67mm Circular Skylight Camera Lens Filters

How to Understand Lens Filters

With all the focus on post processing with apps like Photoshop, it's important to remember that there is also such a thing as pre-processing which happens as the light enters the camera. This is where filters really show their worth.

What's the Difference Between Skylight and UV Filters?

Both kinds of filters help deal with the blue tinge your photos can get from unprotected exposure to the blue of the sky on a bright day. They also help protect your lens against the weather by providing a barrier between its front element and the outside world. Anyone into outdoor photography should definitely consider a filter whether they are shooting digital or film.

• UV: These filters are normally clear but can sometimes offer a warm amber color. They cut through haze and make colors stand out more. They can require up to a half stop of exposure compensation to make up for the UV light that is not reaching your camera.
• Skylight: These filters feature a slight magenta tint, and don't require any compensation for exposure. They reduce the bluish tint found in some slide film and are also very helpful when working with human subjects.

What's the Difference between Square and Circular Filters?

While it may be tempting to answer that the difference lies in the shape, there are a number of more important differences that come from how the filters mount on the lens. Choosing the right option can depend not only on your lens, but also on how you approach taking photos as a whole.

• Circular: These screw on to threads around the lens. They are usually very slim and designed for longer-term use. One catch is that you normally have to fit them to the lens diameter, so a 67 mm lens needs a 67 mm filter to mount on the front of it.
• Square: Square filters slide into holders that cover the front of the lens. They are less protective than circular filters, but you can change them out much more rapidly if you need to. You can also use one set of filters with a wide range of lenses by just making sure you have adapters for your holder.

Shooting with Filters

Shooting with filters opens up a whole new experience for any photographer. You not only gain more control over colors, but also a clarity that can't be mistaken for an unfiltered shot. The right filter can eliminate reflections so that your audience sees what you want them to see with crystal clarity. It's all about getting the photos you want regardless of your method or the light conditions. Photography is an art that rewards the artist.