How to Use Photo Filters – UV Filters and Circular Polarizers
Using UV and Circular Polarizing Filters
In this first post I’m going to demonstrate the Polarizing and UV Filter. So as I mentioned on the main page the Polarizing filter is used to get rid of glare and unwanted reflections.
The simple diagram represents the basics the causes of glare or reflection.
Light is made up of different waves – different frequencies produce different light colors. An example of one cycle is shown on the left hand side of the diagram. If you could turn the page so the edge of it is facing you then the wave would look like a vertical line. If the combination of Red, Green and Blue (which makes up white in photography) waves are all traveling (as in the bottom right example) either vertically or horizontally then the light is known as being polarized and that is when reflections occur. The Polarizer filter blocks or filters out this light minimizing or eliminating (depending on the circular polarizer settings) the reflections or glare.
Digital Camera Equipment
What I’m using on this demo is not expensive digital camera equipment. The idea is to appeal to everyone who is looking at experimenting with camera lens filters and it doesn’t have to be just for top notch equipment users only. Experimenting with lens filters can be good fun as well as controlling the quality of light entering the camera lens and on future videos it’s my intention to have a look at the variety of color filters that are at our disposal.
The Digital Compact Camera: Konica Minolta Dimage Z2 which is known as a Digital Compact SLR. It features a 45-mm lens and a multitude of controls and features that I will discuss in the future.
Camera Filters
As far as I am aware there are no filters that will directly fit onto the 45-mm lens so a converter is required so that 52-mm lenses and filters can be used with this camera.
The UV Filter is used to filter out the unwanted Ultra Violet light which in turn reduces the haze and washed out appearance of the photo as you can see in the photos below.
Without any Lens Filter
UV Filter on Lens
For the next set of pictures I am using a 52 mm polarizing filter which is attached to the converter and onto the camera lens. By turning the outer ring I was able to achieve the following results.
Photo Filter Results
The following photos show the results of using a Circular Polarizer Filter with its different settings.
Polarizer Filter set to its Minimum Setting
Polarizing Filter with about 50% glare reduction
Circluar Polarizing Filter with 75% filtering effects
Full Polorized Effect
Without a Polarizing Filter
Full Polarization to Reduce Glare
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Interesting post, having a little problem accessing the RSS feed. I would quite like to subscribe to your blog. Will try again tomorrow. Thanks again!
I think a polarizer is essential for anyone who’s serious about photography, i couldn’t stop using mine.
Filters are an important part of the photographic process…but they can be expensive…and constantly switching them can become time consuming….especially if you are doing a time sensitive shoot….
Photoshop, as well as some other great photo manipulation programs have filter effects built in…..
Third party programs that plug-in to photoshop are usually better though, and are more cost effective than buying a pile of ‘on camera’ filters. I personally use a UV filter, and third party plugins for any other effect that I am looking to acheive.
Happy Shooting!
Brent Bellamy@calgary photographer´s last blog ..
I use filters now. The results of my photographs are so much better. I have to say though, I had no idea there were so many different options so this has been a really good read. I like the detail you’ve gone into, great post.
Book marked your blog. Appreciation for giving. Absolutely worth enough time far from our tests.
I went through a phase of getting different lenses and filters for my canon 400d but in the end found that I never had all of the equipment with me when I needed it.
I have now started carrying around my ‘point and shoot’ canon and find i get better shots just because I have a camera handy when something interesting is happening.
I started using filters about 6 months ago, but I never knew that I could have done so much more with my photos!
Thanks for a great post! This is very informative and helpful, especially for budding photographers like me.
Thanks for walking me through the process. I have digital camera but just take pictures with it and doesnt make any adjustments or enhancements. Thanks for the article, it’s a huge help for me.
To filter and making adjustments with your camera takes a lot of time to finally get exact result you it to be for a certain view, Thanks for the great post very informative.
I was searching for this article and found on your blog!! Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you!!!!!!
This is very useful and informative tool. I honestly don’t use filters that much but your post helped me realized it could add more life to photos other than relying on photoshop. This is helpful to beginners and even to professional photographers.
Camera lens filter will really add vibrant color on photos. When I discovered the natural effects of using lens filter, I just can’t stop using it. It has really become must a have part of my camera. Thanks for the information as it helped us enlighten on how camera lens filter improve our photos.
I didn’t know photo filters are very useful if you’re shooting under the sun. Gotta have to try using one of them. thanks for sharing man.
Filters are kinda costly but they do help a lot on photographers.
Filters is a big help, making our photos more clearer. Your post is also helps me understand deeply with the use of filters.
Most lenses have the ability to add filters, primarily by screwing them on in front of the lens while some lenses require the filters to be attached at the rear end of the lens. Filters are used for several different reasons: increasing contrast, changing the exposure, capturing invisible light or minimizing reflections are just a few to name. Thanks for this informative post!
I had no idea there were so many different options so this has been a really good read. And are more cost effective than buying a pile of ‘on camera’ filters.
Cool that you took the time to make that video, nice work.
I found few good tips here.
Thanks a lot guys!
But they can be expensive…and constantly switching them can become time consuming. Primarily by screwing them on in front of the lens while some lenses require the filters to be attached at the rear end of the lens. Filters are used for several different reasons: increasing contrast, changing the exposure.
Learned something from your video, but I have a question. I recently bought a Nikon D5000 and the kit lens that comes along with doesn’t have a uv filter included. I am thinking of buying one and I am not sure what to get. Do I have to get a circular & linear polarizers too? how about warming and cooling filters? What should I get first?
Thank you for your comments about the video. Some filters are for creativity and these include the warming and cooling filters you mention. I would suggest to start with the circular polarizer as this will get rid of “haziness in the sky effect” especially during summer months, and with a circular one you can control how much you wish to reduce. Otherwise go for a straight forward UV filter. These will also protect your lens from accidental damage.