Camera filters allow you to have additional control over your photographs. The filters screw onto the outside of the lens. It does not actually touch the lens glass but instead fits a very short distance from it. There are a variety of filters to help you achieve the effects you desire. The filter you need is going to depend on a variety of factors such as lighting, type of camera lens and the desired effect. Nikon offers filters that are circular polarizing, ultraviolet, neutral contrast and soft focus. Each filter has a specific millimeter size. The size of the lens will determine the size filter you need. This information can typically be found on the lens itself.
The benefit to the polarizing filter is that it can make a sky darker. If the day is very bright and the clouds don’t appear to pop out much, this can give the effect of a darker blue sky. The polarizing filter can also reduce reflections. This can be useful while photographing water such as a waterfall or other reflective surfaces. It allows the photograph to be less reflective and distracting.
While photographing outdoors an ultraviolet filter may be beneficial. The filter will stop ultraviolet light. The photograph will be less hazy or foggy. The neutral contrast filter serves primarily as a way of protecting the lens itself. While outdoors you may experience different conditions such as a drizzle that could cause harm to your lens. Although this filter will not guarantee that no damage will happen to the camera body or lens, it will help prevent any contact to the lens itself. The soft focus filter makes the photograph appear softer. Instead of a photograph appearing rigid it would make it appear dreamier.
While taking photographs everything needs to be taken into consideration to determine which filter is needed. There are no set and clear rules for filters since each time you take a photograph the situation will be different and the effect that is desired will be different.