Lens filters are often overlooked, but they should be a part of everyone’s photography kit.
We can sit and talk about which cameras are best for landscape photography all day. However, to get the very best out of them in challenging situations, you really need to use lens filters. Some lens filters will help you create gorgeous images in-camera by exposing them for both shadows and highlights. Other lens filters will help your camera capture images with colors that pop! Many photographers overlook filters, but they really should be a part of your kit. The lens filters we’ll look at after the break are relatively affordable. They’re also durable, and they’ll give you an edge when it comes to creating gorgeous landscape images.
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Haida Red-Diamond 10 Stop ND 100x100mm Filter
In our review, we said:
“Haida’s Red-Diamond 10 Stop ND 100x100mm Filter is well constructed and repeatedly and reliably produces consistently accurate results. Compatible with a wide variety of lenses of varying filter threads, you can mount the filter using Haida’s own M10 Filter Holder System or most industry-standard 100mm wide filter holders available on the market. Although it’s not indestructible (no filter is), those who are accident-prone will be glad to know that the Haida Red-Diamond 10 Stop ND 100x100mm Filter can withstand a fair amount of abuse. Photographers in the market for a 10 Stop ND filter, especially those focusing on architectural, landscape, and travel photography, should definitely consider Haida’s Red-Diamond 10 Stop ND 100x100mm Filter.
Buy now: $152
Pro Tip: If you’d like to learn more about lens filters and what they do, check out our guide about lens filters here. You’ll learn about ND filters, graduated filters, polarizers, and more.
Breakthrough Photography X4 Circular Polarizer
In our review, we said:
“The X4 CPL is marketed as having the sharpest and most color neutral glass of any circular polarizer. While I appreciate technical quality and occasionally pixel peep, clients pay most attention to image content. I don’t have any specialized equipment to test small quality differences, and, in print, I can’t discern a tangible difference in the sharpness of the glass. However, at about half a stop faster than my older polarizers, a faster shutter speed certainly does equate to sharper pictures.”
Buy now: $69 to $159
Haida Red-Diamond 3 Stop Soft-Edge Graduated ND Filter
In our review, we said:
“If you’re a landscape photographer in need of a graduated ND filter, the Haida Red-Diamond 3 Stop Soft-Edge Graduated ND Filter (0.9/8x Density) is worth considering. It’s not the cheapest graduated ND filter out there, but its price is on par with competing offerings on the market at US $169. You’re paying for consistency and reliability, and this filter delivers. Unlike “bargain” filters, you don’t have to worry about weird color casts or loss of sharpness in your images. The filter’s nano-coating makes it easy to clean and gives it a fair bit of scratch resistance as well.
Buy now: $169