Camera filters play a vital role and not only to protect your gear but actually enhancing the quality of your content further. Some filters really do protect your lens against dust, moisture, unintentional fingerprints, and so on but the primary function of a lens filter is to improve the quality of your shot depending on the filter you are using.
As a beginner, you need to bear in mind that the more you know what miracle your camera will bring to you, the better your photography skills will become. And so does lens filters, camera lens filters will bring you effects and result that will enhance your craft better.
If you are still unfamiliar with camera lens filter, it is actually what photographer uses like little pieces of a square or circular glasses that will fit screwed right into your camera lenses which will help you manage lightning conditions and apply some changes to your content.
With that in mind, we will guide you of the most common lens filters and their corresponding effects to help you decide which filter you need for your craft.
UV Filters
UV filters, also known as Haze filters were designed to protect the front element of a lens against moisture, atmospheric haze, dirt, scratches, and others which can destroy the quality of your image. This makes it ideal for shooting near large bodies of open waters, mountainous areas, or muddy environments.
UV filters were commonly used in the film days, it appears as a clear, warm with an amber-like aspect that prevents the UV light from causing haze or fogginess in photographic films.
An alternative to UV/Haze filters are the Skylight filters that are used when shooting outdoors, like a simple clear blue sky or skin tones resulting in a counterbalancing feature, a reduction in a blue cast or free from color reflections.
Polarizing Effect
If you are into landscapes or capturing any outdoor scenic views, then having a polarizing filter will come handy at all times. Polarizing filters work like sunglasses, it adds depth to an image by saturating colors and eliminating reflections from waters, glass, and the likes.
When a polarizing filter is attached to your lens, frame your prospective subject, and easily turn the lens while observing how the image changes its appearance and find the best filter you seem fit for your content.
Using this effect requires patience and practice, you do not want to have an uneven color pop in your image.
Neutral Density Filters
Neutral Density (ND) Filters are sheets of dark gray-colored glasses that absorb degrees of light as it passes through the lens including the sensor but without affecting the captured image. It has the ability to shoot at a wider environment under bright lighting conditions like excessive sunlight or studio flashes.
ND filters are most commonly used by filmmakers and videographers because this filter reduces lighting intensity which allows you to shoot with slower shutter speed. ND filters can also apply dramatic blur in a moving subject while maintaining better exposure control.
Graduated Neutral Density Filter
Graduated Neutral Density Filter also known as ND Grad or GND filters have a vertical transition that appears clear on one end and gradually building density on the opposite side, creating a balanced image exposure.
You can check out this link to learn more https://www.evaporatedcoatings.com/thoughts-on-selecting-the-best-camera-filters/
This filter is suitable for landscape photography or when shooting during golden hours, both during sunrise and sunsets, as it even out scenes of excessive exposure variations or smoothen out the gradient between dark and clear areas.
Take Away
No matter how big or small, expensive or cheap, camera lens filters play a huge role in enhancing your craft.
Now go out and explore the goodness your lens filter will bring you and to give you an additional idea on selecting the best camera filter for you, check this link for more.