I get a lot of questions about filters lately, so he is a quick recap of my thoughts on the subject.
My thoughts has always been do it right the first time. I hate when people take a shot, look at it, know it is not right, and just say, that’s OK, I’ll fix it later. Why not just spend 20 more seconds and do it right.
Same thing goes for filters. If you need it, use it. Don’t wait for post-processing, you will be a better photographer for it.
I divide filters into 3 categories:
1). Round UV/Protective Filters
UV filters are unnecessary for Digital Cameras. Especially if you don’t experiment with UV lights (I do), or plan to clime Mount Everest.
Many people think that protective filters are unnecessary and only needed in hash environment.
So what’s my take on it, I stay on the side of caution. I use UV filters as a protective filters. I only use high quality filters. Makes no sense to buy a high quality lens and sticking a cheap peace of glass in front of it.
I’m a big fan of Hoya filters. But not all of them. There are 4 lines I can recommend (best one first):
HD filter line – Amazing filters, but really really expensive. They are waterproof, scratch and strain resistant. If you are short on cash I suggest HMC or SMC.
Pro1 filter line – Great filters. Almost as good as HD, but does not have the benefit of being waterproof, and scratch resistant. Once again, if you are short on cash I suggest HMC or SMC.
SMC (S-HMC) filter line – Very good filters (99.7% transmission). This is the least I buy.
HMC filter line – Plain good filters (97% transmission). The cheapest filter I would recommend to buy. I do prefer the SMC filters though.
2). Polarizer Filters
Circular Polarizers have many uses. When used properly, they can help control reflections, achieve deeper color in the sky, and much more. However the key in the last sentenced is “used properly”. Polarizers give you more control over the light, but also add an additional factor to think about. One other point to keep in mind is that polarizers rob your lens from 1.2 to 2 stops of light. So if you do get one, don’t keep on permanently. It is a bad idea for many reasons, including light loss, necessity to use higher ISO, slower focusing speed, darker viewfinder, and the list goes on and on. Use polarizer because you need it, not because you have it. Think about it this way, when you put polarizer on the lens your bright f/2.8 lens transmit as much light as f/4.2 to f/5.6 lens.
As far as the actual filters go, I’m a big fan of Hoya filters. The Polarizer and UV filter lines are the same. So the suggestion I’ve given for UV filters apply here as well.
One last suggestion. Polarizers are expensive. If you will try to buy one for every lens you have, you will spend tons of money that might be better used somewhere else. The trick is to buy the largest polarizer filter you may need. Whenever you will need to attach the filter to the lens with a smaller thread size, use adapter rings (they are really cheap, at most $5). This setup does come with the caveat, use of lens hood might not be possible.
3). Special Effects Filters
I’ll cover these later. 🙂