Lens filters are transparent or translucent elements that are affixed to the front of the camera lens. A filter acts to do several things: change the characteristics of how light passes through the lens, protect the surface of the lens and even creating special effects in your images. Now there is a long list of different filters available, but here I will go through the top popular filters used today. Images to the left show the original photograph while the images on the right display the effects of the filters.
UV filters, or ultraviolet filters, work to block ultra-violet light, in order to mitigate any haziness that may be seen in photographs captured in daylight. Because UV filters do not inhibit or alter the majority of visible light, they are also great for protecting your lens. There are varying strengths of UV filters. On the stronger end, these filters can become more effective towards reducing haze seen in the atmosphere and the purple fringing that is seen at the edges of a subject.
A circular polarizing filter is a helpful filter that works to darken a brightly light sky by creating a large contrast between the sky and clouds. In addition to a reduction in haze found in the atmosphere, these filters also eliminate sunlight reflections on glass windows and water. Circular polarizers are designed to cut out highlights however much needed by turning the ring of the filter. Many photographers consider this a staple filter to always keep in their bag.
Have you ever wondered how some photographers capture soft and misty waterfalls? Or the movement of waves washing ashore on a beach? Many of these effects are created with the use of a neutral density filter. Motion blurring is achieved by this type of filter due to the slow shutter speeds. These dark colored filters cut down the amount of light able to reach the camera’s sensor and increase the needed exposure times. There are two types of ND filters: graduate neutral density (GND) and the regular neutral density. GNDs are similar in purpose but the filter is only dark in color on half of the glass. This helps photographers isolate their motion blurred subjects while everything else remains the same.
Just as the name implies, a soft focus filter reduces the sharpness of a photo in a subtle manner. The images remain sharp along the edges but a blur is applied to the other portions of the image to give a soft ‘glow.’ These filters are commonly used in close up facial photos. Because of the softened focus, imperfections, such as blemishes, are often 'removed' with the application of the filter. A soft focus filter is seldom used in outdoor landscape photos.
The agency specializes in offering premium lenses and frames, prioritizing top-tier quality and craftsmanship. They curate a diverse selection of high-quality lenses with various coatings and functionalities, catering to individual vision needs. Complemented by a range of stylish frames from renowned brands, they provide customers with personalized options for both vision correction and fashion preferences. With a focus on excellence, this agency ensures optimal clarity and durability in lenses and frames, meeting the discerning standards of their clientele.