When it comes to photography, a camera body and lens are rudimentary equipment. But beyond this point, a myriad of other optional equipment awaits — lens filters included! Before you let the manufacturers of them “take your money,” listen to what Gavin Hardcastle has to say on the topic. His advice on the best filters to use may save you some of that hard-earned cash!
The Only Filter You May Need (And Why)
As a high-traffic YouTube vlogger, Gavin gets his fair share of free merchandise and paid promotion offers. However, when it comes to camera lens filters, he often turns them down. The reason is that he actually only uses one filter — a circular polarizer (CPL).
…filter companies are quite keen to get involved with Youtubers… my problem here is, I’ve turned away many, many lucrative sponsorship deals with filter companies… the reason why I’ve done that… is because I really only use one filter… a CPL.
As far as he’s concerned, CPLs are the perfect product, and most other lens filters are just an unnecessary reinvention. He’s shared the top reasons why he thinks that a CPL filter is the best filter in his vlog.
1# Easy to Setup
CPL filters are easy to attach to your camera. If you’re only using one filter, you also won’t need a complex filter holder system, making setup even easier.
2# Compact
CPL filters are generally very small and compact, making them easier to pack. You can even keep yours on your camera while not shooting, or it’s stashed away.
Photo captured by Jordan Brierley
3# Glare Control
You can move your CPL filter around to selectively cut through glare and reveal what’s below. Ideal for situations where there’s water or reflections, a CPL offers you that extra bit of control.
4# Adjust Saturation & Contrast
When adjusting your CPL filter, both glare, as well as saturation, and contrast can be enhanced and fine-tuned. As most feature a graded tint or coating, you can also play around with various effects.
5# Works Like An NDL
Neutral density filters are ideal for cutting down exposure — especially when shooting time-lapses or at slower shutter speeds. However, Gavin often uses his CPL as a basic NDL, as it can achieve a similar result.
The Other Filter Gavin Uses Occasionally
The only other lens filter that Gavin really uses is a 10-stop neutral density filter (or NDL). Typically used to shut out light, it allows photographers to shoot at a longer exposure rate.
Very useful if you want to capture or blur movement — perhaps of water, in your images. However, he only uses it very occasionally if he needs to fix a serious issue, such as overexposure or blurring movement.
To Conclude
From tinted to gradients, there are a ton of filters from which to choose, but Gavin prefers to stick with a good old CPL. His final tip? Go pro and choose a filter brand based on its customer service more than anything else. As far as he’s concerned, most professional-grade CPL filters are of the same quality. But having someone to turn to if anything happens to yours is priceless.
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