Pros and cons Filters
Bring out the full drama in your pictures
Using lters might not suit every photographer. The exceptions are protection lters, which play an essential role in lens welfare so suit all subject genres, and the polariser, which is more than useful in a wide range of situations such as helping to control re ections, enhance skies and reduce glare. However, if you enjoy shooting scenics, a lter kit can not only help you realise your creativity but the process is involving and enjoyable, and getting the result right is part of the craft of photography.
Get it right in-camera
Using lters to get the eect as right as possible in-camera is immensely satisfying. Assessing and metering for the scene, deciding which lter is needed and then adding and positioning it in the ‘sweet spot’ all make the whole process of photography more involving.
The polariser
The polariser can produce eects that aren’t achievable in editing software, so it’s worth using them to enrich blue skies, cut down re ections, reduce glare and saturate colours. Most absorb around 1EV of light and can be used as an ND lter.
Slows the process down
In the same way as using a tripod, using lters makes you stop and think about what you are doing and that can lead to better, more considered compositions. This is an unexpected bene t that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Plenty of choice
Buying a quality lter system is a serious and expensive business and there are many brands vying for your custom, oering a choice of dierent approaches. With 100mm lter systems, there is a degree of cross-compatibility, so although it might be possible to mix and match, you might prefer to stick with one brand.
They are expensive
A lter system comprising the lter holder, lters and adapter rings is an expensive investment. Also, because you’re adding extra layers of glass or plastic in front of the lens, it pays not to skimp on lter quality and buy the best your budget allows.
More items to carry
A lter system adds to your load, but you can take a minimalist approach with a polariser in the bag and protection lters on each lens.
Software gives more control
Adding a lter eect such as a linear gradient in software is simpler and more controllable than using a camera lter. It also means that you’re not stuck with an eect you might not want. However, some eects, such as a polariser or an extreme ND, can’t be simulated in software quite so easily.