Question 1

What size filter do I need for my lens?

Accepted Answer

Check the front of your lens barrel for a number preceded by the ø symbol — that's your filter thread diameter in millimetres. Common sizes include 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm. If you can't find it on the barrel, check your lens manual or the manufacturer's website. Never guess — a filter that's even 1mm off won't fit.

Question 2

Is there a real difference between a cheap ND filter and an expensive one?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's visible in your images. The main issue with budget ND filters is colour cast — a blue or amber tint that shifts your white balance and requires correction in post. Cheap glass also tends to reduce sharpness and introduce ghosting. From around 23 £, you start getting multi-coated optical glass from brands like Hoya that avoids most of these problems. Below that, results are genuinely unpredictable.

Question 3

Do I need a UV filter on a modern digital camera?

Accepted Answer

Not for optical reasons — modern digital sensors are not sensitive to UV light the way film was. A UV filter today is purely a protective filter for your front lens element. Whether it's worth it depends on how you shoot: if you're working in dusty, wet, or high-risk environments, a quality UV filter from Hoya or Hama makes sense. Just make sure it's multi-coated, otherwise it can introduce flare and reduce contrast.

Question 4

Can I stack multiple filters together?

Accepted Answer

You can, but with caveats. Stacking two standard-thickness filters almost always causes vignetting — darkened corners — especially on wide-angle lenses. If you need to combine filters (say, a CPL and an ND), look for 'slim' or 'thin' profile versions designed for stacking. Even then, limit yourself to two filters maximum. Stacking three or more degrades image quality noticeably regardless of filter quality.

Question 5

What ND filter strength should I start with?

Accepted Answer

An ND8 (3 stops) is the most versatile starting point for most photographers. It's strong enough for daytime long exposures and video work without being so extreme that it requires very long shutter speeds in moderate light. If you shoot primarily in bright midday sun or want dramatic waterfall effects, add an ND64 (6 stops) as your second filter. The Hoya NDx400 in this catalogue is a strong option if you want to jump straight to high-density work at a low entry price.

Question 6

Are variable ND filters worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Variable ND filters are convenient but come with a significant trade-off: at higher density settings, most introduce an X-shaped cross-pattern across the image that cannot be corrected in post. This is a well-known optical limitation caused by the two polarising elements inside. Budget variable NDs are particularly prone to this. If you need flexibility, it's generally better to own two fixed ND filters (e.g., ND8 and ND64) than to rely on a variable ND for serious work.

Question 7

Which filter brands are actually worth buying in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Hoya is the safest all-round choice — their PROND EX and Fusion Antistatic lines offer excellent optical quality at mid-range prices, and they have the widest diameter coverage in this catalogue. Tiffen is a reliable alternative, particularly for diffusion and Pro-Mist filters. B+W and NiSi are the premium benchmarks for colour neutrality and build quality, but at prices well above 31 £, they're best justified for professional or commercial use. Avoid unbranded or unknown-brand filters for anything beyond basic lens protection.

Camera Lens Filters Price Comparison

Kenko 37mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko 43mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko Smart Filter MC UV370 Slim Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter 46 mm

Kenko 62mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko MC UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter 95 mm

Kenko 72mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko 77mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko 82mm Air UV Ultraviolet (UV) camera filter

Kenko B001CNC1JW camera lens filter 52 mm

Cokin NUANCES Extreme ND1024 Neutral density camera filter 84 mm

Cokin NUANCES NDX 2-400 Variable density camera filter 77 mm

Cokin NUANCES NDX 2-400 Variable density camera filter 72 mm

Cokin NUANCES NDX 2-400 Variable density camera filter 67 mm

Camera Lens Filters Price Comparison