Once, while shooting some pictures in an empty creek, (Oh yea I am such the outdoorsman!) I was climbing out on some rocks. My foot slipped and I heard that dreaded "clunck" sound.
My camera had bumped against a rock. I was afraid to look, but I when I did I was happy to see a small scratch on my UV filter and not on my lens. Yes, my $10 filter saved my lens.
SLR and DSLR cameras are an investment. You are going to spend a pretty penny and a single lens can cost you hundreds of dollars. After purchasing my Nikon D-40 camera the next purchase was a UV filter. A little $10 filter that can potentially save your len from scratches or even cracks. Filters are a little round glass that just screws onto the end of your lens. A simple UV fliter will not effect your photos but will help protect your camera. They can be found at any camera store, and even electronic stores like Best Buy.
Filters can also be used to give your photos different effects:
- A Polarized Filter will help eliminate reflections, sun glares. This can be helpful when shooting things that reflect light like glass and water.
- A Close-Up Filter can be a nice and much cheaper alternative to a macro lens. A close-up filter can can you 10 times more closer.
- A Red Filter can help increase the contrast in black and white photography.
- A Cross Screen Filter can take points of light and make them look like a star. This can make nighttime photography look amazing.
Here is an example of a photo taken with a 6x Cross Screen filter…
I definitely recommend you add filters to you photo accessories, for fun and protection!
Elissa (aka Punk Rock Mom) is a blogger, wife, mother, knitter, photographer, a Scorpio and all around cool person. You can follow the adventures of Punk Rock Dad, Punk Rock Mom and The Phi at Punk Rock Parents.
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Same story here…I was hiking and tripped on a tree root and my camera banged up against a rock! Luckily, my UV filter saved my expensive lens.
I also would recommend the split neutral density filter for sunrise/sunset shots. It really helps to balance the exposure of brightly lit subjects with a dark foreground.