 Robert Park |
polarizing filters hi. I did some research on polarizing filters, but found out they're very expensive! being the cheap person I am, I want to find another way to get the same effects. i read that polarizing filters can maximize contrast and intensify colors, but I also read that they reduce reflections from water and glass. does it do both and are there different kinds? i head that you can substitute the lenses of a high quality pair of sunglasses for a polarizing filter. is that true? will sunglasses create similiar effects? thanks and any help is appreciated!
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Brendan Knell |
What brand of polarizer are you looking at? I just checked BHphoto.com, and found some 700$ ones, are those the ones you are looking at? Because most polarizers are only about 30$. Yes, polarizers maximize contrast, intensify color, and reduce reflections. I don't think that there are different kinds(like different strengths on ND filters), but you can twist it and it changes the intensity. I've never tried sunglasses, but I would imagine that they would work, or at least get something pretty similar. But also you would probably spend the same on a polarizer as you would on a high quality pair of sunglasses.
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Sue Holt |
I hope this isn't a stupid question, being somewhat new to filters, would a polarizer help reduce the glare from direct sunlight on your lens? If not, when faced with this situation, and you can't move to take the shot from another angle, how can one reduce sun glare? thanks for any help. Sue
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Jon Close |
There are 2 different kinds of polarizers - linear and circular. They both work the same way (rotate to vary the effect) and give the same effect. However, a linear polarizer will foul up the metering and autofocus of most autofocus SLRs. Circular Polarizers are recommended and can be used on any camera. No, a polarizer will not reduce glare/flare from direct sunlight on the lens. In fact they can make it worse. In such situations, use a lens hood, or shade the front of the lens with a hat, your hand, etc. Single focal length (prime) lenses are much less susceptible to flare than are zoom lenses. Multicoated filters are more expensive, but do not contribute to flare as much as an uncoated filter.
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Nicole Kessel |
I use a polarizing filter for almost all of my nature photos. It really does help to enhance color and keep the sky a bright blue. I highly recommend getting one. Mine reduces the light by 2 stops so keep in mind that you will have to adjust for that. They do also reduce reflections and glass glare. Which works great when photographing water. You can adjust it so that you see the reflections off the water or see right through to the bottom. I bought mine for $25.00. I'm sure if you call around to local camera shops you can get one that isn't so expensive.
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Bob Cammarata |
I have a polarizing filter,...(one of the cheaper ones) but have sometimes found that by simply changing positions and shooting perpendicular to the sun, the same effective results are achieved without using the filter. This is especially true with surface-water reflections....(not for darkening blue skies though.)
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John P. Sandstedt |
You get what you pay for! Linear polarizers are cheaper than circular, but should not be used with auto-focus cameras. Tiffen, Hoya and B&W are the best, with B&W being normally the most expensive. I paid ~$125 for my 72mm wide angle [thin, no vingnetting]Tiffen polarizer; ~$50 for my 58 and 67 mm Hoyas. Be careful of the cheapie's - flare, no surface treatment, in short - a poor investment. Whoever said photography was a inexpensive hobby?
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Brendan Knell |
John, the "cheapies", aren't as bad as you portray them. I get hardly any flaring with my Quantaray, unless it's pointed right at the sun. Also, this would probably be a lot better than the sunglasses he was considering using.
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John P. Sandstedt |
You're right about the sunglass bit - but, if you want to use Quantary - that's your decision. If I could afford them, I'd only use B&W - but, I've been very satisfied with Hoya and Tiffen. And, yes, the cheapies are as bad as I portray them!
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