Lens Filters
Lens filters or filters, as they are widely known, are an accessory used in both photography and videography. Lens filters consist of an optical filter, generally made of glass or plastic, with a plastic or metal ring frame. Lens filters are screwed on or clipped on to the lens of a camera.
Lens filters offer a greater amount of flexibility and control for the photographer. This flexibility allows the photographer to make subtle changes to the photograph being taken or at times make the photograph look completely different.
There are several types of lens filters available for photographers. In this article, we will look at some of them.
Clear filters are completely transparent lens filters that do not perform any kind of filtering of light coming into the lens. Its main use is to protect the lens. Ultra Violet filters, also called UV filters, reduces the haziness created by UV light entering the lens. UV filters are also used as protection for the lens. Sky filters are lens filters that are used for color photography. Sky filters, while serving as lens protectors, are used in outdoor photos to reduce blush tones and helps to keep skin tones natural.
Color correction filters are used when the films color temperature does not balance with lighting in the environment. However, with the use of digital cameras, color balancing issues are often adjusted using software once the photo is captured or with the settings of the camera prior to taking the photo. Color subtraction filters, used mostly in the printing industry for color separations, absorb certain colors of light while allowing other colors to pass through.
ND filters, or neutral density filters, eliminates extremely bright images by reducing the amount of light passing through without affecting the color.
A polarizing filter is a type of lens filter that is used both in black and white and color photography. It is considered essential for outdoor photography, where it reduces glare and reflections and can also be used to increase the intensity of the sky.
Diffusion filters are lens filters that give images the soft focus or dreamy haze effect. These lens filters are mostly used for romantic portraits or to create that mysterious look in the photo.
While there are various types of lens filters available in the market offered by different manufacturers, it is important to identify your exact requirement and do sufficient research prior to making a purchase.