What are lens filters, exactly? For any experienced or beginner photographer, lens filters can be a valuable accessory to add to your camera bag.
After all, lens filters can help to step-up your photography skills in several ways - whether it’s by giving you more control over incoming light, boosting saturation in-camera, reducing glare, or creating alluring effects.
With all these benefits up for grabs, it’s well worth adding a lens filter to your camera kit.
Though, if you’re still in the dark and are wondering ‘what are lens filters for?’, we’ve got you covered.
What Are Lens Filters For?
So, what are lens filters for? Let’s answer this popular question. Lens filters are small accessories that are mounted onto the front of a lens.
They are used to minimise any glare, enhance colour, or provide more control over incoming light. Lens filters come in a variety of types and sizes - as each filter can serve a different purpose.
The Benefits Of Lens Filters
At this point, you might be wondering - what are the benefits of using a lens filter? Below, we’ve covered the key benefits of using lens filters.
Add Motion Blur
Since lens filters can help you control the amount of light coming into your lens, you can use these accessories to create effects in-camera - such as motion blur.
Typically, without an ND lens filter, you’d only be able to use motion blur in low-light settings when the shutter speed is low.
Though, by limiting the amount of incoming light, you can afford to drop the shutter speed even lower in settings with an abundance of light to achieve this eye-catching motion blur effect.
Boost Saturation
Especially if you’re shooting natural, landscape scenes, polarising lens filters can be a great way to make your photos stand out.
Just by attaching this simple accessory to your lens, you can boost the contrast of your images, eliminate any glare or reflections, and resupply your images with natural colour saturation.
With all of these issues fixed in the camera, you’ll be spending less time editing your images and more time enjoying them.
Add Unique Effects
Len’s filters aren’t only great for boosting colours and controlling exposure, but they can also add some eye-catching effects to your photos.
This includes kaleidoscope filters, centerfield split diopter filters, linear prisms, blue streak filters, and so much more.
There’s such a wide range of lens filters available, so be sure to take a look online to see how each one can elevate your photography style.
How To Use A Lens Filter
Getting started with lens filters couldn’t be easier, especially since these accessories are simple to install and begin using.
The first thing you’ll need to do is pick a lens filter that matches the lens you’d like to install it onto. You can often find this information on the lens itself.
Once you’ve purchased the correct lens filter, you can begin to install it. Position the filter onto the front of your lens by screwing it into place - holding it on the sizes to ensure you don’t leave any fingerprints behind.
After it’s firmly held in place, you can begin using your lens filter.
Types Of Lens Filters
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using a lens filter, you might be wondering - ‘which lens filter should I buy?’
With such a wide range of products to choose from, we’ve made the decision a little easier for you. Below, we’ve listed a few popular types of lens filters to choose from.
- UV Lens Filters. These filters reduce the amount of UV light passing through the camera - which can help to minimise any discolouration in images.
- Polarising Filters. Polarised lens filters add a natural saturation to your images. They also help by reducing any incoming glare or reflections for a more refined image. They’re best for shooting natural landscapes.
- Neutral Density (ND) Filters. An ND filter helps by darkening the lens's optical view, which gives you more control over aperture and shutter speed - allowing you to create unique effects in the camera (such as motion blur).
- Special Effect Filters. Special effect filters are a great tool any photographer could use to elevate their portrait photography skills. These filters add a unique, artistic influence to any photograph. Some popular effects include a kaleidoscope and linear prism filter.
Freewell Lens Filters
If you’re on the hunt for a premium lens filter, we’d suggest browsing this Freewell range.
This brand provides great quality lens filters at very competitive pricing - with a great range of products to suit both camera and drone lenses. This includes UV filters, ND filters, polarising filters, and special effects filters.
Head to the online store now to browse the range.