod..

[Syd]

I can see that I am right on the bottom of a steep learning curve!!!
I kinda knew that though and forgive me if I ask a few more questions

[Nick F]

I only use a UV filter to protect the lens - nothing else.

I do live the some of the avaliable caps on the market though there are loads of cool things you can do.