Lens Filters Explained - Everything You Need to Know

[@DLPSLA]

Geez.... this guy Spencer Cox is really amazing. What a great instructor. He knows his stuff inside and out.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Why thank you, David!

[@duongytle9777]

Wow, you really hit your purpose for this video that if someone watches this, they won't need to see any other video about filters. Very comprehensive!

[@CononBarrett]

I don’t understand why people give this a thumbs down, this dude knows his stuff

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you think so! I feel pretty good about getting ~1% downvotes on this one. I only get concerned if it's more like 3-5%.

[@jdirarrazabal14]

I can't describe how good this video is. Everything is very clearly explained. I think this kind of videos is missing from KZbin, everyone is trying to make fast-paced videos , but lacks the more in depth explanation, so thats why I love this type of content. Thank you so much for your work!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Really glad you found it so useful, that’s why I made the video longer and more detailed. Hopefully filters make more sense now!

[@shasharlene]

Just so you know, this is the only 20mins plus educational video that i never skip. Pls do more. You are an angel.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Wow, thank you for such kind feedback! Working on another video at this very moment and should have it up by Monday.

[@shasharlene]

@@PhotographyLifeChannel will be waiting for it!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

@Kim Chi - All right, I was slower than I thought but the video is up now! Sorry about the delay!

[@shasharlene]

@@PhotographyLifeChannel no problemo. Im now gonna watch it! Thank you master!

[@avinbarana3015]

You are born to teach. Very informative.

[@thomasgibson5934]

As a former community college photography instructor, i can say that your knowledge and presentation skills are very good. I learned some things that I didn't know very well done.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Wow, thank you, Thomas! I really appreciate it. Means a lot coming from a photography instructor.

[@michellewesson4409]

Stumbled upon this channel (because I have watched literally 100 videos on filters) and I have to say that is is the most comprehensive,succinct, informative and easy to understand. I wish I had found this one first. Kudos.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Michelle! Happy to hear you found it so useful.

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Good video - thanks. There's loads of short, snappy but shallow videos on almost every every conceivable photographic technique/gear - detailed, thorough and in-depth videos are much rarer and I would encourage you to do more.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks for the feedback, Tony, that’s a good point. I liked making this video so detailed anyway, and it’s something that could potentially set us apart from all the shorter clickbait videos out there.

[@lizzyshengshengzhou]

Thank you for the video Spencer! I would love to see more videos like this, instead of short shallow ones that KZbin has no shortage of.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I’m definitely planning some longer videos before too long.

[@edwardbarbieri5283]

Exactly what I needed to overcome my filter confusion! Thank you so much Spencer for your clarity and conciseness. Yes, please continue with this type of tutorial.

[@Moustafa11]

I loved how clear and comprehensive this video is. Spencer has great pace of instruction that is thorough without being long winded. I'd love to see more of this long-form explainers.

[@mariosnicolaou8770]

Hi Spencer. What a brilliant tutorial ! I am a recent subscriber. I currently own a number of filters, pretty much all available types, except the UV (I use the lens hood) and graduated filters (as I seem to be able to reproduce reasonable results in post). I wish I found this video 3 years ago when you made it. I have seen very few videos on filters, having mostly read articles on the subject. I have spent (wasted) a lot of money on filters until I found what I currently own. I am very, very glad I found your KZbin channel. I am steadily working through all your videos, and I am learning a lot. So, please do continue to make these detailed videos. I know you spend a lot of time putting them together, and they are very content rich - but it is all very useful and all very practical advice. Thank you for your excellent work :)

[@margaretstanford4349]

Super helpful. Everything I ever wanted to know about filters!!! Kudos!

[@wingincamera]

Spencer, I really enjoy your tutorials, you speak very well. This video on filters was very helpful. For a younger instructor, you are very knowledgable and gifted.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks for saying so! And glad you found the video helpful.

[@ProfessorDeke]

The reason we learn so much from your videos, Spencer, is due to their depth. You are good at stripping (or explaining) away complexities to leave the viewer with a concrete understanding of basics. Plus, you communicate well, are articulate and are well prepared. You’re a natural teacher (as well as an accomplished doer).

[@pranavtripathi2890]

I have been researching on Filters for about three weeks now. This was the most comprehensive video that explains in detail the individual effects of all types of filters available for purchasing. Thank you for the video!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re quite welcome, Pranav! Wow, I’m really happy to hear that after so much time researching, this video was the most useful one you found. That’s awesome.

[@pranavtripathi2890]

Photography Life, there is not a lot of information on difference between soft and hard edge graduated ND filters at different focal lengths. Especially for enthusiasts like me who do not have access to the information which circulates within professional photographers. Coupled with the article on different lenses for different types of landscapes, this makes for such a comprehensive understanding of Landscape Photography for enthusiasts like me who are still learning how to progress and improve. Thank you!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

@@pranavtripathi2890 Great! Glad to hear it could be so helpful.

[@danielpoblete6453]

very clear and easy to understand , with out complicated words , very helpful thank you

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rebeccagruendler710]

This (and all other videos, too, actually...) was the best tutorial I have ever seen. This has saved me HOURS of research. Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Very happy to hear it, thank you!

[@ericwong1841]

You have explained clearly all available filters in the market and even recommended which filter is the best for what scenario. A nice thing is that you mentioned about it is the cost and functionality of each filter. Thank you Spencer.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re quite welcome, Eric! Glad it could be so useful.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Excellent video Spencer. I’d vote for more using this format.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks, glad you liked it and duly noted!

[@lenvogel4395]

Thanks very much. I am just getting started in drone photography and bought a good variety of filters without any knowledge of why I might used them. You answered every question I’ve had so far and I look forward to using them with confidence.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

That's great to hear! Have fun with starting drone photography, it's awesome.

[@loungebiddle7922]

Nice and complete explanation for filters and quite sensible to consider not using a UV filter to protect your lens when a hood does the job. With other benefits. Thanks

[@georgeking6651]

Excellent video on filters has opened my mind to these easy to use items. I have often wondered how some great photos are created thinking that they were straight unchanged shots. I will use your advice and make a few careful purchases. Looking forward to viewing your other videos.

[@2229east7thstreet]

As with his other videos this one is very well presented , this guy really knows his stuff

[@johnmejia107]

This guy is awesome. Seen a a few of his videos and he is always on point

[@eletor]

Thanks for this, I appreciate it.

[@aying25]

This video is extremely helpful - I just got a camera that came with a filter and I had no clue what to make of it. Thank you so much!

[@APPianoMusic]

You are simply amazing, i have seen other videos but after seeing yours, i dont need to see anymore

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Haha, very kind of you, thanks!

[@lynettemcg3899]

Just what I needed. So comprehensive & such a skilled presentation. I Can’t thank you enough. It’s helped me enormously. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@brianturbefield1858]

This is a subject rarely mentioned these days. It was far more common in my early photo days of black and white film.Thank you for a very informative video on the subject - I have learned a lot. More like this please.

[@SubiPeteWRX]

I must state that the level of information provided here and the length of the video is absolutely spot on. I am an experienced photographer and still learnt some information from this video. Both your presentation and content were flawless in reality. In comparison with other “how To Videos” or informational videos this is head and shoulders above them. You asked for feedback on the format etc, I personally think this length is perfect. No single point mentioned was labored or too detailed, just the facts and information. Just the right length to drink my coffee too. Your personal recommendations make good sense and seem to be very credible. I have a selection of the filters you discuss here, but I have never really used them extensively, only in certain situations. I will now start to use the ND and Polarizing ones more and will probably throw my old UV ones away! Thank you and looking forward to more from you. Suggested topic if you haven’t done it already is how to get really sharp images, both with static subjects and fast moving (Sports) subjects etc. Once again thank you for the effort put in here and passing on this information in a very professional package.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Really appreciate the detailed feedback, and I’m glad you liked the video so much! Taking sharp photos is pretty close to the top of my list right now, very likely that we’ll have a video about it within the next month or two.

[@cynthiahughes271]

Great information, Spencer. Thanks!

[@AMBD90]

Thank you. This deserves more likes, It’s comprehensive.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks for saying so!

[@jimfair2842]

Spencer great info, and very timely. Heading out next week for Glacier National Park and I’m packing my 3 stop hard and soft Lee 100x150 filters. The information regarding focal length was new to me and explains a lot why I have not always been satisfied with the image result when I’m 70mm or greater. Please keep these videos coming....

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

That sounds like an awesome trip! I'm glad I posted the video before you left. That 3-stop hard filter will be perfect for a 70mm lens and beyond.

[@troymcclure9088]

Hey Jim, I just happened to have come back from Glacier National Park two days ago. I thought I would give you a friendly heads up that most of the park is CLOSED. They’re still letting people in but depending on what you plan to shoot, you may not have much access to the more popular spot. Hopefully since the holiday is over they might be letting more people in and open up more spots. Good luck.

[@rosariobrillante7259]

Great tutorial. Very professional. Keep it up!!!

[@smepable]

Now that was really good info on this topic with lots of stuff others dont cover. Thanks for the comparison charts!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Excellent, that was my goal! Glad you found the additional detail to be so useful.

[@hilltorres2494]

Great introduction video to filters! It helped tremendously!!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Excellent, very glad to hear it!

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

Hey Spencer, like everyone else, really appreciate the indepth information and really understand how the filtering system works and the different types. I had moved away from the filters as it was being suggested by a few but recently purchased a polarising filter and will definitely start using it when I can get back out. And I think you are right this would have to be the most comprehensive filter guide out right now. As for the content and timing, not sure on this one. I found this even at 27 minutes great and held my interest all the way through. I am just happy that there are people like you out there who are happy to share their knowledge and help others improve their photography. Thanks again!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, I'm glad that it held your attention throughout! Good luck with your polarizer - they really do make a huge difference in a lot of scenes.

[@stevengoossen6019]

Thanks for the comprehensive video about filters. I have been trying to decide on getting 4x4s or screw-on. Thanks for helping from your experience.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad to help!

[@elliottg.1954]

Excellent presentation and very informative. Thankyou, subscribed 👍

[@normski4ash]

Hi Spencer, only found your channel tonight and I can't stop watching it ! There is so much that we learn in our photographic journey, and as we learn something new, we tend to forget a little of something we learnt before, and videos like this really jog the old grey cells ! I more or less don't use filters any more, but after watching this video I will be putting them back in my bag... Please, please, please keep up the good (GREAT) work, Thnx

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Very kind of you to say! I definitely will keep it up, actually have a video coming out tomorrow. Thanks for watching!

[@feetsko]

Lens filters explained? Damn rights! This presentation and answered so many questions I had! Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad it could be useful!

[@davidpowell5437]

That was a very clear and useful presentation. I hadn't realised the efffect of aperture on grad hardness either. Thanks! When it comes to making long or short videos - I think if you decide on what level of experience you want to teach to, then take as much care as you usually do with the presentation then the length will be what it needs to be. That's me being sincere, not me trying to be clever. This video was about the right length for its subject, it wasn't difficult to sit through in case there was anything new to me. The only improvement I could suggest would be to supply a list of the times at which each type of filter was introduced, perhaps even making it a link, just to make it easier to revisit any bits of special interest.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad it could help! Thanks for putting so much thought into your recommendations. I agree with the table of contents idea and will be adding one below the video momentarily.

[@shawngerman2540]

Hey Spencer, thanks again for another great video… you mentioned at the end about the length of videos you were considering,, ‘frequency vs content’,, honestly I don’t normally watch a whole video unless it (and the presenter) is engaging, which I’m sure is true for a lot of viewers.. in saying that, given what you deliver and how you do it, I personally prefer the longer, more in depth videos.. just my two cents worth…👍🏽 thanks again.

[@rezaaliee4049]

Really appreciate the detailed videos.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you liked it!

[@andrewscott743]

Really appreciate you taking time to make this video. I ordered my first filters. Excited to keep learning from you.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

That’s awesome, hope you get some great photos with them!

[@imawatchin6295]

Spencer, please do more videos like this!!

[@linl344]

Thank you Spencer. I’ve watched your tutorials before and today’s was great, as usual. Just subscribed. As a photography student I need all the help I can get to understand the many complexities. You are incredibly clear. Thank you.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Very glad to hear you're finding these videos useful, thank you, Lin!

[@papotaino1516]

Thank you just ordered that set up for my Sony ax53

[@ksnmurthy4476]

That’s a fantastic tutorial 👍👏🏽👏🏽

[@r.v.niddrie9111]

Very very good Spencer

[@canyoupleaserunfast]

amazing video! man. you are sick af! keep on with doing amazing content!

[@cubano07x]

What a great, detailed explanation! Great work! Subscribed for more of your great videos!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome, welcome aboard, and I’m happy you enjoyed the video!

[@breadandcircuses5644]

I like your longer more in depth videos a lot. Keep them coming!

[@marcdeschilder6450]

Thank you. Excellent and comprehensive introduction into filters.

[@seanflinn5341]

Thank you so much for this video. I really appreciate all of the information. I recently purchased some filters. I wish I would have found this video prior to my purchase, but I feel I did pretty good overall. This in-depth video is very helpful for me as it gave me more information then just scratching the surface of a topic.

[@russeli1941]

I am impressed with this young man. So much good information conveyed very intelligently. So yeah, thanks for this!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome!

[@AnthonyMichaelSneed]

This is really really good. I feel like your in the same room explaining this to me

[@ganeshrao9796]

Great presentation

[@RestAtMe]

Thank you. Very useful. Liked already.

[@nolowatt1]

Thank you for such a clearly expressed and informative presentation. Excellent!

[@ahmedm.fathie6124]

Great presentation Spencer because of its technical content and your presentation quality. Keep going so far you are just the best / Ahmed M. Fathie, Ph.D.

[@johnosullivan5291]

Good information thank you

[@amitavachakrabarty8518]

Hi Spencer! Great post. Please keep it up. Clear, comprehensive videos is what we need. Very recently (less than a year) changed over from analogue to digital. Bn using circular polariser for a longish while. Is there a good quality (but not too costly) 58mm circular 10 stop ND filter available in the market?

[@ralphnetta4563]

Wow! What a super job, well planned out, presented clearly and understandable, just a great job. Now, personally I like the longer more complete presentations ( need to slow down just a bit in your speaking) that covers every details. A little bit disappointed that you didn’t mention brands recommendations; but that okay since I did all my research and I settled on the Wine Country. Lots of reasons and you very well know why; separation rotating polarizer, all glass, all coated, on and on. It’s a no brainer - that is IF, IF, you can afford it. Oh, well. I even like that cases they offer (made by another company for their filter system) simply the best I’ve ever seen. Save a little longer and buy the best ..... period my friend. Good job.👍

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Really appreciate it, Ralph! Glad you like the longer video length. Wine Country is an excellent filter company - you’re certainly right about the price though. It’s out of my range, but I’ve been happy with NiSi, B+W, and Lee for my filters. Talking about specific brands is hard, though, because I’ve seen both good and bad filters from almost every company. (The highest-end ones like Singh-Ray and Wine Country being exceptions; I don’t think they make a bad filter.)

[@pourya.a6649]

Beautifully put sir! Thank you 🙌🏻

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@chood73]

Nice job on the video!

[@peterscott-jones9998]

Thanks Spencer, great vid and SO important when we can't just go try things in a store or show. Keep it up, please!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Peter! You're right, it's hard to do a lot of this in-person these days. Glad I could be a helpful source instead!

[@AndyCakebread]

Great stuff - i appreciate this comprehensive style. You can bookmark for reference. I have just ventured into filters - and adopted a halfway set-up. Magnetic cpl and nd, and exposure blending in post. Thank you Spencer - super informative

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! That’s what I do a lot of the time as well, especially when I’m traveling light - just bring along the polarizer and rely on exposure blending if necessary.

[@joseotoya2102]

Fantastic and super informative tutorial! Covers just about everything we "Filter Wonderers" need to know. Thank you Spencer! Much appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. 🙂👍👍

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad it answered your thoughts about lens filters 😄

[@TheRcsb]

I thought I knew a lot about filters but your excellent video enlarged considerably that knowledge. Many thanks!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You are very welcome! Really appreciate the feedback.

[@JuanCruz7]

Thank you for the info : ) You explained well detailed and with examples, and right to the point.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad you found it useful! Thanks, Juan.

[@ROUGHROADPH]

As always an excellent and understandable presentation. Cheers buddy.

[@Tezz2022]

Very nice well put together you have just made my mind up about getting filters just love you other videos thanks

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Happy to hear it.

[@amithighlander2010]

Hi Spencer Cox! Great to watch your video. After picking up photography for last 2 years, where I am still learning, this is the first video where I couldn't resist commenting. Thanks for creating such an educative video. Will look forward to more such learnings. Thanks a ton. Regards

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Really glad to hear it! Thanks, Amit!

[@personallycatholic]

Thanks. That was really very helpful.

[@calvy26]

Thanks for this very detailed and comprehensive video, I've learned a lot. Do more!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing, thanks Calvy!

[@vksivakumar]

Splendid!

[@eliashossain2429]

Thank you Spencer Cox for your clear explanation .....

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome, Elias!

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

just discover your channel mate! Good work.. you are a pretty good teacher: clear & concise! Thank you!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Really appreciate it, thanks, Gabriel!

[@mikaelhylander6321]

Great info. I realy enjoy your videos. I´v been shooting for nearly 20 years but one always need refresh the knowledge and also learn new stuff and I find your videos very informative and easy to follow. Its very clear and direct info and after watching there is no questionmarks as viewer. Did you try out any Light polution filter for Nightscape photography ? //Mikael

[@Barbara-oi1rp]

Great video! Thank you for these very clear explanations.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing!

[@rehfeldttw]

Very comprehensive review. Looking at your other videos, I decided to subscribe. Thank you for sharing.

[@jenniferwang4956]

Excellent!

[@carljarvinen1189]

Thanks for the information on how f-stop and focal length effect the results while using ND filters. I now need to reconsider how I use them. Very helpful. I’ve liked all your videos, no preference about long or short. Just keep them coming...

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing! Glad it was helpful, especially in terms of focal length with the grad filters.

[@locp]

Really enjoyed this presentation. It covers so much information in such effective and organized manner. If you are doing all the photography topics this way, you are going to run out of topics soon 😆. Looking forward to watching all your videos. Well done 👍

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you! That’s my goal, haha 😄

[@stephenroberts7828]

Brilliant vid.Although i have use a combination of filters for some time now there was still nuggets of gold in here.Thnk u

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Glad to hear it and thanks for saying so.

[@noelleenboyers9120]

I know I am only watching this a year and a half later but it was really helpful. You have an easy way of explaining. Do you have a video that teaches how to use them?

[@robertburnett1762]

Very good informative video. Thanks

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Glad it was helpful, thanks, Robert!

[@peterlooper7956]

Great video Spencer, so well presented!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, Peter! I spent a lot of time redesigning my studio setup and speeding up my presentation style for this one. Glad to hear you liked the result and hopefully learned something good about filters along the way!

[@BuckBrothersProjects]

this video is awesome! thanks

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Sure thing!

[@MrWayneButler]

Personally I prefer the longer more in-depth tutorial style posts. I find them extremely helpful, and differentiates you from what everyone else is doing.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thanks Wayne, that’s useful feedback. And glad you found the video useful!

[@suzannemullaney3205]

Thanks for all this information. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You’re very welcome, I’m also glad you found our channel!

[@hawkwut]

Damn, this video needs more views, Thank you Spencer.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Haha, glad you think so!

[@georgecharpentier6043]

Very clear, very informative, well-organized, great presentation. I also appreciate your ability to do a presentation usinng complete sentences.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you, George, I'm very happy you liked it!

[@stanbax4717]

Excellent video. You mention (in passing) about filters for analog, we that one would probably be 1-1.5 hours :) Seriously though, I think the video length is perfect - as is the narration, well prepared and a pleasure to listen to.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you! No doubt, the use of filters is so much more complex with film, especially if I wanted to get into all the darkroom applications they have. Maybe at some point, but not this video!

[@Toga_SV]

Crackin video mate. Well done!

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Thank you!

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Excellent presentation and content. Getting all this knowledge in one video is great. You nailed it

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

Awesome! Really glad you think so.

[@jameskiedinger5344]

Great info! Definitely would like to see more vids of this type. I was not aware of what focal length did to the filter effects, although I tend to stay at wide focal lengths.

[@PhotographyLifeChannel]

You got it, more on the way! Glad to have introduced you to the effect of focal length on grad filters.