Working with fractal prism filters

On a latest outing, I noticed a pal putting these unusual bits of glass in entrance of his digital camera whereas photographing butterflies. Ever curious I requested him what they have been, what they do and find out how to use them. I used to be rapidly launched into the world of fractal prism filters.

I used to be astounded on the outcomes, granted I solely performed with two of the three he had in his package, however immediately fell in love with these cool little filters. Holding them by hand, I discovered that I might maneuver the filter in entrance of the lens, however you could possibly place a connector to your digital camera and maintain the filter in entrance of the lens.

What’s within the package?

The package comes with three completely different filters, each distinctive in design, there’s a Penrose Filter, Pascal Filter, the Julia Filter (my fav) and a carry case for about $99. These three very completely different filters are nice for creating blur, bokeh and prism results. You possibly can place them straight in entrance of the lens (the nearer the higher) or transfer them round as you shoot. They’re 100mm in diameter — 7mm is the chrome profile ring, which additionally provides mirrored gentle and bokeh.

Technical bits

Apparently, you’re going to get optimum outcomes with a focal size over 40mm, and aperture of f/5.6 or wider (I used to be utilizing a 50mm lens and utilizing f/3.2), it doesn’t scale back the sunshine enter in any respect. They weigh between 20g-100g, and has a refractive index of 1.6.

“So what makes prisms so particular? Nicely, prisms are uniquely in a position to bend gentle, glares, and reflections earlier than they enter a digital camera’s lens. Prisming requires no Photoshop or publish modifying, and infrequently creates outcomes which might be extra pure and spectacular than their photo-manipulated counterparts.” – Fractals

By putting them straight in entrance of the lens, they depend on the identical properties of physics to govern gentle as your lens. They’re each simply glass, utilizing the filters as an extension to your lens you may acquire nice artistic outcomes.

Now I do know these are to not everybody’s style, and even slightly exterior my regular macro wheelhouse, however I can actually see some artistic features to those filters and have bought my very own set. I’m eager to strive them on varied topics from nonetheless life to artistic portraits. The enjoyable is in ALWAYS studying one thing new.