Filter Sets

Choosing Circular Polarizer Filters and Other Types of Lens Filters

Circular polarizer filters cut reflections and enhance colors, such as the blue sky or green foliage. UV and sky filters protect your camera lens, change the color temperature, or create special effects. Camera lens filters and filter sets are a great way to build your selection of useful filters for adjusting light and creating special photographic effects.

Screw-On Filters

Circular filters screw directly onto camera lenses. They have a thread that's compatible with the thread on the front of most camera lenses. It's important to choose the correct thread diameter, shown on the front of the lens, when ordering. Circular filters can remain in place when you're not using your camera as most have a recess for the lens hood. There are screw-on filter sets made of high-quality optical glass, and they incorporate multiple coatings to reduce optical diffraction.

Square and Rectangular Filters

Square and rectangular filters fit into special holders mounted on the fronts of camera lenses. Different diameter adapter rings accommodate various lens sizes. Choose a holder that's wider than your lens to prevent vignetting and interference. Some manufacturers use high-quality resins, plastics, and glass that minimize unwanted optical effects. It's possible to mix filters and holders from different manufacturers, as long as they have the same width.

Light-Correction Filter Sets

Light-correction filters are useful photography tools. They include UV filters that reduce haze, improving image quality. Use polarizing filters to reduce the effects of light scatter by transmitting light traveling in one direction only. Neutral density (ND) filters reduce the amount of light, allowing the use of slower exposure speeds that help create motion blur. Graduated ND filters that are darker at the top and lighter in the center help landscape photographers reduce the effect of very bright skies against darker foregrounds.

Filter Sets for Special Effects

Special effects filter sets change the images as seen by the cameras. For example, portrait photographers use diffusion filters to soften facial features and create a dreamy haze. Creative filters can add flare and reflections, while bokeh (out-of-focus blur) filter sets change the shape and appearance of out-of-focus light sources. Color correction sets adjust the color of your images, allowing you to warm or cool scenes, or even create surreal colors. Use close-up lens filters to magnify your subjects without losing focus.

Craft better photos with filter sets from B&H Photo and Video. Find UV lens filters, circular polarizer filters, and more.