subject: Add Lens Filters To Digital Camera Lenses [print this page] Camera lens filters are an important part of photography equipment. But with a variety of types, photographers need to be aware of their choices and when to use each of these filters on their digital camera lenses. There are five main types of filters: linear and circular polarizers, neutral density, graduated neutral density, UV/haze, and warming/cooling.
Polarizing filters are essential for landscape photographers. Their primary use is to reduce glare and improve color saturation. When attached to digital camera lenses they will reduce the amount of reflected light passed to the sensor. They work similarly to polarizing sunglasses by making the sky a deeper blue, reducing contrast between land and sky, and reducing glare off water and other surfaces. Color is important to any photographer, but it's a defining aspect to nature and landscape photography. By rotating the filter or changing the position of your camera in respect to the sun, the photographer can intensify the color. Be wary, though, because unrealistic colors can ruin the shot. This often happens when they are used with wide-angle lenses.
Neutral density filters essentially extend exposure time and therefore, reduce the amount of light that reaches the sensor. Use this filter when you cannot otherwise get a long exposure time. Most use them when photographing fast moving water and when there is very bright light. Common scenarios include smoothing water movement, getting a shallower depth of field in bright light, reducing sharpness with a larger aperture, making moving objects less visible, and creating blur to convey motion.
Graduated neutral density filters work a bit differently. They reduce the amount of light across the image in a smooth geometric pattern. They are often used in more dramatic landscape photographs where there is a linear blend from dark to light. Now with Photoshop, they are not considered as necessary as they once were for creating a stunning landscape, but they can be quite useful if you know how to use them.
UV and haze filters can improve film quality but they are mainly used for digital camera lens protection since they do not affect the image. They reduce the amount of UV light that reaches the sensor. Although this isn't visible to the human eye, it's noticeable on a hazy day. The only downside to worry about is a decrease in image quality because the filter increases lens flare.
Lastly we have cool and warm filters. These filters change the white balance which can result in either realistic or unrealistic color cast, depending on the effect you desire. They are often used in underwater photography and situations with unusual lighting.
Make sure you pick the right filter so you can be the photographer you want to be!
