Camera lenses -
additional
tips & insights

Filters

They are used to enhance photos and create special effects. You attach a filter to the front part of the lens of a SLR (single lens reflex) digital camera. Note: Compact digital cameras cannot use attachable filters.

Ultraviolet (UV) - This is the most popular filter. Because it reduces ultraviolet light, it enhances sun-drenched landscapes. Most experienced photographers permanently keep one on each lens so that an accidental scratch would damage the filter, not the lens (the former is cheap, the latter, expensive).

Polarized  - This filter ranks second in popularity. It helps eliminate unwanted reflections of surfaces like glass windows and choppy lakes. It also decreases atmospheric haze and increases color saturation (for instance, it makes blue skies bluer).

Other filters - Many types exist and have different functions. For example, red filters add visual warmth and blue filters cool landscapes.

Other filter pointers

Quality - Filter quality varies by manufacturer. Inexpensive ones could create distortions.

Different sizes -  Make sure the filter you buy fits your lens because lenses come in various diameters.

Tip for compact users - Try hand holding a filter (or even your polarized sunglasses) in front of your lens. Sometimes this low-tech technique works with decent results.

Fast lens

This term defines a lens with an f-stop of 2.0 or lower. (The lower the f-stop number, the dimmer a scene can be without having to use flash.

Lens weight

Lenses designed for SLR digital cameras are lighter than those created for SLR film cameras. The reason is for camera balance. SLR digital cameras are much lighter than film cameras - and a traditional lens could make the camera excessively front heavy.

Quality matters

In most cases, cheap lenses are exactly that. Trained eyes will easily notice photo fuzziness and distortions.

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