Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Jeannie, the most important thing is to put quality glass on the front of a camera lens. This does NOT mean you need to go out and buy the most expensive item. And in many test comparisons the expensive brands do not provide the best image quality.

If you end up getting a circular polarizer, here is some guidance:

https://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-circular-polarizer-filter-5-top-models-tested-and-rated-1320842

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/09/my-not-nearly-complete-but-rather-entertaining-circular-polarizer-filter-article/

https://photographylife.com/reviews/hoya-pro1-digital-circular-polarizing-filter

For what it's worth, I use the Hoya Pro1.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Another vote for a circular polarizer. A polarizer darkens the sky when set 90 degrees to the sun, saturates colors and eliminates unwanted reflections from non metallic surfaces. I am sure your husband knows all that.
Because the photographer is using another piece of glass in front of his lens a good quality filter will not deteriorate the image so buy a good quality filter.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, a polarizer! Some tests below -

http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html
http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html
http://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-circular-polarizer-filter-5-top-models-tested-and-rated-1320842

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

A circular polarizer, as others have recommended. Get a good one and be aware that they are pricey.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Get the polarizer as the first filter as a gift.
He will enjoy it
Make sure it is the right diameter.

uhaas2009

I would go with Gift certificate.......isn’t easy to get the right equipment without experience or knowledge.......

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

B&W listed 99.8% light transmission which is as good as it gets. If he knows anything about filters he will be happy to use it.

Your are on solid ground with this filter.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Also Breakthru has some quality filters. Make sure you get the rite thread size. When you call to order, tell the salesman the exact lens you are purchasing for.

Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

As many have suggested and since it is a gift, a circular polarizer would be best if you elect to purchase rather than give him a gift card. I use the Hoya Pro 1. While I do have UV filters---they came with my lenses---they are never used when I am shooting.

C.R. Smith (Charles)
Angel Star Photography
www.angelstarphotography.com

uhaas2009

What are this for filters?

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

Jeannie1, If your hubby has neuron one ANY filter you get for him will be perfect. You can't go wrong with a circular polarizer. He's a very lucky guy.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Its a measure of how much light the filter lets through. 99.8% means it only absorbs 0.2% light. This is an imperceptible amount. 100% would be a theoretical perfect filter which likely is impossible.

dleebrick Loc: Indian Land, South Carolina

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

The filters that make sense for DIGITAL photography are:

Clear Glass Protector — This is used when in hazardous environments such as a windy day on the beach, a stock car race, hiking, photographing chemical or industrial processes, traveling... It is NOT a good idea to use one for astrophotography or studio photography, or in a safe environment when using a tripod.

Circular Polarizer — This is used to darken blue skies at right angles to the sun, and to reduce reflections off of foliage, water, and glass.

Neutral Density Filters — Available in several strengths, these are used for many reasons. You can use a wider aperture for shallower depth of field, or use a slower shutter speed to add motion blur (those cliche, silky smooth waterfall photos come to mind...). I use them for video, to use the slow 1/25 or 1/30 or 1/50 or 1/60 second speed needed to avoid jerkiness in the picture. ND filters also allow reasonably wide apertures in bright sun. They help blur backgrounds, and allow use of the best (sharpest) apertures on the lens.

ND2 reduces exposure by 1 stop.
ND4 reduces exposure by 2 stops.
ND8 reduces exposure by 3 stops.
ND16 reduces exposure by 4 stops.
ND32 reduces exposure by 5 stops.
ND64 reduces exposure by 6 stops.
…and so on, up to 13 stops...

I carry an ND3 and an ND8.

Whatever filters he uses, he should also use a lens hood/lens shade! Besides avoiding lens flare from direct light sources, shades/hoods improve the chances a lens would survive a fall.

PhotosBySteve

Don't do it!!! Instead, give a gift certificate to B&H Photo or Adorama. If my wife gave me something like that, it would be embarrassing to tell her it's not for me. That is something the photographer should research and select based upon need and shooting style.