Polarizing Filters

[dkippen]

Gary, I thought of you when I saw this and taking your bird pictures through the window and wondered if you use any filters??

A polarizing filter is used to remove reflected light from non-metallic objects. This reduces the glare from the reflected light resulting in a more accurate exposure and truer capture of the color. That is why using a polarizer makes the image darker and increases the color saturation.

In the case of glass, this can greatly reduce any reflection on the glass which means you get a better image of what is behind the light.

[gjtoth]

Gary, I thought of you when I saw this and taking your bird pictures through the window and wondered if you use any filters??

A polarizing filter is used to remove reflected light from non-metallic objects. This reduces the glare from the reflected light resulting in a more accurate exposure and truer capture of the color. That is why using a polarizer makes the image darker and increases the color saturation.

In the case of glass, this can greatly reduce any reflection on the glass which means you get a better image of what is behind the light.


If I have a clear, bright day - normally, no. However, the darker it is outside, the more reflection I get off the glass. That's when I use the CPL. I also kill any lights that may be on and wear a dark-colored shirt. With the new Tiffen CPL, it seems to give a so-so blue sky a little "punch".

[arrowind]

A polarizing filter is almost a must have for landscape and outdoor photos. You can control the color saturation of the sky and cloud formations. It will remove the glare from folage and nonmetalic objects as well as glass. After a UV filter for protection from scratches the Polarizing is the most used filter I own.

[Snappers]

I think I will have to find myself one of these, I have a UV filter which is attached to the lens most of the time but I dont have a polarizing filter yet.

Do people normally leave their UV filter on most of the time?

[arrowind]

Andy
Yes leave the UV in place. Simply attach the Circular Polarizing to it. Just rotate the polarizing to get the effect you like.
Kenny

[dkippen]

Andy -

I leave my UV filter on all the time as well for lens protection. Like Kenny, I then use the polarizing on the UV for sunny conditions.

[Snappers]

I have a ND Grad filter, would this give the same result as a polarizing filter?

[dkippen]

Andy -

This was just posted on a Canon Rebel site yesterday:

ND filter is almost never needed with digital cameras. ND filters are for a situation with film where you have a too high speed film in your camera. With 35mm cameras changing film in the middle of a roll is not easy. So a ND filter reduced the light entering the camera to compensate. With digital, all you have to do is lower the ISO rating which does exactly the same thing as a ND filter.


Or this person's view:

- ND - slows down shutter speed to get special effects on water for example.
- Graduated ND. Reduces dynamic range of the scene, better chance to get properly exposed images

[arrowind]

Andy
A ND filter reduces ALL light entering the lens. A polarizing filter reduces any reflected light. A polarizing fliter is made in two layers. One remains fixed and the other you rotate to block as much reflected light as you desire. Color saturation is increased as the light becomes more polarized and less difused. Well worth the investment.
Kenny

[Snappers]

Thanks All, It is a ND Grad filter I have for sunsets etc.

[gjtoth]

I thought I take a couple of comparison shots out the window with and without CPL and UV filters. The third shot is with both filters at 18X optical zoom. I had to crop the first two as I brilliantly left one too many adapter rings on at the wide-angle end and got some vignetting.

Without CPL & UV

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/2218781769_312cb9903a.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/2218776993_f099bfe322.jpg

Same shot as above with CPL & UV at 18x

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/2219572338_061ab1841f.jpg

[ladyups]

I thought I take a couple of comparison shots out the window with and without CPL and UV filters. The third shot is with both filters at 18X optical zoom. I had to crop the first two as I brilliantly left one too many adapter rings on at the wide-angle end and got some vignetting.


Is it normal for the filters to darken the exposure? Maybe its just me but it looks like the photo with the filters is a tad darker than the one without. But, you can not tell you shot through a window at all...either your wife has exceptionally clean windows or you broke the glass out....and the last one is a great exposure.

I've got lots of questions and not sure where to begin. I've been following the thread of Polarizing filters and the UV filters but not sure what they are, how you buy them for your lens/camera or how you use them. I love the look of the polarizing filter and I'm interested in a way to protect my lens, so I'm thinking that is what the UV filter is for, correct?
As you can tell, I'm not new to photography but definitely new to SLR technology. I've always loved taking pictures but only used P/S up till a year and a half ago.

I'll take any information you all can sling at me..:D

Mary

[ladyups]

I thought I take a couple of comparison shots out the window with and without CPL and UV filters. The third shot is with both filters at 18X optical zoom. I had to crop the first two as I brilliantly left one too many adapter rings on at the wide-angle end and got some vignetting.



BTW...where the heck is your snow? How come you still have green grass? Not fair!:mad:

Mary

[arrowind]

Mary
You are correct about use of the UV filter. It does reduce the risk of damage to your lens. Most recomended you use one. It also tends to reduce haze especially at higher altitudes. The polarizing picture looks darker as less reflected light is present. Light relects off of most everything. Dust in the air, moisture, shiney objects of most any kind. The colors are more saturated and pure. You control the amount by rotating the polarizing filter. The polarizing filter will help if shooting through glass but their primary use is in landscape photos to improve sky, and object color clarity.

[gjtoth]

BTW...where the heck is your snow? How come you still have green grass? Not fair!:mad:

Mary


uh... heh... what you can see of it is left on the driveway. :) The grass is green because it's on the other side of the fence. :D

[gjtoth]

I've got lots of questions and not sure where to begin. I've been following the thread of Polarizing filters and the UV filters but not sure what they are, how you buy them for your lens/camera or how you use them. I love the look of the polarizing filter and I'm interested in a way to protect my lens, so I'm thinking that is what the UV filter is for, correct?
As you can tell, I'm not new to photography but definitely new to SLR technology. I've always loved taking pictures but only used P/S up till a year and a half ago.

I'll take any information you all can sling at me..:D

Mary



Mary, you have a Sony A100, correct? If so, you can use any 55mm filter. I just did a search on eBay and there are SCADS of 'em.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=55mm+filter&category0=

I would, however, stick with a good name like Hoya or Tiffen. The difference is slight but if it shows up on the shot, what does that say for the quality of the lens? Sometimes you can pick 'em BOTH up in a package deal.

[Snappers]

I was packing my camera gear ready for my holiday and guess what, I found that I did have a polarizing filter. Yipeee, so it is in the bag and i'll give it a try whilst I am away.

[gjtoth]

This guy did a super job showing the effect of a PL.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1008&thread=26579370

[dkippen]

Gary -

Great link. When out in full sun (which hasn't been too often lately) I always use the polarizing filter. I can't believe what a differenct it makes.

[jonrayner]

I have a UV filter attached all the time as a lens protector. I have a polariser filter for use with skies, water and through glass, although I have only used it on skies so far. When on skies it is brilliant, definitely recommend one.

[dkippen]

Jon -

Same thing I do. Andy, I thought you left already.

[Snappers]

Debbie, I did not go until Monday and I have returned today. Sadly, I did not get chance to try the poly filter so I'll have to get out soon and see what results it brings.

[ladyups]

Mary, you have a Sony A100, correct? If so, you can use any 55mm filter. I just did a search on eBay and there are SCADS of 'em.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=55mm+filter&category0=

I would, however, stick with a good name like Hoya or Tiffen. The difference is slight but if it shows up on the shot, what does that say for the quality of the lens? Sometimes you can pick 'em BOTH up in a package deal.

:D I read this message about a week ago and didn't have time to reply and I just now found it again...it vanished on me...I knew I'd read it but couldn't find it...
Thanks for the information and I've been browsing ebay for more UV filters. I picked up a CP and it came as a two pack with a UV filter. It's the store brand from the Photo shop I was in to have the cleaning, so not sure how good it will be but it will get me started and someday, maybe I will decide its time to buy a better one. Thanks for looking this up for me and you were correct, it was a 55 mm and now I know how to look for the size that I need. The gal showed me how at the photo shop. I can't wait to try it out but I really need to get my lesson 3 completed. I'm going to try and do that this weekend if it warms up more..

Thanks Gary!

Mary

[gjtoth]

:D I read this message about a week ago and didn't have time to reply and I just now found it again...it vanished on me...I knew I'd read it but couldn't find it...
Thanks for the information and I've been browsing ebay for more UV filters. I picked up a CP and it came as a two pack with a UV filter. It's the store brand from the Photo shop I was in to have the cleaning, so not sure how good it will be but it will get me started and someday, maybe I will decide its time to buy a better one. Thanks for looking this up for me and you were correct, it was a 55 mm and now I know how to look for the size that I need. The gal showed me how at the photo shop. I can't wait to try it out but I really need to get my lesson 3 completed. I'm going to try and do that this weekend if it warms up more..

Thanks Gary!

Mary


Great! Glad I could help out, Mary.

Warm? This weekend? Surely, you jest! :)

[dkippen]

Hey Gary - In this neck of the woods and I think Mary will agree, but when the sun comes out and the temps are in the 20's, we celebrate!!

[ladyups]

Great! Glad I could help out, Mary.

Warm? This weekend? Surely, you jest! :)

:D We are to get above freezin' and that is warm for us! When you've been below freezin' for almost a month..heck, we've been below 0 for most of a month..:D:D.. you take advantage of the sun and the warmer conditions when you can get it...might not be back for another month..I'm just still trying to figure out a good place to practice...I'm sure everyone will think I've lost my marbles when I set my tripod up at the Hy-Vee parking lot....:D:D I just want to get this lesson done so I can move on to the next one before you all leave me wayyyyy behind. :(

Mary

[Snappers]

Dont worry about being left behind Mary. The important thing is not to rush it. The best thing I liked about this course was that there were no time constraints on it. Plus which if other people do the lesson first, you will have more advice to call upon if you need it. ;)

[ladyups]

Dont worry about being left behind Mary. The important thing is not to rush it. The best thing I liked about this course was that there were no time constraints on it. Plus which if other people do the lesson first, you will have more advice to call upon if you need it. ;)

I think I finally have a handle on it...I got out today and took some pictures of the cars but the panning was real tricky..I only got one where the car was in focus and the background was blurry like I think it should be...shot at ISO 400, 1/10 sec at f36. It was cloudy here today so I had to upped the ISO.
I then tried the slow shutter speed in the house. I set the camera on my tripod and then set the shutter speed to 10 and walked back and forth in front of it. The only thing you can see of me is a bit of my shadow on the wall. Too cool..now that I understand and wish I knew this last July when I was taking pictures of the flags around our courthouse. I had the camera on a tripod but kept waiting on the cars to go by before I took the picture. I could have slowed my shutter speed down and took them and, if I'm understanding this correctly, not seen any cars in the picture. I'm going to give it a try the next time the flags go up again.

I think I'm ready to move on to lesson 4

Mary

[Snappers]

Nice one Mary, Glad you had fun doing this.
Sounds like a great idea with the flags.