After years of shooting photos and videos, I've bought a lot of filters — and made a lot of mistakes along the way. At first, I had no idea which ones to get, so I'd just grab a kit and end up with filters I never used. Over time, I figured out exactly what each filter does and when to use it. Here's everything I've learned, so you can skip the trial and error.
UV Filters: The Most Basic One — But Don't Underestimate It
The UV filter was the first one I ever bought. I thought it was just for blocking ultraviolet light, but I quickly realized its real value: protecting your lens.
Your lens is the most expensive and fragile part of your camera. Once it's scratched, there's no easy fix. With a UV filter on, everyday bumps, dust, and fingerprints land on the filter instead — and replacing a filter costs a fraction of what lens repair does.
When to use a UV filter:
- Everyday shooting, outdoor activities, action sports
- High-altitude or coastal environments with intense UV exposure
- Any time you want a physical layer of protection on your lens
These days, I keep a UV filter on almost every piece of gear I own. It's basically always on.
ND Filters: Essential for Video Shooters
ND (Neutral Density) filters are the ones I reach for most. Think of them as sunglasses for your lens — they reduce the amount of light coming in so you can use slower shutter speeds even in bright conditions.
There's a rule in video called the 180-degree shutter rule: your shutter speed should be roughly double your frame rate. Shooting at 30fps? You want a shutter around 1/60s. But outdoors on a sunny day, that setting will completely blow out your exposure. That's where ND filters come in.
How to choose your ND strength:
| Filter | Stops Reduced | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ND8 | 3 stops | Overcast days, bright interiors |
| ND16 | 4 stops | Partly cloudy conditions |
| ND32 | 5 stops | General sunny conditions |
| ND64 | 6 stops | Bright direct sunlight |
| ND256+ | 8+ stops | Extreme light, long exposures |
If you're not sure where to start, I'd recommend picking up an ND8/16/32/64 kit. It covers the vast majority of shooting situations and lets you swap based on conditions.
CPL Filters: The Glare-Killer
A CPL (Circular Polarizing) filter is my go-to whenever I'm shooting landscapes or water. It cuts reflections off glass, water, and metal surfaces — making skies bluer, foliage more saturated, and water clearer and more transparent.
Using one is simple: once it's on, slowly rotate the filter while watching your screen. Find the angle where reflections disappear and colors pop, then lock it in.
CPL filters work best for:
- Lakes, oceans, rivers, and streams
- Shooting through glass windows or car windshields
- Blue sky and cloud landscapes
- Close-ups of leaves, grass, and other vegetation
One thing to keep in mind: CPL filters are most effective when the sun is at a 90-degree angle to your shooting direction. They're less effective shooting directly into or away from the sun.
NDPL (ND + CPL Combined): The Convenient Option
If carrying two separate filters sounds like too much hassle, an NDPL filter combines ND light reduction and CPL polarization into one. One filter, two jobs done.
The trade-off is that combined filters typically have slightly lower optical quality than dedicated high-end filters. For professional work where image quality is critical, I'd still use them separately. But for everyday shooting and action cameras, NDPL filters are more than good enough.
Special Effect Filters: The Finishing Touch
Beyond the three essentials, there are a few specialty filters worth knowing about:
- Star Filter (STAR): Turns point light sources — streetlights, stars — into starburst shapes. Great for night scenes and cityscapes.
- Night Filter (NIGHT): Designed for urban night photography. Reduces the orange cast from artificial lighting so skies look more natural.
- Black Mist Filter: Adds a soft, dreamy glow to highlights. Works beautifully for portraits and landscapes. The 1/4 strength is the most versatile starting point.
My Buying Recommendations
If you're just getting started with filters, here's the order I'd suggest:
- Start with a UV filter — cheap, protects your lens, always useful
- Add an ND kit (ND8/16/32/64) — essential for video, makes a huge difference
- Pick up a CPL when you're shooting landscapes or water regularly
- Explore specialty filters based on your personal shooting style
When shopping, pay attention to multi-layer coating (MC) — it significantly reduces ghosting and lens flare, and keeps your image quality clean. Also make sure the filter is compatible with your specific camera or drone model, since mount sizes vary.
The right filter can completely transform a shot. The wrong one just collects dust. I hope this guide helps you find the ones that actually work for you. If you have a specific camera or drone model in mind, drop it in the comments — I'm happy to point you toward the right filter setup.
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