Guide to Understanding SLR Lens Filters

When you're buying a new lens, consider using SLR lens filters. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to use lens filters. While these aren't essential, they can provide you with some nice effects. They will also protect your expensive lens from damage.


When you are choosing a filter for your new lens, you will need to consider the filter size. The filters are designed to fit onto different sizes of lenses. To work out which size you need, take the lens cap off your lens and look at the numbers inside. Somewhere there should be a number printed in millimeters.

The typical lens will range from 50 to 80mm, although this can be slightly higher or lower depending on the lens used. This is the diameter of the lens. You will need to choose a filter which is compatible with your lens and the same sized diameter. This makes sense because the filter will screw directly onto the front of the lens.

Using Filters on Different Lenses

If you have several different lenses which are different sizes, then it might sometimes be necessary to buy the same filters in different sizes. However, there is a simple trick which can be used to use larger filters on smaller sized lenses.

When buying filters which will be suitable for all of your lenses, you will first need to take a look at the diameters of the lenses. Note down the lens with the largest diameter. For example, if your larger lens has a diameter of 63mm and all your other lenses are 53mm, then you should buy filters for the larger lens.

In this case, it means that you should buy a filter for the 63mm lens. Then, the clever bit is buying a step up adapter ring. This will convert the filter so that it can be fixed onto the smaller lens. These step up adapter rings are actually very easy to come across.


When you know which size of filter you need, you then need to choose the type of filter. There are hundreds of different types of SLR camera filters which are available.

These filters can be used to create some stunning effects. They can be used to adjust tones in an image, perform kaleidoscope effects, soft focus, star burst or even fog. These effects are much easier than using a computer since it's a matter of screwing the filter into the lens. All of these types of filters are known as special effects filters. However, these are becoming less popular because people prefer to take a normal picture and then apply the effects using a computer where they can see what it will look like.

UV Filter

The UV filter is one of the most popular filters used with digital cameras. This will prevent UV light from entering the lens and affecting cameras. This is a clear piece of glass which will also provide protection to the lens glass itself.

Polarizing Filter

A polarizing filter will work in the same way as Polaroid sunglasses. These filters can be used to reduce glare in landscape photographs.

Warming Filter

A warming filter will introduce warm glows into your photo. This is great for taking photos of sunsets and to add colors to portrait photographs.