Do I have to use filters?
As for filters for obtaining effects, you can use them at your discretion, that is, if in your particular case you think you need a filter, buy it. Remember that you must be clear about what exactly you want to get with it.
As for the lens protection filter, it is highly recommended to use it. It costs much less than the lens itself, but can save it in some cases. In addition, it will keep dust, lint, dirt, fingerprints and so on from getting on the lens. The only important point - do not skimp on a protective filter, because cheap ones can seriously limit the capabilities of your lens and the pictures will be clouded and of poor quality. Still, high-quality glass costs a lot. Such filters practically do not give any effects on the resulting image.
What are light filters for?
It all depends on the type of the filter itself. Below we describe the most popular and their purpose.
Polarizing
Cuts off reflective light from shiny surfaces to enhance the color of the sky. Mostly needed for shooting on sunny bright days, in order to avoid various sun hares from falling into the frame. In addition, it protects the camera from dust and dirt and is constantly worn on the lens by most users. Interestingly, you cannot repeat the effect of such a filter in a graphics editor like Photoshop.
Effects filters
In fact, they are attachments that are needed to obtain special photo effects. Their use is not required, since such effects can be simulated on a computer.
When shooting through filters, it is important not to use several filters at the same time, even if there is a technical possibility, the output image will unpleasantly surprise you. Also, when removing with a filter, use a lens hood. If not, purchase it. Failure to do so may damage the lens, and the resulting damage will be difficult (if not impossible) to repair. Such requirements are due to the fact that even the highest quality filter somehow makes the image cloudy.
