Introductory Tutorial on Camera Lens Accessories: Filters
In the realm of photography and videography, camera lens filters serve as essential tools for capturing stunning visuals. These translucent materials, often made of glass or resin, are perfect for colour photography and black-and-white contrast enhancements, as they reflect specific light wavelengths while absorbing the rest.
Camera lens filters not only cater to creative pursuits but also function as protective paraphernalia for the camera's lens. By shielding it from scratches, cracks, and dust, these circular pieces of glass or resin ensure the longevity of your equipment.
One of the most common types of camera lens filters is the UV filter, primarily used for lens protection from harsh ultraviolet waves of light, especially for outdoor shooting. However, their original purpose was to block ultraviolet light that could cause haze in film photography.
Another popular choice is the polarizing filter, also known as a CPL (Circular Polarizing Filter). These filters reduce reflections from surfaces like water and glass, deepen blue skies, and enhance cloud contrast, improving landscape photography.
Neutral Density (ND) filters are dark-tinted lenses used for reducing the amount of light captured by the camera without affecting the color grade. This allows long exposures in bright conditions to blur motion (waterfalls, car trails). Hoya offers the 82mm Red Starscape Glass Filter, while NiSi provides a 100x150mm Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Glass Filter, 2-Stop (0.6).
Graduated Neutral Density Filters, or GND filters, have vertical transitions from dark to light and are used for balancing bright skies and darker landscapes, such as sunsets or sunrises.
Seasoned camera-users strategically select certain camera lens filters for colour correction to control and boost image colours. Schneider offers the 4x5.65" True-Streak Filter, 3mm, Blue, which is one such example.
Special Effects Filters cater to creative and experimental photographers, including diffusion filters (soften image), laser protection, dream soft filters (create a dreamy look), and other artistic effects, such as those in new magnetic filter series.
Light Pollution Filters block specific wavelengths of light from urban sources, improving astrophotography by revealing more stars and cleaner skies.
Each filter type alters light or image properties for creative or corrective purposes and fits specific photographic needs. The choice depends on the effect desired, such as controlling reflections, managing exposure, enhancing colours, or creating special visual effects.
Using camera lens filters can improve the productivity of photographers and videographers compared to post-production editing, as they provide more control and sustainability in photography and videography. Embrace the world of camera lens filters and elevate your photography and videography skills today!
The UV filter, essential for lens protection, caters to outdoor photography, while the polarizing filter, known as a CPL, helps reduce reflections and enhance skies in landscape photography. Professionals use Graduated Neutral Density Filters to balance bright skies and darker landscapes, and the strategic selection of special effects filters can provide creative artists with dreamy looks and other unique visual effects. Each filter serves a specific purpose, allowing photographers and videographers to improve their skills by providing more control during acquisition instead of relying heavily on post-production editing.
