Used filters

The great thing about buying filters used is that optical quality doesn't age. Coatings such as B+W's MRC and Nano layers or Hoya's HD Nano treatment keep doing their job, as long as the glass is in good shape. With used filters, look mainly for scratches on the glass and at the condition of the filter ring: a slightly dented ring can jam in your lens. With us, every filter is professionally inspected, so you know in advance what condition it is in.

Choosing the right size and the right type

The most important number is on your lens: the filter diameter, in millimetres (for example 52mm, 67mm or 77mm). Buy a filter in exactly that size, or work with a step-up ring. Unsure about the type? A UV filter is your standard protection, a polarising filter (CPL) is what you use for reflections and contrast, and an ND filter is what you reach for when you deliberately want to work with long shutter speeds or a wide-open aperture in bright light. Browse the subcategories UV, ND and CPL / Polarising to search in a targeted way.

Screw-in filters or a system?

For landscape and long-exposure photography, many photographers opt for a holder system with square filters, such as the Lee Big Stopper or the LEE Little Stopper, because you can then slide graduated neutral density filters (GND) and share filters across several lenses. If you work with individual lenses and want to keep things simple, round screw-in filters are the most convenient. Under Gradient / GND and Filter Accessories you'll find the matching plates and holders.

Who is it for?

From the hobbyist who wants to protect a new lens to the landscape photographer and videographer shooting long exposures: a good filter belongs in every bag. If you're looking for a concrete starting point, the Leica E49 UVa II Filter, the Hoya 77mm HD UV Filter and the B+W 77mm F-Pro 010 UV-Haze 1x Filter are favourite choices to begin with. Buying used saves a good deal compared with new, and with at least 12 months' warranty and a 14-day return period you can take your time trying out whether the filter suits your setup.