Even though many filters from analog photography have become obsolete today, there are still optical filters that should not be missing in digital photography. Here is some brief information about the different filter types.
- Polarizing filters remove unwanted reflections (e.g. from water, glass or haze).
- Gray filters are able to reduce the light without distorting the light color. This is especially helpful in bright shooting situations or to realize long exposure times in daylight.
- Graduated filters are popular with photographers who want to compensate for high contrast differences in their subjects. In digital photography, such contrast differences are a common problem.
- Infrared filters cannot be replicated by pure image processing of digital photos. They only allow infrared light to hit the sensor and filter out the rest of the light. Infrared light is strongly reflected, especially by plants. This is how surrealistic, extraordinary and remarkable images are created in summer.
- Protective, UV and Skylight filters are popular with many photographers in dangerous environmental conditions. Especially in dusty, dirty or sandy shooting situations or at the salty sea water, UV or clear glass filters are a good solution to protect the front lens.
- Close-up lens filters are used especially in macro photography. Amateur photographers or beginners in digital photography often shy away from the high acquisition costs associated with the purchase of a special macro lens. In this case, the close-up lens filter can be a good alternative. It magnifies the subject like a magnifying glass.
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