Lens filters that are a must have

Lens filters can be used to achieve a number of different jobs and can prove invaluable. Some lens manufacturers may have propriety systems in place that will only allow you to fit their filters so please check prior to making any purchases. See the below for some of the universal options available and how they can help you.

UV protection filters are a basic need for any photographer. These can be left on the camera at all times and their basic purpose is to remove haze from your images and are also used to protect the lens of the camera from UV light that can damage the internals of the lens and also the camera. They are also handy for keeping dust out of the lens and make cleaning much easier. Also used to stop glare from light sources you cannot go without a UV protection filter. They come in all sizes: 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 58mm, 55mm, 52mm, 46mm.

Polarizing filters and circular polarizing filters can also prove to be invaluable when faced with glare and outdoor conditions. Like Polaroid sunglasses do for your eyes, these filters will block the glare from your lens so you can have crisper and cleaner images. Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarized and polarizing filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. Circular polarizing filters have the same effect, but it is important that you choose the correct version for your camera. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, etc. They also enable colors to become more saturated and appear clearer, with better contrast. Also available in a range of sizes: 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 62mm, 58mm, 55mm, 52mm, 46mm.

Warming filters as advised by the manufacturer improve skin tones and are ideal for portraits taken on a cloudy day or outdoors, in shade on a sunny day. This filter will also absorb the blue light cast by electronic flash to achieve warmer and more realistic skin tones. Available sizes: 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 62mm, 58mm, 55mm, 52mm, 49mm, 46mm.





Lens filter kits are usually sold with a number of different filters that are aimed at a certain job. These filters can be fit to most different sized lenses and will help to create some dazzling images. A full package will save you money and will equip you with the basic essentials.

This filter introduction kit from Hoya is a basic essential and comes with a circular polarized, warming filter and a UV protection filter. As these filters are all in the one kit and from the same manufacturer, they will all be compatible and allow you to fit all the filters at once or a combination of the three to achieve the results you have been looking for. Also provided in the kit is a storage pouch to protect your filters and keep them in a ready to use condition. This kit is also available in a range of sizes to suit your camera. 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 58mm, 55mm, 52mm, 46mm.

Another filter kit to consider is the macro filter kit. The filters available in this kit will allow you to change any lens into a macro lens but at a fraction of the cost of buying a new lens. With the four options available to you of +1, +2, +4 and +10 you can easily begin macro photography at a fraction of the price. What has to be mentioned with this kind of filter is that the camera will have to me manually focused. The range of sizes available are: 77mm, 72mm, 67mm, 58mm, 55mm, 52mm, 37mm.

There are plenty of other lens filters and kits available on the market so have a search for something suitable and start improving your images today.