Do I Need a Filter For My Camera Lens?
If you love photography, you must have come across the words like UV filters, Polarizing filters, and ND filters.
If you haven’t yet, we have gathered more information about filters specifically for you.
But why do you need a filter in the first place?
In this article, we’ll answer your questions. You will also know some different lens filters and what to watch out for when using one.
Do I need a filter for my lens?
Yes, you need a filter for your lens.
Camera filters will serve you in various ways like protecting your screen, enhancing color, and reducing reflections.
However, filters might damage your photos if you don’t use them properly.
What exactly is a lens filter?
Filters are typically composed of high-quality glass, and when placed in front of a lens, they stop specific colors or types of light from entering the camera.
Let’s dig in and see some of the importance of having a filter on your camera lens.
Importance of filter on your lens
Drop protection
It is always good to handle your camera with care. But if it falls off your hands unintentionally, you will be on the safer side if your lens has filters.
The filter will break instead, thus protecting your valuable lens from damage.
Dust and scratches protection
If you enjoy photography, you will find yourself taking photos often; thus, your lens will get some scratches and dust.
A filter serves as a protective covering on your lens, preventing dust and scratches on your camera.
These filters are simple to clean and straightforward to replace even if they are severely damaged.
They’re practical
Filters are compact and simple to use. You can turn on the filter when a need arises; however, there is no harm in leaving it on all the time.
Since it’s just one piece of glass, you can quickly remove it and dust it down if it gets dirty.
Accurate exposure
Filters are an excellent way to get even and correct exposure throughout the entire shot when dealing with very difficult lighting situations.
They accomplish this by obstructing strays of light entering the lens.
These are especially useful for photographing during the afternoon outdoors, especially when utilizing fast shutter speeds.
It is cost-friendly
A filter is cheaper compared to the lens itself thus, making it more accessible. Meaning you can get a high-quality lens without spending a lot of money on the filter.
Moreover, there will be less loss even after breaking since you will purchase a new one at a negotiable price.
In most cases, some filters will act differently compared to each other. So, let’s take a look at some different types of lens filters that you can use.
Types lens filters
UV filter
This is the type of filter you attach to the front part of your lens to block it from ultraviolet rays.
UV filters are a cameraman’s best friend while shooting beneath a bright blue sky. They can help lessen the overabundance of the blue cast in images taken outside.
Polarizing filter
This filter minimizes reflection from non-metallic objects, i.e., glass windows and water.
When you mount a polarizing filter on your lens, you can easily rotate it and monitor the subject until you get satisfied with the results.
Polarizing filters are best used in places like landscapes and beaches since they make colors pop up and darken the brightness from the sky, thus eliminating glare.
ND lens filter
Although you can use an ND filter to capture photographs of various topics, its primary purpose is to lower the amount of light reaching your sensor.
An ND filter does not require any adjustments, and you may still utilize your lens’s metering and focus systems when using this filter.
What to watch out for when using filters
A low-quality filter will just increase the blur, so make sure you get a high-quality one.
The filter can produce extra lens flare if you take images with a backlight. Before taking photos in these types of scenarios, make sure to remove them from your lens.
Final Thoughts
A filter will only protect your lens from dirt and scrapes. It’s advisable to attach one to your camera if you’re taking photographs on the beaches or even in the desert.
In our opinion, a filter has a legitimate place in your backpack. However, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth it to have it on your lens all the time.
