Advantages of a Polarizer?

Posted by rose | Under gazages.com Friday Mar 12, 2010

What are the advantages of using a polarizer on your lens? Does it only impact shots when outside in day light?

Any thoughts on Quantaray "Professional" CPL's?

That's what I bought and it does a great job with sky, clouds and reflections on water but I'm not seeing the popping color I was expecting to see in vegetation, etc.

Thanks Mav, that is what i was hoping would come from this post!

I bought the Sunpak Circular Polarizer, is that an ok one to have or is there a better one that I should look into. It was $20 bucks at Bestbuy.

I like the difference that the polar filter makes. I was thinking about a UV filter mainly for lens protection. Does the UV filters make any difference at all when compared to no filter? and you could use them indoors? I know they make clear filters as well. My head is starting to hurt :banghead:

Mav's got it nailed.

I especially like it for water shot (and of course blue sky). As seen in the examples above, you can take the reflection off of water, so that you can see what lies beneath the surface.

I really want one of these filters now... Can the same be acheieved without a filter in GIMP fairly easy?

Not at all.

You can perhaps simulate some of the effects (blue up a sky) but there is no way to reproduce the effect of a polarizer in PP and have it be anywhere near what you would get by putting one on your lens.

These were among the first couple hundred photos I took with my D80.

1) without CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0372sm_noCP.jpg

1) WITH CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0373sm_CP.jpg

2) without CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0381sm_noCP.jpg

2) WITH CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0380sm_CP.jpg

3) without CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0391sm_noCP.jpg

3) WITH CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0392sm_CP.jpg

4) without CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0411sm_noCP.jpg

4) WITH CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0410sm_CP.jpg

misc with CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0408sm_CP.jpg

misc with CP
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/spake5/photos/DSC_0414sm_CP.jpg

Thanks for the sample photos. So basicaly as the final effect, you also get more dynamic range, or at least that's what it looks like - the sky is not washed out so much on the photos with CP filter on.

I really want one of these filters now... Can the same be acheieved without a filter in GIMP fairly easy?

I just received mine and used it this last Sunday. I loved the difference it made especially to the sky, because it tends to always end up washed out looking. Everything else seemed to be more crisp and vibrant as well :)

The above pictures are great examples.

bhop,

Definintely get the Circular Polarizer. Linear ones will not work with Autofocus systems.

I only use it when outdoors...but almost always, when shooting outdoors. It does rob some light, so it's important to take it off when shooting in low/indoor light.

They will reduce or eliminate light reflected from Glass, Vegetation, Water, etc. Not from Metals though. The elimination of reflected light will intensify the colors of the sky and vegetation. The effectivness will depend on the angel of the sun to your subject.

Speaking of, is it better to get a linear or circular? I know one you have to auto adjust and one you dont, but is there a quality difference otherwise?

Speaking of, is it better to get a linear or circular? I know one you have to auto adjust and one you dont, but is there a quality difference otherwise?

I was told by someone (don't remember who) that linear won't work with auto focus. Dunno if it's true.. but I bought a circular anyway.

The price of filters will vary, depending on size, brand, quality etc. The top end ones might have some fancy coatings to help reduce lens flare and such.

If price is an indicator...you either got a great deal or a low end filter. Check out B&W filters...a good size cir. pol. will be rather expensive....maybe 10x what you paid.

$200 polarizing filter? :confused:

Thanks MAV for that pictures. I love that little creeks shot, as well the other one with the hanging bridge. With cp or without does not really matter, the framed sceneries are already good in the first place. More please.

Would it help take some glare off of skin. I have seen some outdoor shots where a person's forehead is shiny, and have wondered if a polarized filter would help.

i would have to say pick up a UV filter too if you plan on taking long light shots, and you like protection on the front of your lense. I might just be crazy but the polarizing lenses really darken it up when it is kind of dark out, or maybe thats just looking through the viewfinder. either way its no good if you can't see what your shooting

I would go with a circular polarizer over linear. If you have a local camera shop, check them out!!! I found a used one for dirt cheap and it works fine. I wouldn't bother with the UV filter, I think its main use is to protect the lens, but if you're clumsy enough to smack the lens that good, it's gonna break the damn UV filter too!!! Also, as you can see the polarizer does make a huge difference in the shots!! The best way to understand this is to go to a sunglass shop, try out a nonpolarized pair of sunglasses and then put on a polarized pair...I have a polarized pair of Oakleys and I'll never wear nonpolarized again!!! CHRiS

That's when it is mostly used, yes.

It generally gives more saturation throughout the photo - the sky is more blue, the greens are a deeper, richer green, etc.

It can also be used to cut down on reflections in car windows or in water for example.

That's what I bought and it does a great job with sky, clouds and reflections on water but I'm not seeing the popping color I was expecting to see in vegetation, etc.
It really depends on the angle of the sun and the polarization of the light etc. I'd say that the increased color in vegetation is the least noticeable effect. Although, using the polarizer may make it easier to get good results when you bump up the saturation while editing.

#If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.#

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