 Pam Maddox |
Polarizing Filter Vs. Wide-Angle Lens Just last weekend, I bought a polarizing filter. Last night I attended a photography club and one of the members said "polarizing filters shouldnt be used with wide angle lenses" is this a true statement? It came up when the club was doing a critique on photos and one of them had a photo that had a lot of blue sky and half of the sky was dark blue and other half was a much lighter blue.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
A polarizer's effect on a sky - i.e., to darken the blue - depends on the general angle you are to the sun. Thus, a wide-angle view can cause the sky to appear darker in areas within the frame. You don't get a uniform polarization.
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John P. Sandstedt |
A much more significant issue is the fact that wide angle lenses used with standard polarizers tend to increase vignetting. That's the black sections in the corners of the frames. I have a thin polarizer, designed to reduce the problem. Of course it cost $120, rather than the more typical $50-60. The problem Gregory describes is common whenever you use a polarizer, more noticeable when you shoot landscapes. Many people use wide angle lenses for landscapes exclusively; I find that, unless steps are taken to include something to show perspective and vastness, these can be boring. Try a telephoto - you'll be surprised with what you might get.
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robertburnsphotography.com - Robert A. Burns Contact Robert A. Burns Robert A. Burns's Gallery  |
On the other hand, if you are using a polarizer to reduce glare from leaves or wet surfaces, then a thin polarizer may be appropriate for a wide-angle lens. It's not always about darkening the sky.
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- Jane Timmerman Contact Jane Timmerman Jane Timmerman's Gallery |
Keep playing/experimenting with it. I use a wide angle often and love the effects of the polarizing filter, on water, sky, foliage, etc. Actually, I keep it on the lens almost constantly. I think you'll be very happy with it.
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