Camera filters are the photographer’s best friends. When you’re looking for filters, you’ll find there’s a huge selection of fabulous filters, notably the big Bower range and some specialist filters from Sigma, Hoya and Kenko.

Types of filter

The range of filters on the market is huge, and it’s worth considering your options carefully when you’re looking for something special for your camera.

These are the main types of filter:

• Ultraviolet filters
• These filters block out UV rays, reducing blur and the effects of UV on imaging systems.
• Polarizing filters
• Polarizing filters are “quality control” filters to reduce clutter from light entering the lens. Polarizing lenses dramatically improve image quality and resolution.
• Circular polarizing filters
• These filters are polarizing image intensifiers. They add colour values as well as providing the useful features of polarizing filters.
• Infrared filters
• Infrared filters are attuned to longer wavelengths. They’re used for low light and night shooting to maximize light. They can also be used in fog or haze to improve visibility of targets.
• Neutral density filters
• These filters are used in conditions of high glare to screen out excess light. They’re considered essential for many outdoor shooting scenarios, like snow or strong sun.
• Cross-screen filters
• Used to photograph materials with high reflectivity and soft focus environments.
• Macro filters
• These are special close up filters, designed to provide high resolution for small targets while enlarging image scale.
• Skylight filters
• The skylight filters are blue filters, designed to reduce the excess high frequency blue spectrum in outdoor photography.

Filter kits

A good option for those who need a range of filters is to invest in some of the filter kit packages. These filter kits include all the basic requirements like polarizing, UV and neutral density filters and plenty of other options.

Shopping for filters

• When shopping for filters:
• Check the filter size for suitability for your camera
• Compare prices and deals
• Always check out the filter kits- They’re cheap and can do most of the things you need. You can always buy separate special filters if you need them.
• Always shop around online before you commit yourself to buying. You’ll see a lot of good deals and have a better idea of prices.