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Many effects filters previously available for the lens are now easily added using software. However, some photographers still use UV or Sky filters for lens protection, and a polarizer, grad and ND filters as light modifiers. Do you still work with filters over the lens?

Submitted by Editor, Sep 14 2009



Please comment briefly on the filters you think are useful. If you shoot IR please mention your favorite IR filters.

Yes, but only for protection of the front element. : 21%
I still use polarizing, ND and grads over the lens. : 75%
I don't bother with filters anymore.: 2%



I like to see the results of using the filters while I still have a chance to reshoot if I don't like the effect I was striving for.
—*Steve Garner*

I use UV or Sky over all my lens for protection. I also use polarizing when I desire. I can view the results and if required I can reshoot for the desired results. I am more comfortable with this result, rather than using photo enhancing programs as the only means to modify the photo.
—*R. H. Fred*

I use a UV for protection (and have had one give itself up for the lens) as well as a CP for both polarization and as an ND.
—*Larry Levy*

Polarizering filters will always be a necessity because the effect of cutting Through reflections cannot be recreated by software. ND filters are good if you don't want to take the time in taking multiple images and combining them later. These are the only two filters I carry. As for using UV or daylight filters to protect the lens, it not a bad idea, but when shooting directly into the sun, the more filters you have, the more likely you will have those pesky sun flares.
—*Doug*

I find that split and reverse split ND filters are fantastic for landscapes and sunrises / sunsets. I also use polarizers for skies and fall foliage.
—*Jim L.*

I still find the polarizing filter to be the best solution to glare and color enrichment and NDs are still very useful in the field.
—*Charlie C.*

I shoot more film with my Nikon equipment, so I am use to creating an effect in pre-production instead of post-preduction. I am also able to use my lenses on both my film and digital cameras. Of course I like the fact that if something hits your lens the front element isn't ruined, only the filter.
—*Ron Plesco*

I still think it's important to get the best possible capture in the field.
—*Jim Heneghan*

I love using polarizing filters. I feel more connected to the photos that way.
—*Victor Wheeler*

Wouldn't be without them for landscape shooting!
—*Mike Houge*

Sometimes the organization I shoot for uses the photos immediately, with no time for editing. I use filters to get the best shot right out of the camera.
—*Mary*

I used to also use a UV filter for lens protection but gradually have given up on that practice.
—*Mike Sneddon*

I occasionally will use a polarizing filter when photographing seascapes with lots of clouds.
—*Kathleen Finnerty*

Being committed to film I use a variety of filters. Polarisors are used to reduce reflection and increase contrast in blue skies with white clouds. I use ND for slow speeds with fast moving water and grad. ND's for controlling the bright skies in my landscape shots. Even when shooting digital, I still use such filters. I am a firm believer in getting it right "in camera", to the greatest extent possible
—*Colin Elliott*

I still like to get the picture correct in the camera before it goes to post-processing.
—*Michael Reed*

I prefer to interact with the subject and camera as much as possible. The more you can do with image capture, the less you have to do in the darkroom or on the computer.
—*Robert Schellhammer*

Absolutely. My photos are enhanced with the use of filters. My lens is protected too.
—*Jake Altman*

I do use a UV filter on all lenses as standard and as protection, along with the polarizer, ND, and Grads.
—*Michael D. Miller*

As I shoot film I use them to modify the scene as well as protection. The may include sky, warming, polarizing etc.
—*Lou Springmeier*

Polarizing and ND -- yes. Grads -- never. Star filters -- seldom. For the most part, one cannot do in software what a polarizer can do. If I want a long exposure for blur or some other reason, NDs are necessary. While camera manufacturers are raising useful ISO levels, they're dropping the lower ones. I'd like to see really low ISOs so I wouldn't have to go to NDs all the time.
—*Dennis*

For protection also! But software rocks when it comes to total choice for a final look.
—*Danofly*

I use uv/ir filters on Leica M lenses as required, and UV filters on Nikon lenses for protection. Sometimes I use a polarizer when needed.
—*Fotospinner*

I like to use a circular polarizing filter occasionally.
—*Oliver Poirier*

I shoot digital and both color and black and white film so I use all the filters I've always used; UV, polorizer, orange, red and ND. Photography is photography, whether film or digital.
—*David T.*

Not only do I use polarizing, ND & Grads, but I also use many other special efx filters, such as the star and prism filters. I also have a D100 conversion for IR and I use color filters along with the ones above for amazing results. Yes, you can compensate by using programs from Nik, Tiffen, and Adobe, but getting it right and achieving your vision in camera is much more fulfilling than layering a simulation of the effect you are trying to attain. There are shots where it is necessary to do just that, but creating your image as you see it in camera will give you a greater sense of wonder and inspiration to try more wonderful feats.
—*Michael Rosenberg*

It's difficult to get good effects in software when a polarizer is really needed, and impossible to shoot cotton-y waterfalls without ND. Shoot sunsets without a ND grad at your own peril; it's kind of a must. Also I have a nice collection of starburst filters for a sparkle effect. Those aren't "normal" situations though; I still usually keep a UV/haze filter on for daily protection. All my filters are screw-in, FWIW. (Nikon D700/D300, lots of Nikon glass.)
—*Jeff Elliott*

Why put another piece of glass over an expensive lens. Can fix almost any defect on photoshop.
—*LM Burg*

I use a polarizing filter frequently, ND rarely.
—*Mr. Class*

All my lenses have filters for protection, just common sense.
—*R. Brosnan*

You cannot duplicate the effects of a polarizing filter in software, I do not use a filter for "protection".
—*Ken*

The new UV filters for digital camera lenses are great + protects the expensive lens.
—*Björn Andrén*

I have several lens and would need filters of several different sizes so I make any necessary improvements in the computer.
—*Dick Penndorf*

For IR with the Kodak I still have frozen or Maco/Rollei, I like the #29 deep red. If shot in a Nikon with a Nikkor lens with a filter wheel, I have no choice but to use their #25 red.
—*Robert E. Johnson*

In addition to those above I use IR filters R72 and X-nite XDP.
—*Carl Berger Sr.*

I might use a clear filter over the lens if I were shooting in a situation where flinging mud or other soft debris may get on the lens element.
—*Paul Cassel*

I carry polarizers for all my lenses, even when shooting with my IR body. The effect is difficult (if not impossible) to match in post-processing.
—*Joel M. Bach*

I use my camera in a coastal environment--the filter keeps sea spray off of the lens element.
—*Lee Olson*

The real filters give better results. I do not have to tweak simulated results that are someone else's idea of what the results should be.
—*Iric Siegert*

I also keep on all my lenses an UV filter for protection. Polarizer filters are fanatstic for nature landscapes and I use them any time I can. Also I use a 4 star filter.
—*Ovidiu Trifanescu*

There are some things that can't be done in software. Polarizing is one. ND grad can be simulated with multiple exposures and HDR, but it's a lot of unnecessary work when you can get it right in camera.
—*Clint Gustafson*

Have never found software that can perfectly duplicate the effects of polarizer or grads.
—*Joseph Kovarik*

I can't live without my ND, grads, and polarizing filters.
—*Blayden Thompson*

Still use filters but I shoot a mix of digital and film. But I will use the polarizers and warm filters on my digital.
—*Eugene Marrero*

Filters like polarizers are an esential tool when taking landscape photos.
—*Diane Krajenski*

I believe as a photographer you need to do everything possible to capture the image as close to perfect in the camera. I feel people who manipulate the image excessivly with software are "Graphic Artists" and not true photgraphers.
—*Steven Silverman*

I used polarizer and ND/grad quite a bit, but I still have a warming filter and a red enhancer that I use every now and then too.
—*David Walker*

I am new to filter but I still use one to protect my lens.
—*Jill Denicola*

Although software post-processing can do a lot, some things are best done while shooting.
—*Chuck Pine*

Polarizers on every lens, full time--nothing in Photoshop can do what a proper light-modifer over the lens will do before the light hits the film/sensor. And yes, Wratten 25A deep red filters for IR film--a stash of frozen Kodak HS Infrared!
—*Paul Sheridan*

I use UV filters for protection (saved a lens once) and other filters to get the best possible image in camera.
—*Dave E.*

For me, a polarizer is a must have. I also use grad and ND filters. I'm becoming less concerned about using a UV filter for lens protection since I always use a lens hood.
—*Dan Fenn*

I use a UV filter for general shooting and other specialtiy filters for enchancement and special effects.
—*Roger Robertson*

I also use a Tiffen Enhancing filter on occassions, like for fall colors. It's an effect that is truly unique, and difficult to produce digitally, even with the use of "selective color" controls.
—*Bruce Forbes*

Polarizer only. Grad filters are available in software.
—*Bill Perkins*

It continues to be my practice to "fix it in the camera" first. You can always shoot it both ways.
—*Joe Dempsey*

UV & Polarizing Filters are a must!
—*Patti Young*

I only use polarizing filters. For protection I keep the lens hood on. Not only does it protect the front element, it also cuts down on flare.
—*Kerry*

A polarizer filter is great you can't or take away what you don't already have.
—*T. Wolford*

I haven't found any software that will replace a polarizing filter.
—*Donnie Channell*

Im still old school as far as accessories for the camera.
—*William J. Lento*

Being an old school photographer, now even with digital, I find that programs will not equal what filter can accomplish when used correctly.
—*Kyle McIntosh*

I prefer a lens hood to an additional piece of useless glass over the lens. Digital sensors can not see ultraviolet light, which makes it silly to use a UV or haze filter.
—*Joe Dlhopolsky*

I tell my students to use UV filters for protection and to cut UV. We live above 4000 ft.
—*John Berglund*

I use both protection filters AND polarizing, ND and grads.
—*Les Martzall*

it's much less expensive to replace a scratched UV filter than front element!
—*Dona*

I also use them to protect my glass.
—*LaCresha Kolba*

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