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Which filter is right for me?

In this article, we will introduce you to all the common lens filters and explain what they can and should be used for. We'll also give you some tips and tricks on how to find the right filter for you and what you should look out for when buying one!

Lens filters - which ones are there?

Lens filters are very popular in photography. They are often used to create special effects, especially in landscape or portrait photography. The four best-known lens filters used by photographers are the ND filter, the polarizing filter, the graduated filter and the UV filter. There are also different variants of filters. This means that they are available either as round or system filters. However, all filters are very different and have different effects on your image. Here is a brief summary:

System filters

System filters are very popular, especially in the graduated filter range. They are based on the plug-in system and are rectangular and not round like the other filters. They are pushed in front of the lens using a holder that is attached to the front of the lens, allowing you to lighten or darken areas of the image simply by sliding the filter up and down. They are mainly used with wide-angle lenses, as these are usually not suitable for attaching a classic round filter due to the curvature of the fisheye.

All system filters

Round filter

As the name suggests, this version of the filter is round in shape and can therefore be screwed directly onto the lens with the appropriate diameter. Depending on the filter, you can change the exposure, remove reflections or simply darken the image by turning it.

An example and our recommendation for system filters:

Rollei Starter Kit Medium 100 mm

  • Starter with rectangular filter Mark II Medium 100 mm
  • medium graduated filter in the strength GND8 (3 stops / 0.9)
  • for mixed, urban motifs, with uneven horizon line
  • made from Gorilla?* glass
  • incl. CPL filter to intensify colors and reduce reflections
  • incl. filter holder for up to three rectangular filters
  • suitable for filter threads with 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77 and 82 mm
  • suitable for landscape and architecture photography

ND filters - an overview

This filter is also known as a gray filter. It reduces the amount of light that enters the lens and thus reaches the sensor. There are different strengths depending on how much light is to be reduced. With this filter, you can also take long exposures in bright daylight. This lens filter is particularly popular in landscape photography to show water flowing.

As already mentioned, ND or gray filters are available in different strengths. "ND" stands for neutral density. These filters are specified with values in steps of 0.3 (e.g. 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, etc. up to 3.0). The extension factors correspond to these values (example: 0.3 = x 2; 1.2 = x 16; 3.0 = x 1000). A filter that increases the exposure time eightfold would then be the 0.9.

Extension factor: Here the extension factor is specified as in the row above (for example x8 = eightfold increase in exposure time).

F-Stops: Some manufacturers write the extension in f-stops on the filter. For example, the specification "+ 3 f-stops" also means an eightfold increase in exposure time. No, the f-stops are not actually changed! The exposure time is only extended by the amount that would correspond to closing the aperture by 3 stops. We recommend using ND filters with different strengths so that you are prepared for any lighting situation!

More ND filters

Our recommendation for ND filters:

NiSi TC ND-VARIO 1-5stops 82mm

  • Enables creative image composition by means of aperture, exposure time and sensitivity setting
  • For light reduction in excessively bright surroundings
  • Suitable for lenses/zooms with filter thread
  • Rotary mount for individual adjustment
  • For digital/analog photo, system and video cameras
  • Made from high-quality optical glass
  • No X-cross effect

Polarizing filter

With this lens filter, reflections and haze can be reduced and thus contrasts and colors in the image are enhanced. This filter is therefore also known as a fair weather filter. Depending on the manufacturer, you can simply turn the filter to reduce reflections, for example on the surface of water or a pane of glass, so that you can see through it. It also helps with metallic surfaces and reduces the reflections that occur there. In the film industry, polarizing filters are used to reduce unwanted reflections and glare and to increase contrast. Astrophotographers use polarizing filters to increase the contrast of certain celestial objects.

Other polarizing filters

Our recommendation for polarizing filters:

Hoya Fusion-Antistatic Next Cir PL 77mm

  • Circular polarizing filter with antistatic coating
  • Reduces reflections and increases color saturation
  • Dust, water and stain resistant
  • Requires less frequent cleaning than conventional filters
  • 16-layer super multi-coating (on both sides)

Graduated filter

As the name suggests, this filter has a visible light/dark gradient. It also reduces the amount of light just like the ND filter, but only in the partial range. It is especially popular in landscape photography, for example, when the sky is burned out, but the lower part of the image is very dark.

What should I look out for when buying?

1. pay attention to the filter diameter and the mount material:


The filter must fit your lens, so first look at the diameter of your lens and buy the right filter for it. The diameter can be found on the edge of the filter or directly on the packaging. Do you want to use the filter on different lenses? Then simply buy the filter with the largest diameter that your lens has. Later you can then use inexpensive filter reduction rings for your smaller lenses. When buying, make sure that the filter mount is made of brass: this is particularly robust and won't leave any cutting rings in your lens if you accidentally hit it.

2. The height of the filter

Filters are usually produced in different heights. Low filters (slim filter mounts) are particularly suitable for wide-angle lenses or super wide-angle lenses. Thicker filter heights are suitable for lenses in the normal and telephoto range.

3. The coating and the quality of the glass

One of the most important criteria when buying filters. It is particularly important to pay attention to the price of the filter, because if high-quality materials and therefore high-quality glass have been used, the filter will cost a little more. There is no point in owning a high-quality lens but saving money on the filter. It's like looking through dirty glasses. The coating is just as important; it is responsible for keeping reflections and quality degradation to a minimum. Therefore, look for a multi-layer coating, which you can recognize by the abbreviations (MC: Multi Coating). Filters with a nano MRC are even more suitable; with this coating, the layer is also water and dirt repellent and thus assumes a protective function for your lens.

Our recommendation for graduated filters:

NiSi graduated filter 150x170 Medium nano IR GND(8)0.9

  • Medium | GND 8 | 3 stops
  • medium gradient
  • 150mm x 170mm
  • made of optical glass with nano-coating
  • waterproof and oil-repellent

Der UV-Filter

Today, UV filters are often used as protective filters, but this is not at all sensible as, depending on the quality, the sharpness and light sensitivity may suffer. High-quality UV filters allow more light through and protect against UV radiation and possible damage. Nevertheless, special protective filters should be used for protection, as these are particularly impact-resistant.

Nowadays, you should use UV filters when photographing by the sea or at high altitudes, as the UV radiation there is much more significant than in other places.

Selection of further UV filters

Our recommendation for UV filters:

B+W UV filter F-Pro 010 E 82

  • made from high-quality, heat-resistant tempered glass
  • achieves amazing sharpness and clarity
  • average light transmission of over 97%
Mist filter - before / after

Mist filter

This type of filter is particularly popular in the 'video' sector, as the filters achieve a so-called 'bloom effect'. They are also known as mist filters and make the image more matte overall and give the highlights a glow effect. This can make the entire photo look much more atmospheric. These filters can also have a great effect in portrait photography, as they make the skin look much softer in the end result.

All Mist filters

Our recommendation for mist filters:

NiSi BLACK MIST 1/4 E 67

  • NiSi Mist Black Diffusion
  • Circular effect filter (1/4 aperture)
  • reduces glare and reduces contrast
  • reduces wrinkles and skin blemishes
  • creates a soft, pastel-like quality of light
  • Brass frame
  • with an additional layer of black
  • offers little loss of detail throughout the image compared to conventional diffusion filters

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