The Best DSLR Filters: Top Recommendations for Your Camera
What are the best DSLR camera filter recommendations? This is a very common question asked by beginner photographers. To be very true, the answer to this question is somewhat relative as it entirely depends on your type of photography, the lens type and most importantly on your budget and if you’re willing to use any post-production software tool such as Photoshop.
For additional information, be sure to check out Which Brand Makes the Best Camera Filters? as well as the article Finding The Best Camera Filters for Nature Photos.
Which Filter Should You Use?
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Polarizing Filters: If you want a magical touch to your photography, consider using polarizing filters. These types of camera filters are capable of changing the way that your camera is seeing and even treating light. By adding this type of filter, you can add a different meaning to your landscape photography and avoid getting reflections on glass, water or any other surface. The way your camera sees the reflections, the glares and even the color clarity is changed to perfection. So, if you’re a landscape photographer or shooting outdoors, a polarizing filter is the best DSLR camera lens filter that you must have.
UV Filters: Even though most of the digital SLR cameras nowadays have the ability to reduce or cut down UV and infrared light, UV filters are still worth using. The DSLR camera lenses are so expensive that even the thought of mild scratches or cracking makes most photographers shiver. In that case, UV filters are the best choice for giving your lens protection against salt spray and dust. It is always better to replace an inexpensive UV filter than to replace an expensive lens.
ND Graduated Filters: Have you ever shot an image with a remarkable cloud formation and after having it transferred to your computer was disappointed to find the details to be lost? This generally happens due to overexposure, while the rest of your shot is fine. The best DSLR camera filter recommendation in such cases is a ND graduated filter. This type of filter is somewhat double-toned, one half looking like a sunglass and the bottom half looks clear. This is because that the top portion restricts the amount of light from getting in, while the bottom portion allows the darker part of the scene to be exposed – thus maintaining a balance. You can usually get these filters in a set of three, differing in stop levels and also differing in graduation levels too. However, you’ll need an attachment to mount it on your lens, as these are slot-in filters.
Neutral Density Filters: Have you ever tried capturing a well exposed flower with a blurry background, but ultimately failed in your goal? For this you have to shoot at very large apertures in order to make the background blur, which can lead to overexposed shots on sunny days. The best solution to this problem is a neutral density filter, which restricts the extra light getting into your camera. This type of filters works best in cases when you want to use a larger aperture and slow shutter speeds, especially in bright conditions.
List of Best Filters for Digital SLR Cameras
Polarizing Filters:
- HOYA 72mm Circularizing Polarizing Filter
- Zeikos ZE-CPL46 46mm Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer Filter
- HOYA 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter
UV Filters:
- Canon 72mm UV Haze Filter
- Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter
- Zeikos ZE-UV58 58mm Multi-Coated UV Filter
ND Graduated Filters:
Neutral Density Filters:
