What filters for what images/effects?

[john182rs]

I have had a hoya pro/uv filter on my lens within the first month of using it.
But im noticing that there are a hell of alot of different types of filters out there.

I can see an ever so slight difference between using the UV filter and no filter, like the clouds stick out a tiny more rather than a blare.

So what filters cause different types of effect, say like trying to get a photo of the sun going down or a picture of a swan on the lake and even when im trying to photograph my dog running through the water with lots of glare from the water but needing a faster shutter speed to get everything in focus.

 

[HoppyUK]

The most popular effect filter is a polariser, which darkens blue skies and reduces reflections. Good for most landscapes. Every photographer should have one of these - learn about the angles it works best at, and how rotation changes things.

A graduated neutral density filter is good for sunsets and other landscapes to darken the sky and stop it washing out. Different strengths available.

Or a solid neutral density filter increases the whole exposure, so you can use long shutter speeds in daylight to blur water, or use a low f/number for shallow depth of field. Different stengths available.

A UV filter has no effect with digital - it's just for protection, but can also degrade the image with flare and ghosting in some situations, eg sunset, bright lights at night.

 

[TCR4x4]

I can see an ever so slight difference between using the UV filter and no filter, like the clouds stick out a tiny more rather than a blare.

This is why I never user UV filters. If its any good, there should be no noticible difference between one with and without.. The use is soley for the "protection" of the front lens element, but as you may have seen on ither threads, that use is also debateable.

Get yourself a decent Circ Polariser. Used correctly it will make the clouds pop out and the sky deep blue. It also cuts reflections from water, glass and some metals.You will however loose between 1-2 stops of light depening on the filter.