How HOYA Filters Solve Common Photography Challenges: A Guide for Better Photos

Photographers and filmmakers must consider several factors to get the perfect shot, and which kit to use is an essential one.

While an image can be corrected or touched up in post-production - to minimise work, create the best picture possible and streamline production, choosing the right supporting gear for your camera is key. Accessories are instrumental in overcoming difficulties such as lighting in photography.

That’s why filters are a vital tool every photographer and filmmaker should have in their (metaphorical) belt. Filters enhance photos, control light coming into the lens and support balancing an image. They can be used to produce striking photography effects at the point of capture without having to edit the photo afterwards.

There are many different uses for filters in photography, depending on what type of filter you’re using. Let’s explore some of the most common filter types and their uses and how the HOYA filter range successfully fulfils multiple photography needs.

Types of filters

Polarising filters for landscape photography

Polarising (PL) filters control polarised light. In practice, this means they control reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water and glass. They also improve colour saturation and contrast by filtering out polarised components of light.

PL filters are generally used in landscape photography due to their ability to create striking effects, for instance, when capturing the sky reflected on a lake, or cutting unwanted reflections, such as lights reflected in a shop window. They are also ideal for automotive photography for the latter reason, as they can cut light in a car window.

Colour filters for black and white photography

Colour filters are used to subtract colours, blocking one type and allowing others through. While taking shots, this can help bring out details in the sky, add new dimensions to textured surfaces and enhance images by making areas sharper. These filters are indispensable for creating depth and realism in black and white photography, stopping photos from appearing flat and adjusting how colour is translated into shades of grey.

Infrared filters for settings and film photography

Now, in comparison to colour filters, infrared filters block all visible light, allowing only infrared light through. These filters are typically used in cameras that have been designed or modified for infrared photography and film cameras with infrared film. They permit the transmission of the red region of the light spectrum at around 750nm and going up beyond 1000nm, which is invisible to the naked eye. This can make certain elements like the sky or leaves darker, creating stunning, creative results that are perfect for shooting unique settings and optimising tricky lighting.

Neutral Density filters for high-contrast photography

Neutral Density (ND) filters come in many shapes and forms. They reduce light in the parts of an image where there are noticeable differences in exposure, which is useful in high-contrast situations where there’s a lot of light and shadow at play. They can help faithfully capture background details, making the post-production process smoother.

ND filters are categorised into densities of strength, and each has variable uses spanning landscape, portrait and imaginary landscape photography. They are perfect for videography, too, as they allow users to reduce the amount of light coming through the lens and shoot in bright light without having to adjust settings.

UV filters for lens protection

Where previously UV filters would have been used to counteract a bluish haze caused by UV light, most modern lenses are insensitive to UV rays. UV filters are now used to protect the lens from the effects of daily use (although, they can still be handy for cutting out UV light when using film cameras and vintage lenses). They protect the front element of lenses from dust, dirt, moisture and scratches.

Star and astrophotography filters for creating scenic effects

Star filters do just what you’d expect – they create stars from specular highlights without the need to change the aperture. They shape light sparkling from light sources such as water surfaces to create an impressive visual display. Meanwhile, astrophotography filters such as the HOYA STARSCAPE cut light pollution from artificial lights for night-time and astrophotography. In recent years, infrared filters have also been used to cut off unwanted light pollution.

The standout HOYA filter range

With different sizes and options for each filter, photographers must have the best fit for their camera and the right optical effects for their lens to reach their full photography potential. Experimenting with shooting at different angles and times of day, using the range of effects available for each filter may help determine which is the right choice.

This process requires extensive research, but going with a trusted brand is always a good starting point. HOYA filters are a brilliant choice, offering versatile options to suit all budgets.

Established in 1941 as Japan’s first speciality optical glass manufacturer, HOYA has spread its work into other business areas that use advanced optical technologies. They are exceptionally featured within the field of optical glass production.

Known for their superior optical quality and durability, HOYA offers a wide variety of filters for use in all imaging applications, including mirrorless cameras, DSLR’s, medium format, large format, video and film. Their premium class of filters uses high-quality glass or resin materials that reduce reflections, flare and ghosting for enhanced image quality. Not only this, but the premium materials used also match the optical quality of the high-end lenses with high-quality filter glass to ensure no losses.

To give a few examples, HOYA FUSION ONE NEXT is a series of circular PL, UV and protection filters, an update of the HOYA FUSION ONE series. These filters fuse all the highly valued specifications: multi-layer coating, ultra-high light transmission, professional-grade optical glass and a low-profile filter frame. They incorporate high-quality optical glass with HOYA's water-repellent and stain resistant Super HMC coatings, which make filter maintenance easy whilst still providing reliable protection for the camera lens.

HOYA's graduated ND filters help to make photos look as impressive as landscapes do to the human eye, providing much-needed balance to scenes. What’s unique about these HOYA ND filters is they are graduated, a ‘blender’ style with a smooth, continuous transition from dark to clear across the whole filter. They are incredibly versatile, with uses in a variety of different situations.

A new high-end series from HOYA that would suit professional photographers to a tee is the HD NANO Mk II series. This series includes PL and UV filters, designed to resist severe shooting conditions and accidental damages. Besides chemically hardened optical glass, the series adopts a newly developed ultra-hard, scratch-resistant nano coating which provides not only reliable protection of the camera lens, but also protection of the filter itself. This series is ideal for high-end lenses, matching the optical quality and ensuring the lens still performs to its best.

Filters are perfect for getting the shot right in camera, and HOYA presents cutting-edge technologies to improve this practice by augmenting a camera’s capabilities. If you’re interested in finding out more about HOYA filters, head to our HOYA landing page. For further insight or guidance, the Holdan team are available for any support required for HOYA products.