Guide to Filters

In the days of digital photography, it is often the view that filters are old-fashioned and unnecessary, but there’s a lot to be said for still using a filter to capture the best image in-camera.

Filters can be indispensable for capturing landscapes in extremely difficult lighting conditions, they can enhance colors and reduce reflections.  Polarizing and ND filters can produce effects that are time-consuming or even impossible to replicate digitally. Don’t rely on Photoshop to add effects and rectify badly exposed image, have some fun using filters in the field to capture the best image in-camera. These are 3 of the most used filters that every serious landscape photographer should own.

Polarizing Filters

A polarizing filter is the most important filter you will own for landscape photography for useful for removing reflections on water making skys a deeper blue. It is worth investing in a good quality one, as cheap ones often do not have the same polarizing effect.

Graduated Filters

Solid ND Filters

Solid ND filters are used to reduce exposure in landscape photography, often to capture flowing water and long exposures.

• 4 stops (ND16) – Best for long exposures in lower light at sunset
• 6 Stops (ND64) – Best for long exposures leading up to sunset & waterfalls/rivers on an overcast day
• 10 Stops (ND1000) – Best for long exposures during the day

82mm Magnetic filters

• Good choice for ND and Polarising filters that are often left on your lens
• Require no filters holder and can be screwed directly into your lens
• Very quick to use and change filters
• They can fit on any lens smaller than 82mm with adapter rings

100mm Slot-in filters

• Require a filters holder, that screws onto your lens to hold the filter
• Multiple filters can be used without vignetting
• Very quick to use and change filters
• Graduated filters can be positioned on the horizon line by moving them up and down in the holder