What is a Protection Lens Filter? & How to Use One

Looking to understand what a UV protection lens filter is, what it can do for you, and how to go about using one? We are going to address those questions and more ahead!

But first, if you’re a photographer looking for new spaces to explore and shoot, Peerspace has you covered there, too. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, Peerspace is the go-to for one-of-a-kind venues in towns and cities across the country and beyond. In fact, we have thousands of professional production studios and other creatively-inspired spaces ideal for all of your projects.

We’ll dive further into how Peerspace can enhance your photography ahead. But first, let’s get back to everything you need to know about protection lens filters. Keep reading for all these essential details and more!

What is a protection lens filter?

Studio Binder calls a UV protection lens filter “cheap lens insurance” because it is an ultra-easy way to effectively protect your lenses. A UV protection lens filter is a glass filter that you attach to the front of your camera lens to protect it from UV (that is, ultraviolet) rays.

Because it’s affordable and easy to access, it’s one of the first filters that most new photographers invest in. Most photographers use UV protection lens filters if they have a relatively costly lens that they worry about damaging.

Also discover: what is an anamorphic lens?

How does a protection lens filter work?

UV protection lens filters physically block dust, dirt, sand, grit, liquid (e.g., rain), and other particles floating in the air. In effect, these lenses weatherproof your valuable lens. This means a lens filter is especially useful if you’re doing any outdoor photography, especially in windy conditions that might blow damaging particles onto your lens. 

When you use a protection lens filter, any particles that land on your lens are easy to wipe off. Plus, you don’t have to worry about scratching your expensive lens when you do. What if you happen to bump your camera or drop it? With a UV lens filter, you’ll probably only have to replace the filter (which typically costs less than $100) rather than the lens itself (which might cost thousands of dollars).

That’s why a UV lens filter is especially useful if you’re, say, going on hikes with your camera or doing anything where there’s a higher chance that you might fall or drop it somewhere. 

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Are there downsides to using protection lens filters?

You may be wondering if there are any reasons you might want to avoid using a UV protection lens filter. There can be issues if you put several lens filters on top of your lens at once. How so? Well, when light passes through multiple layers of glass, it can reduce image quality.

However, suppose you’re just using one UV protection lens filter of reasonably good quality (specifically, a filter made of glass as high quality as the glass in your lens itself). In that case, there won’t be any noticeable effects on the quality of your images.

The benefits of using a UV protection lens filter far outweigh these negligible and unlikely downsides. 

Using protection lens filters on digital vs. film cameras

UV protection lens filters have different uses depending on whether you’re shooting on a digital or film camera. However, they’re definitely useful for both. 

Shooting on film

For an old-fashioned film camera, UV lens filters block UV light from hitting the film itself. This will be particularly beneficial if you’re using film that’s highly susceptible to UV light.

If you’re unsure about your film, it’s worth doing some side research into this. 

Using a digital camera

Digital cameras produced after 2007 or so have sensors that effectively protect your images from the effects of ultraviolet light. But there are still reasons to use UV filters. Besides the fact that a UV protection lens filter can protect your expensive and valuable lens from damage, so is basically a form of weatherproofing, it can also improve the quality of your digital photographs.

UV filters can make your photos look sharper and minimize the look of “haze”. And when you’re shooting images with a lot of shadows or it’s a more overcast day, a UV filter can also increase the contrast in your images, which is a desirable effect. 

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How much does a UV protection lens filter cost?

The cost of a protection lens filter varies. The cheapest ones might be as little as $20, while the most expensive can reach roughly $100. This might sound like a lot. But your protection lens filter may protect a camera lens that costs thousands of dollars. So as you can see, it’s a reasonable price to pay, and one that’s totally worth it in the long run.

We recommend that you spend the extra money now so you don’t have to replace your costly lens due to damage later on. We also suggest that you read up on our guide to cleaning your camera lens here to further protect your investment.

Check out: fisheye lens photography tips: how to nail the shot

Consider Peerspace to find your next photography location

Remember, if you’re in need of an inspiring photoshoot location, Peerspace has got you covered! It’s the most extensive online marketplace for short-term rentals of all kinds of spaces, including but not limited to photo studios and multi-use creative spaces that would be perfect for your next photoshoot. 

With Peerspace, the venue selection is unreal. The website provides access to many thousands of incredible and unique spaces in hundreds of cities, whether you’re based in North America or the United Kingdom.

How to use Peerspace

The easy-to-use search tool makes searching this enormous selection extremely simple, too. First, enter the type of event you’re planning (in this case, you can write “photoshoot”) and the city where you’re planning it. Once you press “search,” you’ll encounter tons of options across a range of budgets, aesthetics, and more. 

You can narrow these options down to only the ones that best suit your particular preferences. Then, browse each venue’s detailed listings that include photos, upfront pricing, descriptions of the spaces, and reviews from those who’ve used the spaces in the past.

The Peerspace difference

Even without actually visiting the locations themselves, it’s super easy to get a sense of what they’re like and choose the ideal space for your next photoshoot.

And if you’re unsure about anything or have any specific requests, you can always reach out directly to the hosts of a given space. All venues are owned and operated by locals who strive to make your experience in their spaces exceptional.

For that reason, many hosts not only offer their spaces but also provide props, gear, and even in some cases, catering or staffing. These details will be included on the listing page and are either included with the rental charge or are extra add-on services.

Next, we’ll share some Peerspace venues that can enhance your work, just so you see what’s out there!

Peerspaces ideal for honing your craft

So, what types of venues can you book on Peerspace that can being your projects to life? Here are just a few of our favorite spaces in corners across the globe:

• This spacious and fully-equipped daylight studio in Seattle that has a corner cyc wall, four shooting bays, two editing bays, a chef’s kitchen, and equipment rental
• This colorful, retro loft studio in London, England with natural light, an 80s aesthetic, a kitchen, and pops of neon colors
• This photo studio with lighting gear included in Nashville with a cyc wall, white backdrop, and parking
• This spacious ground-floor photo studio in Manchester, England with natural light, equipment, a makeup station, and a kitchen
• This moody production studio in Berlin, Germany with exposed brick, a grand piano, a lounge, a kitchen, and a recording studio
• This photography studio space in Dallas, TX with lighting gear, backdrops, and props

This is just a small sample of these types of incredible spaces you can rent on Peerspace! Be sure to explore these listings and start your own search to discover all of the incredible spaces near you.

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Protection lens filter: conclusion

We hope this guide has taught you a bit about protection lens filters and how crucial they can be for your craft. Consider it a form of insurance for your expensive and cherished camera, and buy one! Whether you shoot primarily indoors or out, it can protect your camera lens from dust, debris, and the elements.

Now that you’re ready to scoop up a protection lens filter, there is still one more to-do on your photography list today. Booking the perfect Peerspace venue!

All you have to do is click the link, enter your location, and see all the amazing spaces that pop up. You can book spaces ideal for shooting portraits and products, colorful editorials, natural wonders, and so much more. It’s the easiest (and, let’s be honest, the most fun!) way to enhance your skills and work your magic in a completely new setting.

Keep your eye on all of our photography resources to learn the latest tips, tricks, and hacks of the biz!

Find unique photoshoot locations on Peerspace