BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Filters

Karen J. Grouten		Polarizing Filter: Using with a Zoom Lens How do I properly use a polarizing filter on a zoom lens? To love this question, log in above July 30, 2006

Pete H		Hello, Karen:It depends what you want to do. Tip: If your zoom lens rotates the barrel externally, you will have to readjust the filter each time you zoom. A polarizer is primarily used to limit glare. Natural light is "non-polarized" - i.e., the light scatters in no particular direction. A polarizer "aligns" the light by accepting or rejecting a particular narrow scatter angle. Hence, blue skies can be made to look bluer... window reflections can often be eliminated, etc. This filter is best used at "off angles" to the sun - 90-120-145 degrees, etc. It's not useful looking towards the sun or 180 degrees away from the sun. Hope that helps a tad. Pete To love this comment, log in above July 30, 2006

Karen J. Grouten		Thanks Pete! Readjusting the filter helped. I was finding as I zoomed out (200mm) I was no longer in focus. I do like the way the polarizer works (similar to polarized sunglasses!), yet I was not happy with being unable to focus quickly. I will play with it some, and hopefully improve my outcome! Thanks! Karen To love this comment, log in above July 30, 2006

Pete H		Ya..a rotating external barrel on a zoom is a pain when using a polarizer...Many shooters the internal rotating barrels. Pete To love this comment, log in above July 30, 2006

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