Yes, I have the Stillen Gen II. I go them because I was not keen on pulling the bumper just to inspect/clean the air filters.

In hindsite, I think I would have gone a route like the honorable Kenchan suggests. The Stillens are cool and all, I just don't know if there is enough benefit to justify the cost. they definitely improve the throttle response and sound (and likely HP).

Ken, skip the circular polarizer and just wait for dusk or wake up at dawn to take pics outdoors. Direct sunlight shots will always look "washed" no matter what lens you use. You might be able to get away with it if the subject is in the shade, but even then its a bit tricky. A circular polarizer will cut reflections and looks great in some cases, but really not needed in most situtation. In other words, you don't want it on all the time.

Now all you need is a speedlight flash to take good indoor shots, a "fast" low aperture lens (like a 50mm f1.8 which is really inexpensive) and of course a tripod & remote trigger.

Also, in addition to a UV filter, a lens hood is a good addition if your lens allows it (might be unlikely if you have the 18-55mm kit lens though).

^ agreed, except on the d3000, go with the 35mm 1.8. Freaking amazing lens for the price.

Ken, come hang out in the photography thread!

hey thanks for the insight. although i have some change and some toys to play with, i just dont have the luxury to choose which time to take picts. being a dad and working all week long i only get like 2-3hrs per morning on weekends to really play with my cars. which means, i dont get to choose sunny or cloudy. :D if rainy then obviously i just stay indoors. that said, i need a setup that could work on sunny days as well...and that means i need to have a circular polarizer, no?

nikon offers a factory hood for the lens, i think i will pick one up as well. :p
im not sure how the polarizer works, but does the hood need to come off when i use the polarizer? :confused:

you see, such newb questions... :icon14: kinda like some of you folks asking... so how to use washlet. do i just press a button and enjoy myself? :icon17: :eek: wow, that's some strong schit!! :rofl2:

The hood and polarizer will work together.

I was not suggesting using the polarizer all the time, just when around glare. A polarizing filter was the first filter I ever purchased for my first SLR, a Canon FTB I got in 1974 or so and I have always had one available for my lenses from all of the film SLRs I have (and have had) to the lenses I use on my DSLR -- a Canon EOS 7D.

You can use a cicular polarizer with a hood, but depending on the lens and hood, it might be hard to use together. To use a circular polarizer, use need to be able to adjust it. It's not like a UV filter that you just put on. You turn it to adjust.

You might be better off with a neutral density filter with direct sunlight shots.

sounds great! :tup: yah, first issue i have with taking picts in the daylight with my digital cam or my droidx is glare and werd/fuzzy contrast. i want the depth so will get the polarizer for the times i need it for sure. :)

thanks.... huh, 'neutral density filter'... yet another new term i need to study. :D

Sorry to bombard you with all these terms. Basically, these filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens.

Here's an example of a ND filter
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/31/51...3108f93cb5.jpg

Makes it easier if you see what each one actually does. Best way to learn is to try stuff out and see what works for you.

wow! that looks great. i will definitely look into getting this as well. :tup:

thanks!

Got it out of the garage so the AC people could fix the extreme leaking from it. So I went to work, get a text from the old lady that she pull the car in the garage. My garage is a real tight space one...so I say to myself, ooh $hit..she has never driven my car.

Well got home and the car is all sideways in the garage. How she managed to park it that way and get off the car... don't ask me. Luckly there is no scratches or dent that I did notice at lunch time.

^ I'd check that again man... just to be 100% sure. And if you do find something, well, let's just say they'll be hearing from you...........

Getting an alignment as we speak...er..type?

:rofl2: so she did a burn-out dorifuto into the garage? :icon17:

anyway hope you dont find any scratches... :eekdance:


btw, i can't find the Neutral Density filter at B&H.... where to buy such filter lens? :confused:

Mike, your so badass at cameras.

your like the darth maul of light sabers

I took a mf towel and some quick detailer and quickly wiped off the dead bugs that accumulated on my bumper and hood from my commute into work this morning before they had a chance to dry up.