What do UV, circular polarizer, and fluorescent (FLD) filters actually do?
Asked 10/7/2011
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I bought a UV filter, a circular polarizer (CPL), and a fluorescent (FLD) filter and I’m trying to understand their real uses.
So far, the UV filter doesn’t seem to change much, the CPL can make a TV screen go very dark, and the FLD adds a color cast that changes the image. I’ve also heard people use UV filters mainly for lens protection, but I’m concerned about possible image-quality loss.
What situations are these filters actually useful for, especially outdoors? Can any of them help create noticeably better photos, or are they mainly corrective/protective accessories?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
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These filters do different jobs:
- UV filter: On most digital cameras, a UV filter usually has little or no visible effect on image color because the sensor already blocks UV well. Many photographers use one mainly as front-element protection, though any extra glass can potentially reduce image quality or add flare.
- CPL (circular polarizer): This is the most creatively useful of the three. It reduces reflections and glare on non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, and foliage, and can darken blue skies or increase color saturation. Your TV-screen test shows the same polarization effect. It’s mainly useful outdoors in strong light.
- FLD filter: This is a color-correction filter intended for fluorescent lighting. It compensates for the color cast that some fluorescent lights produce. On a digital camera, white balance usually replaces the need for this filter, so it often just adds an unwanted tint unless you specifically need that correction.
So yes, a CPL can definitely help you make stronger-looking photos, especially landscapes and scenes with reflections. UV and FLD filters are generally less important on digital cameras.
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