Hello , 

Yesterday, during a private lesson, I was asked about filters for lenses. 

Here's a quick rundown of the filters I've used.

UV Filter

This is the only filter I would recommend every photographer always keep on their lens. 

It's a clear piece of glass that's primarily used to protect our lens.

Besides that, it has minimal effect on our picture and no effect on exposure. 

Neutral Density Filters

I'd also recommend neutral density filters that reduce the exposure coming from the lens. 

This allows us to make exposures at slower shutter speeds if the intensity of the transmitting light we're working with is too bright to get the shutter speeds we need for our composition.  

Polarizer Filter

I know a few landscape photographers who also use these filters to affect blue skies—especially with fluffy white clouds. 

I've also worked with photographers during my classes who, before working with me, constantly kept this filter on their lenses. 

I think this is a bad practice since polarizing filters tend to reduce exposure considerably through their lenses.  

Color Correction Filters

If you're using a digital camera, there's no need to get color correction filters to match the color (kelvin) temperature of the transmitting light we're working with. 

However, if we're working with color film, we would use them to filter the light entering the lens to match the color balance of the film we're using. 

Color Correction Filters For Transmitting Light Sources

These filters are also called gels. 

They change the color of any transmitting light sources we use to illuminate our subject.

Special Effect Filters

I've never used them, so I can't say much about them. 

Some examples are "star filters" and "streak filters." 

Get Whatever Filters Will Help Improve Your Photography

The bottom line is that I think a UV filter is essential to protect each of our lenses. 

Besides that, get whatever filters help you get the composition you want. 

Upcoming classes are listed below. 

And if you don't have one, get that UV filter for your lens as soon as possible.