Urth Filters I Use Everyday (Photo / Video)
In this blog I will share my filter kit and explain why I have each item, and what I use it for. I’ve never been a huge filter user, however there are times where some filters prove to be invaluable.
I’ve been using Urth filters since before they were even called Urth. Originally, they were under a brand name of Gobe. Up until recently, all my Urth filters were purchased with my own money; however, last week they sent me a few more filters to complete my kit for free. They sent them with zero strings attached, no deliverables, and no requirements. This was a blog I was planning on writing anyway, and since I now have the full kit, I am ready to publish it. If you want to learn more about Urth filters, click here.
Why Urth?
Originally, I purchased them due to the affordable price and thin profile. Later on, when they came out with the magnetic system, I switched over to that. The primary reason was ease of use, the ability to easily swap filters, compact packaging, and high-quality glass. To this day, I still think they are the best value-for-money filter option.
Lens Cap
While this isn’t a filter, every lens I own has an Urth magnetic lens cap. It comes as part of a filter kit, or you can get it separately. This replaced the original plastic cap, has a thinner profile, is easier to take on/off, and doesn’t fall off in your bag.
CPL
I don’t use the polariser often for day-to-day photography, however anytime there is water, glare, or reflections, this filter can make all the difference by cutting that out. This is also something that can’t be replicated in editing or Photoshop. Perfect for water, glass, windows, cars, and much more.
ND8 / ND64
This is by far my most used filter. I use it when I am recording video and want to cut the light coming in so that I can maintain a low shutter speed. This is also good for shooting wide open on sunny days and for slow shutter speed photography. Sometimes ND8 is too weak, and this is where the ND64 comes out. I don’t often use it, but it can really save the day on bright summer afternoons.
UV
I have it just in case I need to shoot in places where there might be risk of damage, sea spray and dirt. I don’t use it often.
Black Mist
This is the latest addition to the kit and is strictly for video. When it comes to photography, I’d rather replicate this look in editing because you have the freedom to turn it off or dial it back. In video this is hard to replicate, so a filter is a better choice. This softens the whole image, takes the digital look away, and blooms the highlights. I haven’t used it much, and maybe a few months down the road I’ll realise it’s not for me, but for now I really like the look it’s giving to my videos.
