Whatever niche of the business you find yourself in, whether filming people's special events or photographing the world's natural wonders, possessing a varied collection of camera lenses and filters is the key to success.

There is an incredible amount of products to choose from, so it can be a little overwhelming when you first begin your search, especially when shopping online. To minimize the amount of time spent looking for camera filters and camera lenses, have some idea of what you need before you begin sifting through your innumerable options.

Here are a few tips to help get you started:

1. Consider purchasing something like a camera filter kit, which comes with a few different filters to get you started and the camera filter accessories you need to get the most out of them.

2. Look for websites where you can easily comparison shop, so that you can find the lens or filter you want at a price that is good for you business, too. Shopping online is also an easy way to find used camera lenses and other products that will save you and your business money if you're on a tight budget.

3. Purchase a few camera lenses and filters that allow you to produce interesting and unusual special effects in your photographs or videos--being able to offer something unique to your customers is a good way to draw in more business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Comparison shop for the best deals on video camera filters, lenses and still camera equipment

Shopping online has certain advantages compared to shopping in stores; it can be much easier and faster to comparison shop. Look for video camera lenses and filters and/or traditional still and digital camera lenses and filters on websites that allow you to compare different prices, features, brands, etc., all in one convenient place.

I recommend: Sites such as NexTag, Inc. and Pronto, Inc. boast about their consumers' abilities to easily and effectively comparison shop using their websites.

Look for kits with a mix of lenses and filters and camera lens accessories to simplify the process

You can find kits that contain either camera lenses, camera filters, camera lens accessories or a mix of the three. Purchasing a kit like this can make your shopping experience much simpler and more pleasant, as you can get everything you need in one place, and you can also sometimes save money. In addition to these benefits, if you're just starting your business or branching out into photography or videography, kits can help you get moving by quickly and efficiently providing you with all the basics you'll need to begin.

I recommend: Start at websites like Adorama Camera, Inc., which sells a large selection of camera filter kits, as well as a huge variety of other camera equipment and accessories. Filterhouse specializes solely in selling camera filters and offers an especially good array of digital filter kits, as well as other camera lens accessories.

Offer creative products and effects using a unique filter or lens for a camera

Different camera lenses and filters can give a different overall feel to your photos or videos, allowing you to be much more creative and offer a much greater array of options in terms of styles and products to your customers than you would be able to with simple, traditional lenses and filters.

I recommend: Some longstanding stores that have recently gone online, like Ritz Interactive, Inc. can offer you expertise that some of the larger, warehouse-style retailers just can't match. This types of seller might be good for someone who needs serious consultation about which products to buy, or who needs assistance locating a hard-to-find camera filter or lens. Canoga Camera Corporation is another such retailer that has been in business since 1959 and is now online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're having a lot of trouble locating just what it is you need, or if you're having trouble even just figuring out what you need in the huge pool of products out there, try to find an online retailer of camera filters and lenses with especially good customer service or an extra consultation service. Some may offer it free of charge, and it always helps to have an expert on your side to search out the best products and deals for your business.