Which Brand Filter Should You Choose for Your Canon 80D 18-135mm Lens?
When it comes to purchasing filters for your Canon 80D lens, especially with an 18-135mm zoom lens, there are several types of filters you might consider based on your photography needs. Whether you're shooting photos in bright sunlight, looking to enhance colors in landscapes, or capturing long exposures, the right filter can make a significant difference in your photos. In this article, we will explore the different types of filters and recommend some popular brands.
Types of Filters for Your Canon 80D 18-135mm Lens
UV Filter
What is a UV Filter? A UV filter is primarily used to protect your lens from dust, scratches, and other minor damages that could occur during shooting. It absorbs ultraviolet light, which can improve image quality under certain conditions. Since dust and scratches are more noticeable on a lens, a UV filter can provide a layer of protection.
Popular UV Filters for Canon 80D 18-135mm Lens: BW 67mm UV Haze Filter - Known for its durability and effectiveness in protecting your lens. Hoya 67mm UV Filter - A widely trusted brand with a loyal user base, offering high-quality UV protection.
Polarizing Filter
What is a Polarizing Filter? A polarizing filter is particularly useful for reducing reflections and enhancing colors, especially in landscapes. It can significantly improve the saturation of colors and reduce glare on water and glass surfaces. If you're planning to take landscapes or architectural photography, a polarizing filter is a must-have.
Popular Polarizing Filters for Canon 80D 18-135mm Lens: BW Circular Polarizer - Known for its excellent color accuracy and durability. Hoya Circular Polarizer - A reliable choice with a strong reputation for producing high-quality images.
Neutral Density ND Filter
What is a Neutral Density ND Filter? A neutral density (ND) filter is designed to reduce the amount of light passing through the lens, allowing for longer exposures in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for capturing smooth water, clouds in motion, or low-light photography. If you're into low-light photography or want to experiment with longer exposures, an ND filter can be a valuable tool.
Popular ND Filters for Canon 80D 18-135mm Lens: BW ND Filter - Known for its high-quality and durability. Hoya ND Filter - Trusted for its consistent performance and wide range of options.
A Personal Perspective: Hoya Filters and My Photography Hobby
While the market for filters is vast, with numerous brands available, one particular brand stands out among hobbyists and photography enthusiasts alike: Hoya filters. As a user of Hoya filters, I can confidently vouch for their quality and reliability.
One of my favorite things about Hoya filters is their ease of cleaning. Compared to many other types of filters, Hoya filters are relatively straightforward to clean, which is a significant advantage for a casual photographer like me. Despite the numerous filters available in the market, I have stuck with Hoya because they just seem to work well and provide consistent results.
As mentioned, I don't use filters on all of my lenses. My Nikon 85mm f1.8 and 200–500mm lenses do not have filters. This is partly because the 85mm is a prime lens, and the polarization of light hardly affects its performance. Additionally, the 200-500mm lens is a long focal length, and the cost of a 92mm filter is around ￡100, making it less practical. While I use hoods to protect the lenses, it's simply not as effective as a filter in preventing dust and scratches.
Why I Use Filters? For me, filters serve as a form of protection. While technically, the UV component of a filter is irrelevant in digital photography, where the pixel sites already have a built-in UV filter, filters provide peace of mind. My priority is to protect my investment in high-quality lenses. Given my family—two young children who are always around the camera and taking pictures of them sporadically, sometimes leading to sticky fingers, giggles, and food—all in sandy, dusty, or salty environments, filters give me an extra layer of protection. Even if I occasionally sacrifice a bit of image quality, the psychological benefit of having a filter is immeasurable.
While some argue that no filter is better, I believe it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. In my view, filters are a worthwhile investment, especially when it comes to protecting your investment in lenses and ensuring you maintain optimal image quality. Whether you're shooting with a Canon 80D or any other DSLR, consider the types of filters mentioned and choose the ones that best fit your needs and shooting style.
Conclusion: In the world of photography, the choice of filters is highly subjective. While some may dismiss their use, others find them invaluable for protection and enhancement. Hoya filters have proven to be a reliable and performing choice for many photographers, including myself. By understanding the different types of filters and their applications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your photography goals and lifestyle.