Wondering why your photos under water looks more blue than it should? Or looking to add a little extra flair to your underwater photos? This article talks about filters for underwater photography, what they do, and which ones you should consider, but there are courses you can take with PADI on underwater photography specifically if you’re looking for practical hands on instructions.
First of all, we need to a basic understand of how lighting works and how it works under water. In colour theory, we have Red, Greens, and Blues (RGB), or in light theory, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (CMYK). “Key” is the combination of CMY, thus making the “colour” appear “black”. For our purposes, we’ll simply refer to the RGB hues.
On land, we perceive colour by the lack of colour an object holds. For instance, the colour red are actually red wave length reflecting back to us, because it is the colour that doesn’t get “absorbed” by the object.
Red light penetrates water differently, being the lowest strength light wave, it gets dispersed quickly and “absorbed”, if you will, by the water. So, practically, there is less “red” hues the further down you go in the water.
This becomes important when we’re talking about balanced colours in a photograph and looking at the white balance, post shooting. However, that discussion extends beyond the scope of this article.
Filters for Underwater Photography
Theoretically and pragmatically speaking, it’s quite simple. What color filter for underwater? The deeper you go under water, the more “red” hues you’ll need to replace for your colours and white balance. There is also a bit of a difference in fresh or salt water.
To replace the red, pink and magenta hues that are missing, all you have to do is simply add it! And in this case we’re adding it through the filter. Other means of adding colours is taking bright day time lighting underwater with you and illuminating the objects you’d like to photograph. Those kits can be quite expensive and bulky. Other ways to correct missing hues, one could use underwater photo filter app in post processing. And in the absence of that, filters can help, especially in places where you get a lot of light penetration, (ie not most Ontario lakes – ha!)
So now, the question begs, when to use magenta filter underwater? It’s not just magenta!
Rob breaks it down quite easily:
Pink is for shallow water/snorkelling
Magenta is for fresh water diving,
Red is for salt water diving
What are some filters I can use?
In the video, Rob discusses using filters and compares and contrasts the different looks in each of the filters. He was using his GoPro underwater filters, specifically. However, there are several other products out there, and for your camera too!
Check out the dive pack filter that Rob uses! Check the price on Amazon.
To really understand how the underwater camera filters play into your underwater photography, check out our the Rob’s video on explaining how filters for underwater photography and videography is different than your usual photography!
In the world of outdoor exploration, access to clean water is non-negotiable. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter is a game-changer in this regard, offering backpackers and campers a reliable solution for obtaining safe drinking water in the backcountry. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and overall value of this essential piece of gear.
In the decades of being in the back country and adventure travelling, I have always used the MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter. It wasn’t only until my previous work allowed me to field test a gravity water filter did I become a convert to these types of filters. Read on below and watch the video review to see why Rob and I have to come the MSR Autoflow Water Filter as our go-to!
Bottom Line Up Front
Mechanical filtration can treat nearly all bacteria and 99.9% of protozoa and particulate
Easy use and field maintenance
Very robust and strong materials to prevent punctures and preserve product utility
Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures
Specifications
Filter pore size: 0.2 microns (small enough to get rid of that pesky beaver fever, or giardia).
Volume of water reservoir: 10 litres or 2.64 gallons
Flow of filtration: 1.75 litres or 0.46 gallons per minute
Field maintenance: Yes; simply back flush
Cartridge life: 1500 Litres or 396 gallons, before replacement
Pros
Very compact system, fit well in backpack and not bulky
Made of strong material
Doesn’t leave a taste in water as in other systems, can taste like plastic, or iodine
Passive system, don’t have to continuously pump water
Easy system to clean: After every 10L, back lush with 1L of water
Cons
None of these cons are actually really cons, and we really had to reach for them.
Cannot be used in sub-zero temperatures; the filter may crack – however this is not unique to this filter and most filters will behave the same way
Priming the system can be tricky; we found the easiest way is to either back flush, or have the line just run, before putting the end of the hose into the water bottle
Over time, the mouth of the bag, where the connection points are, begin to degrade as the first thing to break down. But this is after 6 years of use and already impressed with the life span of the product
MSR Autoflow Water Filter
MSR Autoflow Water Filter (4L) in the field, with some fancy set up.
We love this product because it is easy to use and does a great job of filtering water. The MSR Autoflow water filter is designed to be used with gravity to filter large amounts of water quickly. We also appreciate the fact that it is designed to be used with gravity, which makes it much easier to use than other water filters on the market
It is ideal for use in situations where clean water is scarce, such as during natural disasters, and for those preppers, after a Sh*t Hits The Fan (SHTF) event. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter can filter up to 1.75 litres of water per minute, making it one of the fastest filters on the market. Additionally, it is made with durable materials that can withstand heavy use.
To note, again, do not use this filter in the winter as the residual water in the filter, when frozen, can expand and break the filtration mechanism inside.
How long does the filter last? Well, there’s no easy answer to that, but keep in mind the filter can last 1,500 litres. If you are 1 person, drinking and using 4 litres per day, this can last you 375 days. Yes, 10 days more than 1 year. Cleaning it should help extend the life span, but unsure for how long. From there, you may be able to calculate when to change the filter.
MSR Autoflow Water Filter Best Uses
Base camp: By far, this will be the best use at base camp, or home base, where you plan on having a few days. If you’re constantly on the move, that’s okay too! Anywhere you can hang this and let the gravity filter do it’s work.
While in the canoe, it may not be the easiest to use. But the idea is to have your water bottles filled before hitting the water. And if really need to refill, simply take a break, pull over, and filter some water. Otherwise, the hand pump MSR Miniworks will be a great back up.
Travelling will be helpful in hotel rooms should you not be able to find potable water. However, do note, that this will not filter out any chemicals and toxins, as it is only a mechanical filter. I have used the MSR Miniworks while travelling to varying degrees of success, largely due to the water filtration systems in the host country, and what remains in their water system coming out of the tap water. If you are sure your water is coming from, for example, fresh spring water, melting glacial water, or similar sources, then you may use this. To be safe, always know where your water is coming from!
This MSR Autoflow Water Filter can’t come any more highly rated. One quick outing with Rob, and he was a convert and has been using it for years since. It is perfect for those who are looking for an investment gear to adventure travel, as it requires no pumps or chemicals. The MSR Autoflow Water Filter offers a reliable and efficient solution for obtaining clean water in the outdoors. With its innovative design, high-performance filtration system, and user-friendly features, it’s a must-have for backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether embarking on a multi-day trek or enjoying a weekend camping trip, this versatile water filter ensures that safe hydration is always within reach. With the MSR Autoflow Water Filter by your side, you can explore with confidence, knowing that clean water is never far away.
In my most recent trip to Vancouver, I tried Evo car share for the first time and I found it to be quite convenient and ideal for my kind of trip. This blog is sharing my experience to see if it’s worth it for you to sign up to use for a trip there. Read to the end for the discount code! Signing up was a breeze, cars were in good condition, support was awesome, and it was reasonably priced! This was the kind of trip where we didn’t need a car full time, but when we did it was to suburbs where otherwise it would’ve been difficult to reach. Little did I know, this decision would revolutionize the way I explored the city. In this recount of my experience, I aim to provide you with insights into the convenience, reliability, and overall value of using EVO Car Share in Vancouver.
Signing Up for Evo Car Share was Easy:
EVO Car Share Toyota Prius’s
The journey with EVO car share journey began with a seamless sign-up process.
Before I left, I signed up from Ontario. The procedure was pretty painless, but still need some forward planning. Give at least 3 business days for EVO car share to process, after you acquire your documents to provide to them. The main thing you needed was your driving record. It can be uncertified, but minimum of 2 years worth. I sent it in and the approval came just in time. For Ontario residences, visit Service Ontario and ask for your driving record. At the time of writing, it’ll cost you $12.
After that, with just a few taps on the EVO car share app, I registered for an account and gained access to their fleet of vehicles. The user-friendly interface made navigation a breeze, and within minutes, I was ready to hit the road. EVO car share’s commitment to simplicity and efficiency was evident from the get-go, setting a positive tone for the rest of my experience.
After getting there, I was a bit hesitant to actually use it in a rush for the first time ever. I was in a rush and didn’t want to rush through the process and screw it up. Luckily, Explorations Team member, Damian, is already on EVO car share and showed me how it works. It was actually very easy. You literally:
Open the app
Reserve a car which will give you a 30 minutes time limit to unlock the door (and cancel for free)
Do a quick inspection outside
Unlock the car door from the app and then you’re good to drive!
Convenience at Every Turn:
One of the immediate benefits of using EVO car share was the unparalleled convenience it offered. Whether I needed a car for a quick trip to the grocery store or a day-long excursion to the suburbs, EVO car share had me covered. With vehicles strategically located throughout the city, I could easily find and reserve a car that suited my needs, saving valuable time and effort. The flexibility of EVO car share’s service allowed me to adapt my travel plans on the fly, giving me the freedom to explore Vancouver at my own pace.
As for the cars, EVO uses a fleet of Prius’s, so feeling a bit more guilt free about driving and then getting stuck in traffic. These cars are in fairly good condition and other users generally leave them in decent condition. They come with pre-equipped roof racks for bikes, skis, and snowboards. Furthermore CBC states that they will be increasing their fleet!
As for parking, you don’t have to pay for it, anywhere in the “home zone”, ie nearly anywhere downtown area. You can do a “stopover” and not have to pay for parking. Gas? Free. They will reimburse you too, if you need to fill up gas.
The price is reasonable, especially if you use it for commuting with gear, more than one person, and to inaccessible places by the Skytrain.
Exceptional Customer Support:
One of the standout features of my experience with EVO was their exceptional customer support. On one occasion, I encountered a minor issue with the vehicle, and with the push of a button, I was connected to a friendly and knowledgeable agent. Their prompt assistance not only resolved the issue swiftly but also reassured me that help was always just a button away. It was evident that EVO prioritized customer satisfaction and went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for their users.
Need help? Push a button to get help, relatively quickly. They call their service line and I got connected to a very helpful agent when I was completely turned around on how to exit a building and then was afraid I would get charged for the vehicle use.
Seamless Airport Drop-Off:
As my trip drew to a close, I was impressed by the seamless process of dropping off the EVO car share at the airport. After registering the car with the Park n Fly counter and providing them with the license plate, I simply dropped off the car, took a shuttle to the terminal, and boarded my plane hassle-free. The convenience of this drop-off option was a game-changer, allowing me to maximize my time in Vancouver without worrying about returning the car to a designated location.
Affordable and Transparent Pricing:
As a budget-conscious traveler, I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability of EVO’s service. With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, I knew exactly what to expect every time I used the service. EVO’s competitive rates made it a cost-effective alternative to traditional car rentals, especially for short trips or spontaneous excursions. Plus, with flexible payment options and no long-term commitments, I had the freedom to use EVO as often or as little as I pleased, without breaking the bank.
Having said this, I would caution using this as your primary go-to car, as it could get expensive and rack up if you use it often. And if you need a car for the whole day, there are cheaper options. If you foresee using public transit or having friends and family get you around, and when you’re on your own, this is definitely the way to go.
Conclusion of Evo Car Share:
In conclusion, after I used it for my 10 days in Vancouver and had an “on-demand” car, my experience with EVO Car Share in Vancouver exceeded all expectations. From the effortless sign-up process to the exceptional customer support and convenient airport drop-off, EVO proved to be a reliable and invaluable asset during my time in the city. Whether you’re a local looking for a flexible transportation solution or a visitor seeking convenience and freedom, EVO Car Share is the perfect companion for exploring Vancouver’s vibrant streets. With its user-friendly app, well-maintained vehicles, and commitment to customer satisfaction, EVO has set the standard for modern car-sharing services. So why wait? Sign up for EVO Car Share today and unlock a world of convenience and adventure on your next trip to Vancouver.
Evo Car Share Promocode: 9RTFB9NV
Join for free and use my promocode and get $25 of drive time, just for trying EVO! evo.ca
My EVO promo code is: 9RTFB9NV. If you’re already an existing BCAA member, you get additional perks!
