Polarising Filters ?

Ruth, I don't think you need Skylight filters as you already have UV filters. The difference is so marginal, that in my view makes tham a duplication rather than an asset. Every lens needs one or the other. That's my view but other POE members may well have a view that differs.  

Graduated filters are fine for adding tone in skies, whilst leaving the rest of the image as you want it. Grey grads are good for winter skies. Pink or tobacco are good for warming up the sky too.

A good buy is Photoshop Elements........ 

Enjoy yourself and the new equipment.

Hi Ruth, which tele zoom did you get with the bundle. I suspect it may have been a Sigma 70-300 in which case I think that may have a macro setting. Although I was never overly happy with the results on mine!! However my suggestion would be to buy a set of 'close up lenses' usually in sets of 3 or 4 that simply fit onto the front of the lens just like  a normal filter. If you get a set for your basic kit lens, the 52mm thread, you should get very good results. 

Rod is right about the skylight filters in that you already have UV, so no point and as to graduated filters, these are great for toning down bright skies in landscapes but you are then looking into the realms of using a tripod on most occasions in order to get the graduation correct.

I am also with Rod in that Elements would also be a good buy if you intend to do much editing although I know you already have several other options on that score

Thanks Rod, Dave, great advice as usual, much appreciated.

Dave you are spot on with the Sigma lens, that is the one I have, I haven't had chance to try it yet, but hopefully next week. All I've  done so far is put the UV filter on it. Thanks for the heads up on the close up lenses I'll have a look into those.

Regarding Photshop Elements, I being thinking about it for ages, I was putting off buying it until I got a new laptop, but that isn't going to be happening anytime soon. It's recently been to Apple for its annual wash and brush up and a diagnostics test (whatever that is, I just smiled politely) I'm told there's a few years in the old boy yet, it's getting a bit like Triggers broom, every time I leave it for an hour it comes back with new bits on it. Can't complain, it's free. Seems like it might be worth me looking at buying Elements after all, I do quite a bit of editing, and once bought it's mine for good.

Anyway, thanks again, I'm sure I'll enjoy the new equipment Rod.

I think you're probably right about Elements Dave. I shall have a look at it, shame I don't know anyone local who uses it so I could have a tinker. My sister in law has full photoshop for her job, but I suspect there may be a slight difference, I know there is in price.

I shall contact Rod about the Nikon View suite, I'm hoping he won't mind  

The full version is now only available on monthly subscription. I have CS4 but that came from a friend who upgraded to CS6

Elements has all you will probably need and then you will only probably use less than 10% of it. It comes bundled with Adobe Camera Raw which you will need as and when you get usd to the camera and try shooting in RAW format. But more about that as and when you get there. You got a new camera to get used to first and I cannot think of anywhere better than Ambleside and surrounding area to give it a good test. Make sure you have plenty of memory cards and take loads. Just hope you have reasonable weather

I have not experienced any problem with my 'plastic' filter but for the sake of a few pounds I would definitley go for the glass alternative. Pity I did not notice it at the time I ordered mine, unless they are new stock.....

Pricewise if you are comparing with HOYA, KOOD and the likes, those guys are the best and probably use 'optical' quality glass and all other machining etc will just have that extra edge.

  I am on the ball with that one Dave- but thanks for making the point for any others starting out in this direction.

           Think you have made up my mind, glass for the Polariser but I think the composite will be fine for a UV.