What are the most common types of lens filters?

UV Filters, ND Filters, Polarizers, and Color Correcting Filters are the four most common types of lens filters that can be used for both analogue and digital photography. Each filter serves a unique purpose in your photography practice, however they are all similar in the sense that they help expand the possibilities present in your work, providing support to achieve your creative visions, especially when dealing with uncontrollable conditions such as weather and light sources.

1. UV Filter: Reduces and/or prevents UV light from hitting the sensor of your camera. This in turn reduces haziness and adds another layer of protection for your camera lens. UV filters are used best in extremely bright conditions as they eliminate the blue haze that regularly appears in situations like this.

2. ND Filter: Serves as a barrier that blocks certain light from entering your camera. ND Filters give you control over the amount of light reaching your camera’s sensor, without compromising the settings you had initially placed. This specific filter is vital when capturing long-exposure images.

3. Polarizers: Polarizing filters reduce reflections and polarizing lights. They also have the ability to reduce atmospheric haze from your image, and boost the overall color saturation.

4. Color Correcting Filters: As its name suggests, color correcting filters can add new layers of color to your images, illuminating new perspectives and introducing a plethora of tones, hues, and shades. If you are looking to give your photos a cooler or warmer feel, consider using color correcting filters to elevate your images.

Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa
Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa
Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa
Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa
Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa
Photos by deprofundis, lalouve, nwinther, solinvictus, gregzamarripa

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  • What is an ND filter used for?

    What is an ND filter used for?

    Neutral-Density filters, also known as ND filters, are lens accessories used to control the amount of light coming through your camera lens.

  • Why are color filters sometimes used for black and white photography?

    Why are color filters sometimes used for black and white photography?

    In black and white photography color filters have the ability to increase contrast in your image, reduce the amount of light hitting your film, and slightly modify certain aspects of the image to adapt to weather conditions.

  • Why do photographers use lens filters?

    Why do photographers use lens filters?

    Lens filters mainly serve two purposes: to physically protect your camera’s lens and to give you control over the light entering through it – whether that be through light intensity, colors, shapes, etc.