So you think that a naked lens was able to capture some of the best landscape images? Well you are wrong, a lens alone cannot handle the harsh sun and very bright clouds and still expose for the ground. The filter commonly used for outdoor photography is a neutral density filter. There are many types of neutral density filters. You will first need to identify the location of the image you want to capture and then analyze the light at the time you would like to capture the image. With this information, you will now select how many stops necessary to under expose the sky to balance the exposure to the ground. Once you have this information, then go to your closest camera store or buy the neutral density filter online. The two brands I use and trust are filters from B+W and Hoya.
Another filter I use outdoors to help reduce the glare from shiny surfaces and water is a circular polarizer. I use a Hoya filter for my Nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-5.6 VR lens.
If you just need to protect your glass, I’d get a UV filter. I am using a B+W filter for my Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8 VR2.
I know there are a few photographers that shoot naked and proud of it and simply make the necessary adjustments in photoshop, but if you are like me and like to do as much on camera as possible then a filter will be your best friend.
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