Polarizing filters...

kelly1

Hello all, I'm trying to decide if it's worth buying a polarizer.

I know it's good for making the sky more blue and cutting out reflections.

What about general shooting? Is it good for sunny days etc?

Thanks

Paulw

A polarising filter is like sunglasses for your camera. It blocks that glare, and shine.

I use it a lot more when on holidays abroad than I do here, but it can be great for those really bright days.

DaireQuinlan

Addendum: Not good with wideangles (polarising effect in the sky is strongest at 90 degrees to the position of the sun, tails off toward the sun and directly away). Also can make things go a little crazy saturation wise in the right (wrong ? ) conditions.

Both caveats are represented quite ably here:

kelly1

Thanks for that guys. Sounds like it's not much use in Ireland!

DaireQuinlan

kelly1 wrote: »

Thanks for that guys. Sounds like it's not much use in Ireland!

It's as useful here as anywhere else for cutting down reflections/glare, and it's great for differentiating between cloud & sky in the right circumstances. The one kicker with a polariser is that it'll knock about 2 stops off your exp. It's mainly because of that (and the fact that I normally shoot fairly slow film handheld) that I generally only use mine on holidays where it's sunny :-)

Kenny Logins

Great on windows and water, to eliminate the reflections. Essential for car photography I reckon.

kelly1

Kenny Logins wrote: »

Great on windows and water, to eliminate the reflections. Essential for car photography I reckon.

Yeah, would be very good for cars I reckon.

b318isp

I'd advise that it should be the first filter you buy. On sunny days, or where you are shooting water it has a dramatic effect. Here's an example of it darkening the sky:




And one of controlling reflection from the sea:


This is a Kood circular polariser carried in a frame in front of the lens.

kelly1

Thanks b318isp. Apart from darkening the sky, does it make a noticeable difference on a sunny day?

b318isp

Yes, I think it helps richen colours (blues and green will be less washed out) and control glare from anything reflective.

Citizenpain

b318isp wrote: »

Yes, I think it helps richen colours (blues and green will be less washed out) and control glare from anything reflective.

Just to echo what was said already . Great for sky sea and damp Forrest greens

Finnt

It can make a big difference in the right conditions!
I was the same before I got mine wondering if it'd be worth buying one,
Now it never leaves the bag! Definately I'd recommend one.

Wabbit Ears

Practically always have a polarising filter on. Regardless of a polorising or simply a Uv filter id reccomend always having the extra layer of glass protecting your lenses.

kelly1

Thanks guys.