BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		Polarizing Filters I know that Hoya and Tiffen filters have excellent reputations, but can be a bit pricey. What about the reputation of Quantaray polarizing filters? Also, is the polarizing filter the appropriate filter to use when shooting through plexiglas, as is the case when taking aerial photos from the cockpit of an airplane? To love this question, log in above January 08, 2009

W. Smith VIII		Hi Galen, Quantaray is a budget brand. Quantaray doesn't have a great name for quality. Deservedly. So if you go for Image Quality, go for A-brand stuff. You get what you pay for. Inside a plexiglass covered plane there is no polarized light. So a Circular Polariser filter is useless for THAT purpose (it only takes away 2 stops of light!). It might be effective to reduce reflections in the plexiglass. So why not bring the CP along and see if it does? If it doesn't you can simply unscrew the CP from your cam. To avoid reflections when shooting through (glass or plexiglass) windows it is enough to press your lens up against the (plexi)glass surface so that the only reflections it sees are its own innards = black = no image. A rubber lens hood can be very useful for this as it cuts off 100% of the reflected light, and dampens the permanent trembling of the plane. So it considerably enhances focus. Have fun! To love this comment, log in above January 08, 2009

- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery		Hi Galen, I use B&W Kaeseman CP filters and they are pricey but I dont want a sub-standard filter covering my L lenses and the B&W's are high quality filters. I use my CP filters more for water related images (Waterfalls, lakes, whale watching trips) and not for shooting through other glass. (per W's reasons) My .02 - Carlton To love this comment, log in above January 08, 2009

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