Even though editing software is very advanced in photography, it is still worth using filters. By using camera filters, you can easily achieve effects that are difficult or time-consuming to create in post-processing. It is therefore worth purchasing filters for your landscape photography photos if you want to take your photos to the next level and create great images. There are various filter systems for using filters in landscape photography.
In this article, we will show you which filter systems are available, the advantages and disadvantages of these filter systems and which filter systems we recommend for landscape photography to create simply great images.
Nikon Z8, 24-120mm f/4.5, f/16, 1/3s, ISO 100
Landscape photography filters and their effects
Before you choose the right filter system, you need to get to know the different filters and their areas of application. The filters used in landscape photography are divided into correction and effect filters.
The correction filters include:
Filter | Application |
|---|---|
UV filter | Lens protection |
Polarizing filter | Reduction of reflections, more intense colors |
Gray filter | Softening of water & clouds, removing objects through longer exposure times |
Graduated gray filter | Compensation for strong differences in brightness |
The following effect filters are also available: star filter, color filter, grid filter, vario-cross filter, blur filter, split-field filter, radial zoom filter, speed filter, prism filter, mirage filter and others.
You can find all the details and useful practical tips on correction filters in our detailed blog posts on polarizing filters, grey filters and graduated gray filters.
Advantages and disadvantages of filter systems in landscape photography
There are various filter systems to choose from when using filters. A distinction is made between screw-in filters, plug-in filters and magnetic filters.
Screw-in filter system
Advantages of the screw-in filter system | Disadvantages of the screw-in filter system |
|---|---|
Favorable acquisition costs | Combination of filters is possible to a limited extent (watch out for vignetting in the corners of the image) |
Easy handling | The horizon must always be in the center of the graduated filter |
Requires little space | The filter is purchased for one lens size |
Screw-in filters are tight and light scattering is low | An adapter ring
(step-up ring) must be purchased for use with different lens sizes |
Plug-in filter system
Advantages of the plug-in filter system | Disadvantages of the plug-in filter system |
|---|---|
Flexible use for different lenses | Expensive acquisition costs |
Flexible combination of different filters | Takes up a lot of space in your luggage |
Flexibility in the choice of horizon | Handling needs practice |
Light scattering can be problematic | An adapter ring
(step-up ring) must be purchased for use with different lens sizes |
Magnetic filter system
Advantages of the screw-in filter system | Disadvantages of the screw-in filter system |
|---|---|
Very easy handling | The horizon must always be in the center of the graduated filter |
Quick assembly | The filter is purchased for an object size |
Requires little space | A corresponding adapter ring must be purchased for use with different lens sizes |
Magnetic filters are tight and light scattering is low |
Our buying tip for the filter system
We are increasingly using magnetic filters. We appreciate the small pack size and the very easy handling. Polarizers and grey filters can be easily combined.
For the use of graduated filters, the use of a plug-in filter system is still recommended. With the latest camera models, however, it is increasingly possible to dispense with graduated filters. The dynamic range of cameras is constantly improving.
Filters can be bought as a set, which we definitely recommend for ambitious photographers. A useful set contains at least 1 polarizing filter and 2 grey filters in different strengths.
Fujifilm GFX 50s II, f/8, 2.5s, ISO 200 | with gray filter ND 0.9
Step by step to the desired photo with a filter system
- Use a stable tripod and a remote shutter release.
- Switch off the image stabilizer
- Choose your image section
- Measure your exposure time at the desired aperture
- Focus with autofocus and then switch off autofocus. Alternatively, focus manually.
- Attach or screw on a single filter or a combination of several filters (e.g. ND filter and polarizing filter) to the lens
- Calculate exposure time with filter (use an app like PhotoPills, for example)
- Take a picture and check the exposure using the histogram.
- Now try to adjust the settings to get the best exposure for your shot.
Nikon Z9, f/9, 2s, ISO 100 | with magnetic gray filter ND 0.9
Our extra tip for filter photography
The use of filters often makes sense in landscape photography, but not always. It is therefore worth taking two pictures of the same subject. Once with and once without a filter. This way, you can choose the better photo afterwards in front of the computer and don’t have to regret not having used a filter.
Nikon D850, 24-70mm f2.8, f/11, 14s, ISO 100
Nikon D850, 24-70mm f2.8, f/11, 1s, ISO 100
Now you know all the available filter systems in landscape photography and can choose the one that suits you best. If you would like to get to know the filter systems or test one or more filters before buying, this is possible at any time in our workshops and on our photo tours .
We wish you lots of fun taking photos with filters and of course many amazing views for great photos.
Jennifer Brühlmann
Jennifer is the founder and managing director of Amazing Views Photo & Adventure Tours, as well as an experienced nature and landscape photographer. For over ten years, she has been leading photography tours to a wide variety of natural regions around the world, as well as photography workshops in Switzerland. Her focus is on landscapes, natural forms, lighting conditions and the conscious perception of nature. With a wealth of experience and a keen sense for locations, she imparts her photographic knowledge in a calm, structured and practical manner, with the aim of creating authentic images of nature.
Stay up to date
You can find more helpful tips and tricks about photography in our newsletter. We also regularly introduce you to new photo travel destinations or inform you about current special offers.
Stay up to date and subscribe to our newsletter:
