There are so many options to choose from when choosing a lens filter for your camera.

Some filters allow you simply to protect your camera lens while others allow you to shoot certain effects.

In this article I am going to explain to you the most common types of lens filters and how they are used on our cameras.

UV Filters

UV filters cut the amount of ultra violet light that enters our camera lens.

By cutting the amount of UV light entering our cameras processor we are able to create better images because the image will no longer have hazy UV lights in them.

However in practice I have found that UV lights don’t tend to make much of a difference at all when it comes to picture quality.  Having said that UV filters are still valuable and I highly recommend using one.
The 2nd use of a UV filter and the reason why most people purchase one is the fact that they protect your camera lens.  If you slip a UV filter onto the front of your camera lens and drop that lens then the filter will protect it from any damage.  It’s much better to damage a $50 filter than a $2500 lens.

Polarizing Filters

A Polarizing Filter is also another common filter that you see photographers using a lot of.

A Polarizing Filter eliminates reflections from surfaces such as glass, water and anything else that reflects light.

A Polarizing Filter then allows you the photographer to see behind those objects.  This effect is great for anyone shooting landscapes that involve water features as it adds a real depth to the photo.
To get the best out of a Polarizing Filter you should shoot the object from an angle, shooting straight onto the object will give the filter a harder time and may not give you the best effect.

ND (Neutral Density) Filter

A Neutral Density filter lets less light into a lens.

Now you may be thinking why would this be of any use and if your thinking this you probably haven’t tried to shoot a waterfall in mid day harsh sunlight.

From personal experience I can tell you that without a Neutral Density filter your job will become impossible to capture a dream like flowing water fall.
Leaving less light into your cameras sensor will allow you to work at slower shutter speeds. Working with a slower shutter speed will then allow you to capture a dreamy inspired waterfall scene where the water looks like a soft blanket rather than a cold flowing nightmare.

If you’re interested in learning more about DSLR lens filters check out the filter page on Amazon.com

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