Photography filters are an essential tool for any photographer, and choosing the right brand can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos. Lee Filters, B+W, Tiffen, Hoya, Cokin, NISI, and K&F Concept are all popular brands that offer a wide range of filters for photographers. Lee Filters has been producing filters since 1967 and is a favorite among professionals. They offer a combination of quality and filter selection, including neutral density filters, polarizing filters, graduated neutral density filters, black and white options, and special effects.
B+W is known for its innovation in multilayer filter coatings and offers incredible quality. Tiffen is another great option for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. Hoya filters are a great way to enter the world of landscape photography filters on a budget. They offer circular polarizers, neutral density filters, foreground filters, and special effect options like soft filters and star filters.
Cokin introduced a creative filter system in the 1970s that allowed photographers to use the same filters on several lenses. They offer square filters including neutral density filters, graduated neutral density filters, graduated color filters, circular polarizing filters, black and white filters, optical effect filters, and more. NISI has managed to create innovative ultra-high quality filters that would satisfy almost any professional. They offer neutral density filters, polarizing filters, graduated neutral density filters and much more.
K&F Concept has rapidly expanded to offer virtually every type of filter imaginable since it was founded in 2001. They have circular polarizers, neutral density filters, graduated neutral density filters, foreground filters, black and white options, optical effect filters, and more. When it comes to air filter ratings, MERV 11-13 are often recommended for HVAC systems. Nordic Pure MERV 12 is a perfectly good filter that often costs less than other brands. Air filters also help keep your oven coils and heat exchangers clean which can extend the life of your oven and keep it running efficiently. When it comes to kitchen water filtration systems, The Home Depot uses FPR while the industry standard is to use the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) air filter rating system. During a wildfire you'll need to change air filters more often than you would under normal air conditions. If you're looking for bread and butter photography filters with incredible optics then The Home Depot's brand is a great way to go.
They also offer a filter recycling program where you can return old and used filters that are responsibly recycled through TerraCycle.