Camera filters have different functions. That’s why, before buying one, especially if one is a novice, one should understand its characteristics. There are several categories: protective filters (UV filters), polarising filters and neutral grey filters (neutral density filters). These are not the only filters available, but they are definitely the most popular. They are used by specialists and by those who are just starting out in photography.
Protective Filters-UV Filters
These are the most straightforward filters. In fact, specialists often refer to them as simple glasses. What’s the point of buying them if they’re useless? They are not. In fact, these basic filters allow the photographer to see the harmful effects of atmospheric haze. It limits the loss of image quality caused by UV light. It also protects the front lens. These filters are inexpensive, and losing one will be less expensive than that of another type of lens. Even the cheapest lenses are relatively more costly than any protective filter.
Polarising Filters
Their main purpose is to enhance the image by filtering the amount of light that passes through the lens. They are perfect for landscape photography, as they help to increase colour saturation and contrast. This means that a blue sky will be even bluer and a green meadow even greener than in real life. One advantage of these filters is that the photographer doesn’t have to guess what the pictures will look like. The effect is visible once the filter is attached to the camera.
Neutral Grey Filters-Neutral Density Filters
Just like the previous filters, they reduce the amount of light passing through the lens, but unlike the latter, they do not alter the colours. They are also mainly used by landscape photographers to get dark, somewhat supernatural images. They are the filters of choice for black and white photographs.