Hi there folks I remain a firm JPG man even though I could edit in RAW there are several reasons why I prefer not to. However there are times when I'd like to glam up an image without artistic post editing. (o:

Do people still use Lens Filters to gain special effects, & if so what choice is out there ?

There are Polarizing, & UV filter lens kits, what exactly do they do ? For myself I'd like something to reduce haze, & another one to further emphasize clouds in a blue sky, can someone provide some comprehensive information for me please.

Thank you Phil

Polarizing filters, from my days in Film SLRs, act like louvered window shutters, in that they only let light enter from one angle (straight in thru the slot) .. now, as you might know, light is bouncing around everywhere from every surface. This produces glare and reduces color fidelity, saturation

I could rotate the filter on my lens and watch the glare disappear from blades of grass, tree leaves, the sky itself .. i could dial in the amount of reflection on the surface of a lake, all, none or in between .. it was a must have for me because of the color saturation it gave me ...

how they operate in the digi-cam world is beyond this reporter's ken

UV and skylight filters: .. mostly these reduce haze .. a skylight filter is a very light red and red counters blue (in the color wheel world) and the sky is blue and washes everything in blue light .. their effect is, IMHO, very subtle .. you almost have to believe they are working for you because you'll be hardpressed to "see" the effect

they are mostly used for lens protection


I don't feel that either of these fall into "special effects" category


if you aren't looking for lens protection, I would get the polarizer .. it will punch up your skies .. as well as your daisies

I would go with a polarizing filter as well. This is probably one of the main filter you will need if you do decide to use filter instead of editing softwares.

In my opinion, filters are an absolute must. So much of photography these days is relying on image editing software, like Photoshop. While these tools are also an absolute must for sharpening, levels, contrast and various minor adjustments...I think people are relying on them too much for other things that could have been done using a filter. To me, it's more rewarding to have to set up a shot, visualize what you want the shot to come out like, and execute it...rather than saying "I'll just fix that in Photoshop."

Circular polarizers are definitely the most beneficial filters...you really can't go wrong with them, even for just protecting your lenses. I also use neutral density filters in order to get longer exposures that I otherwise couldn't have gotten (I do a lot of long-exposure water shots). Split-level neutral density filters are also key for landscape photography in order to balance exposures, where you'd otherwise have a bright sky and a dark foreground.

I also swear by square filter systems, rather than the screw-on circular ones..because they allow for a lot more flexibility and creativity.

It really comes down to whether you like to work in post-processing at your computer or spend a little more time in the field shooting.

Agree with what's been said above about polarisers, I think that's a must. That said, I don't have one that fits my current lenses - different filter sizes are a nuisance, the one I have only fits my kit lenses. A polariser is the only effect you can't reproduce in Photoshop, it reduces reflections and intensifies colours. I also have a set of 3 Neutral Density grads, which I really only use for impossible exposures, with the land much darker than the sky; or for long exposures (although I keep meaning to get a solid Neutral Density filter for that - again I had one for my kit lenses). Finally, very occasionally, I use an 81a warming filter, but that's very easily added in Photoshop after the event. For me that's the maximum amount of filters I think I could ever need.

I used to use the 'cokin' filter system ... a bit bulky, people look at you funny, not-so great for picking up chicks

but .. you are only investing in the adapter ring for each different lens diameter .. not individual filters for each lens

Thank you Gentlemen for all your informative comments

It seems I need a circular polarizing lens for those sunshine shots to reduce glare, & emphasis clouds in the sky. Up to now I've found sunshine shots especially difficult to faithfully recreate with the exposure setting being critical ! I especially hated taking photographs around the new year when the glare was appalling. )o:

I have a Panasonic Lumix FZ50 with an amazing Leica lens (o: & I'm not sure what thread size it is but suspect it's a 55mm. Owd Bob / Dunstickin might be able to help me on that one. I'll check out the cokin kit too Keith / +KEIFER.

In the meantime thanks for all the information, & any further comments will be gratefully received.

Cheers Phil