Parma and URTH

The first time I came to visit Parma was probably in 2013. Parma was high on the list at the time, because one of my favorite things to eat is Prosciutto di Parma, which is a very famous type of cured ham that is made there. Parmesan cheese – you know there are also a few great breweries here as well which leaves me feeling both hungry and thirsty…

Coming back to Parma… Parma is a city I’ve visited a few times throughout the years, and besides the amazing food, I honestly always enjoy the chill vibe I feel when visiting the city center – plus all the history and culture. The cool thing about this trip is that I actually got to test out some gear from a company called URTH, which makes lens filters. I had actually purchased an entire set of lens filters from GOBE, which is actually what they used to be called, and it turns out that the filters I had purchased were actually not working as intended for some reason. I think it had to do with the type of glass used to make the previous models, which wasn’t working correctly with my lens – specifically my Sigma 70-200 f2.8.

I reached out to URTH about the problem, and they were nice about it and sent me a few filters to test out, which I took with me to Verona, and the second set I took with me on this trip to Parma. The issue I was facing was that my camera wasn’t focusing correctly to infinity with the filters on. This applied to both Polarizing filters, and Neutral Density filters. Thankfully the lens filters they sent as replacements worked perfectly, and in fact even improved the overall image quality of the photos I was taking. Take a look at the test I conducted below to see the improvement of the reflections being reduced  using a polarizing filter, as well as the reduction of lens color aberration along the edges.

Needless to say I was really impressed with the quality of the replacement filters they sent me to test, and so they ended up sending me new filters to replace the entire set I had previously purchased from their old company! 

 

The additional cool thing about it all is that every filter purchase made from URTH results in multiple new trees being planted. On their website you can actually keep track of how many trees you’ve planted through your URTH account, which I honestly really love. Let’s just say that I’ve helped plant quite a few new trees at this point! I find it so valuable when brands add worth to their products by doing something beneficial for the world. Their slogan is ‘Camera Accessories for Conscious Creators. Love it.

The additional cool thing about it all is that every filter purchase made from URTH results in multiple new trees being planted. On their website you can actually keep track of how many trees you’ve planted through your URTH account, which I honestly really love. Let’s just say that I’ve helped plant quite a few new trees at this point! I find it so valuable when brands add worth to their products by doing something beneficial for the world. 

So, if you’re looking for new lens filters, I’d highly recommend the following:

If you ever have a chance to visit Parma yourself, you’ll see it’s filled with some really interesting architecture, and the clock and sundial tower they have is honestly really amazing. I’d love to learn how it works one day! In the main square of the historic cask you can also appreciate a beautiful octagonal Baptistery that not only stands out because of its shape but it’s covered in pink marble. Parma also has a huge park that is located a short walk distance across the bridge from the city center, and has a really nice lake surrounded by a ton of trees to keep you cool when it’s warmer outside.

If you ever have a chance to visit Parma, you’ll see it’s filled with some really interesting architecture, and the clock and sundial tower they have is honestly really amazing. I’d love to learn how it works one day! In the main square of the historic cask you can also appreciate a beautiful octagonal Baptistery that not only stands out because of its shape but it’s covered in pink marble. Parma also has a huge park that is located a short walk distance across the bridge from the city center, and has a really nice lake surrounded by a ton of trees to keep you cool when it’s warmer outside.

I’m glad I was able to try my new lens filters in this city and I definitely will be coming back to capture more of its beauty – and obviously for some of the best Prosciutto!  If you haven’t been to Parma, I think you’ll find it to be quite the breath of fresh air.

🍻Cheers!