Adding a lens filter is one of the best ways that any photographer can improve their images, especially is this true in landscape photography. Two of the most used filters for landscape photography are circular polarizer and neutral density filters. 

What can these two filters do for your landscape photography and is there a better way to use landscape photography filters?

C-POL and ND Filters - What They Do

^{Photo by Vincent Rivaud from Pexels}

The two most useful landscape photography filters for my own photography are the circular polarizer (C-POL) and neutral density (ND) filters. A polarizer helps control reflections which includes contrast lowering atmospheric light scattering. The effect on the image can be seen in the camera viewfinder.

^{Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels}

Neutral density filters are useful to change the overall exposure value of a scene to allow you to use a shutter speed or aperture that you really want for a specific photographic technique, such as selective focus or motion blur. We have covered both C-POL and ND filters in depth in some previous articles.

Lens Filter Systems

For my own landscape photography filters, I like to use a lens filter system as opposed to single screw in filters. A lens filter system, like the Haida M10 Filter System, makes using various special lens filters easier, faster, and more cost effective than screw in filters.

How does it work and how does it save time and money?

How It Works

The Haida filters in the M10 system fit in a filter holder, the lens filter holder attaches to the lens by means of an adapter. 

The filter holder is machined aluminum and can hold 3 insert filters and 1 drop in filter at the same time. Light blocking material prevents any extra light from the sides getting into the light path or causing unwanted reflections in the filters. 

The inserted filters are either square or slightly rectangular in the case of some of the graduated neutral density filters (GND). Width of the filters is 100X100mm, or 100X150mm for GND, and the thickness is 2mm. Drop in filters like the C-POL are round and fit in a different slot.

The GND Haida filters are longer so that you can place the transition line wherever you need it to be for that particular image. The C-POL filters have their own built in turning wheel for adjusting them without requiring you to turn the entire filter assembly.

Learn More:

• Must-Have Landscape Photography Accessories
• Two Lens Filters that are Must-Haves for Your Camera Bag
• Circular Polarizer Do’s and Don'ts

Improve Workflow

Using a lens filter holder system for your landscape photography filters improves your workflow, too. With a set of your most desired filters for landscape photography like the circular polarizer and neutral density filters, you can quickly and easily swap out one filter for another.

As an example, I do much of my own landscape photography with my camera and lens mounted on a tripod. This gives me more control for this style of my personal photography. With a Haida filter system mounted on the lens, I can take several different types of images without a lot of fuss.

Instead of screwing and unscrewing multiple filters, I simply slide them in and out. If I need two filters at once for a certain image, I just put two filters in the holder. This especially helps when using a circular polarizer and a GND filter together.  

The Haida filter holder system also improves workflow when I use different lenses. I mount the proper adapter on each lens ahead of time, then all I have to do after changing lenses is remount the filter holder to each lens. 

The lens filter workflow for my landscape photography is also improved by not having to have several different filters of various types and sizes taking up real estate in my camera bag. The Haida filter systems even have their own cases that keep it all organized inside my bag.

Saves Money, Too

^{Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels}

High quality lens filters for landscape photography are a little bit more expensive than some run of the mill filters. If I had to replicate the same filter multiple times for several different lens sizes, these better filters will quickly eat up a good portion of my budget for photography gear.

Using Haida filters, you can save even more by choosing some of their combination filters such as the circular polarizer plus neutral density filters like their C-POL + 8X ND filter. Even if this particular filter is an additional lens filter in my kit, for the times I need it, it still improves my workflow for those shots by combining the effects into one filter.

A Game-Changer for Me

As you can see from multiple previous articles, I love using lens filters for landscape photography. The Haida filters are ultra high quality, simple to use, easily stackable, and quite cost effective. I’m sure you will love them, too. 

Learn More:

• Lens Filter Buying Guide
• Get Better Landscape Photos with These Simple Tips
• How To Improve Landscape Photography