Whether you work with digital photography or you shoot film, you should consider investing in protective filters and clear filters for each of your lenses.
What are the Benefits of Using Clear Protective Filters?
Protective filters offer three key benefits.
-
They keep dust and moisture off the front element of the lens.
-
Filters add a buffer to protect lens glass from accidents like dings and drops.
-
Some protective filters improve image quality by reducing UV light and color casts.
What are the Different Types of Protective Filters?
Every filter, from neutral density filters to polarizing filters, provides protection for your lens but UV and clear protective filters offer protective benefits without drastically changing the look of your images.
UV Protection with Lens Filters
When shooting outdoors, UV light can enter the lens and discolor your images. If you’re a film photographer, you need UV filters. Some types of film are more sensitive to UV light than others, but no matter which variety of film you use, a UV-blocking filter is a good investment.
Clear Protective Filters
Neutral or clear protective filters serve as a physical barrier against dirt, moisture, dust, and impact. These filters are made with completely transparent, color-neutral glass, so they won’t alter the look of your images.
Many photographers purchase a new clear filter when buying in a new lens and leave the filter permanently attached to the front of the lens.
Skylight Filters
Skylight filters balance the color casts found in outdoor photography settings. If you’ve ever noticed that your images take on a cooler cast in open shade, then you need a skylight filter. Photograph at high altitudes, under blue skies, and at the beach without worrying about discovering a blue cast later in your pictures.
Filter Coatings
Most UV and clear protective filters feature coatings for reducing flare, glare, and reflections. Some filter coatings even repel fingerprints, moisture, and grease to minimize how often you have to clean them.
Filter Sizes
To find the correct filter size for your lens, look for the ? symbol on the lens barrel or front element of your lens. Filter sizes are measured in millimeters.
UV and Clear Protective Filters are a Smart Investment
It’s a good idea to think of UV and protective filters as investments to prolong the life of your lenses. When you choose from high-quality brands like B+W, Heliopan, Tiffen, Hoya, and Sigma, you’ll know your filters are made from precision glass.
