Polarisers

Ausdubliner

I have just bought a lense filter. Do people use these polarisers all the time? Or are they just used for particular shots?

Paulw

I seldom use mine. Only when photographing on a very sunny day, especially if there is water or glass involved.

latchiko

I only use my polariser in specific circumstances. I'll always have it in the bag in case I need it though.

City-Exile

I always use mine, when there's any bit of sunshine.
They're great, as Paul said, for shots involving water or glass.
I like the effect they have on the sky though.

Borderfox

I only use it on wide angle lenses, only a small effect on telephoto

digitalbeginner

If Polarisers are going to be used as a regular filter to protect the lens remember that the amount of light they cut out could be up to 2 stops worth. On crappy days like we've been having lately this could mean being brought into camera shake territory with lower shutter speeds, particularly critical on longer zooms,

Dave

magicbastarder

beware of them on wideangle lenses - since the effect on blue skies varies depending on the angle between you and the sun (none facing towards or away from the sun, maximum when you're at 90 degrees), a wide angle lens can cover a lot of this range, and you get a very visible gradient in the sky if using a polariser.

Zillah

Yeah, basically its counter productive unless there is sky or reflective surfaces in shot.

Stephen

They're particularly great for photographing cars... lots of glass and shiny metal surfaces!

Alun

Zillah wrote:

Yeah, basically its counter productive unless there is sky or reflective surfaces in shot.

True, although 'reflective surfaces' covers more than you'd think at first. For example, they're great at bringing out vivid greens in foliage and terracotta roof tiles too especially in strong sunlight like you get in the med for example.

irishcrazyhorse

Could someone do me a favour and post some with and without shots with a wide angle lense and if you have the time with normal lense!?

City-Exile

Alun wrote:

True, although 'reflective surfaces' covers more than you'd think at first. For example, they're great at bringing out vivid greens in foliage and terracotta roof tiles too especially in strong sunlight like you get in the med for example.

Yeah, it's amazing how many things can reflect "bad" light.
UV filters are the only type I'd use to protect a lens though.

Paulw

Yeah, I generally use Hoya Pro-1 UV filters on all my lenses, and have a polarising filter for use when needed. I also have a graduated grey filter too, but haven't had a chance to use that yet.

il gatto

People tend to go mad with polarisers when they first get them, but the novelty wears off and they become a staple piece of kit you use when you need it. They can look fantastic in sunny weather and photographing water.
They'll brilliant for those long exposure waterfall/river shots, as they cut light like a Neutral Density filter enabling longer exposures and cut unwanted glare. You can pick up a 50-oddmm Hoya Circular Polariser on ebay for €20 including shipping. At that price, it's worth getting one and playing around with it to see the effect they have. It's a useful thing to have in the bag as you'll need it sometime down the line anyway.

Ausdubliner

Thanks for all your help. Much apprecitated!!!