Filters - What do they do

[Huck]

Since there are no stupid questions - here I go


I bought a Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter for 2 of my lenses. Using a DSLR, will this do anything besides providing protection to my lenses? I can see the package photos showing brighter blue colors but are they any other effects?

[david seale]

Polarizing filters are used for reducing reflections in photos and boosting contrast. They work by letting you selectively filter out light that’s polarized along certain axes. The end result is you can enhance blue skies and blue oceans/lakes - darkening them - and cut back reflections off non-metallic surfaces such as glass and water.

http://photonotes.org/articles/filters/

[huxley]

the trick is knowing how to use them.... if you notice there will be a mark on the ring that moves on the filter.... use that mark as a guide to help you polarize your sunset, water, reflection, whatever..... the trick is (and correct me if im wrong here people) have the sun at a right angle to what you are shooting.... adjust your polarizer by moving it around until you see a slight dim and a boost in blue. its best used when the sky is not directly overhead.... so use it before and late afternoon. good luck

[CypressPhotog]

Use your polarizer with anything that has lots of reflection. Not just water but even a field of grass on a sunny day. My experience with the polarizer is that it intensifies color (since you don't see the strong glare off the object anymore) and it shows WAY more definition in clouds. It captures rays of light better and all the edges of clouds in the sky. Instead of seeing a gray could mass, now you will see the silver linings and the subtle varieties of gray. Makes a huge diff to me.

[Nevyn]

They aren't generally recommended for use with wide angle lenses unless you like graduated changes in color and contrast from side to side on your pictures.

[xseption]

Originally Posted by huxley

its best used when the sky is not directly overhead.... so use it before and late afternoon. good luck

unfortunately, the sky is always directly overhead ... you dont want to use it when the sun is directly overhead

[Detonate]

I've found they work well for shooting cars and trucks as well.

[huxley]

well i did say

(and correct me if im wrong here people)

sky.... sun.... whats the difference???? not something major is it????

[Buddha]

I know they are intended to be used with colors, but has anyone ever tried a polarizer with B&W shots showing clouds? I'm wondering if it has the same effect on clouds regardless.

[huxley]

buddha,

oh yeah they can be used with b&W shots .... youll get saturated values in the sky and clouds... kind of like when you start messing with the channels in photoshop.... i think its the red one???? could be blue????

[Buddha]

Thanks. I'll have to try it. Might as well try a few test shots with a red filter too, just to satisfy my curiousity.