question about lens filters?

[jessica31876]

I am learning slowly and experimenting more with my camera's manual mode and other modes outside of auto...what I am wondering now is do you you any lens filters? I have read that using a filter can help protect your lens but also helps to capture photos with the colors being more intense like for the sky for instance. But which lens filters do you use and why? For the most part outside of my family what I mostly like to take pictures of is landscape/nature photos if that helps

[rach3975]

Funny that you should post this now. I'm also in the experimenting and learning manual stage, and in the last few days I've started wondering if I should get a few filters for lens protection. I'll be watching this thread.

[pewtertm]

I'm in pretty much the same spot as Rachel. I had a UV filter and a polarizing filter on my Christmas list...didn't get them though. I'm thinking I'll be headed over to one of our local camera shops in January and talking to them about what my options are.

[staciahall]

I have just a basic filter for protection that I got when I purchased my camera. I know there is a polarizing one around here somewhere that is supposed to be good for bright sunlight like beaches or maybe even snow to help. I'm interested to see what others think.

[navaja77]

I have a hoya filter on the 50 1.4 lens that I just bought. I really don't like it I love having flares in my photos and when I tried a backlit photo, the sunflare was really off. I've heard the filter can do that so I think I'll leave it off. As for lens protection, I don't think you can scratch or crack it unless you really mean to do it. I have most of my lens without protection and they are fine. But everyone has a preference - some love having filters on their lens and others don't.

[jessica31876]

It is almost always sunny here in Florida so that is why I was asking. Even when it isnt sunny the blue in the sky and like sunset pics never seem to get the color I see so I usually end up faking it post-process. Im not taking raw so not sure if that would change anything or not. I just read some articles that said using a filter on the lens helps to get truer more vibrant colors. A polarizing filter I think is what it mentioned. BUt I read it late at night and dont remember where I saw it now. So thought Id ask here

[KateD]

I have a UV filter on the lens for protection. I took it off for a while and almost destroyed the lens when the camera fell a few feet and hit the ground (inside my leather handbag). After that I decided that it was worth the tradeoff to keep the filter on - and also to get a better bag to carry the camera in.