Camera Lens Filter

Camera lens filters still have many uses in digital photography, and should be an important part of any photographer's camera bag. These can include polarizing filters to reduce glare and improve saturation, or simple UV/haze filters to provide extra protection for the front of your lens. This article aims to familiarize one with these and other filter options that cannot be reproduced using digital editing techniques. Common problems/disadvantages and filter sizes are discussed towards the end.

The most commonly used filters for digital photography include polarizing (linear/circular), UV/haze, neutral density, graduated neutral density and warming/cooling or color filters. Example uses for each are listed below:

Filter Type	Primary Use	Common Subject Matter
Linear & Circular Polarizers	Reduce Glare Improve Saturation	Sky / Water / Foliage in Landscape Photography
Neutral Density (ND)	Extend Exposure Time	Waterfalls, Rivers under bright light
Graduated Neutral Density (GND)	Control Strong Light Gradients Reduce Vignetting	Dramatically Lit Landscapes
UV / Haze	Improve Clarity with Film Provide Lens Protection	Any
Warming / Cooling	Change White Balance	Landscapes, Underwater, Special Lighting