A Guide to Lens Filters
Lens filters change the way a camera records a scene. Lens filters can change colors, increase contrast or change exposure in part or all of the image.
Function
Lens filters compensate for less than ideal lighting conditions. Using filters can produce better results than without, but cannot make up for not having favorable light naturally.
Types
The most common filters used in digital photography are polarizing filters, UV or haze filters, neutral density filters and graduated neutral density filters.
Size
Lens filters, like camera lenses, come in assorted sizes. If you buy the largest standard size (77mm for Nikon and Canon), you can buy step-up rings to use those filters on smaller diameter lens, according to Ken Rockwell's "Use Filters." Step-up rings are cheaper than filters, saving you money.
Warning
Polarization filters will give uneven results if used on ultra-wide angle lens, according to Rockwell. Vignetting may also occur if the polarizing filter is thick.
Misconceptions
Cooling and warming filters change the white balance of light. They are less important in digital photography than in film photography because most digital cameras automatically adjust for white balance. White balance can also be adjusted in post-processing if the raw file format was used.
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