Using a polarizer - an example

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I was shooting an all day event out doors with no clouds and bright sun. I had brought a polarizer along just in case (there were a lot of reflections I was "trying" to control).

Anyway, I thought you'd like to see what the same shot looked like with and without a polarizer on. These shots were taken seconds apart, one with the polarizer on and one with it off.



Not sure which one is better. The polarized version hides the cars when they're on the track but brings out the color of the sky, grass and smoke when the cars burn out.

Either way, having the polarizing filter with me as I walked around the track gave me new options when deciding where to shoot from.

Joe

[JohnT]

Yeah, a polarization filter is great for saturating sky and foliage in landscapes. I just need to get one that fits my 24-105.

[klynam]

All I wanna say is 1/8 mile tracks are just too darn short for real drag racing!!!

(and thanks for the comparography :-) )

[kenw]

realize that the polarizer can be adjusted to increase or decrease the effect (by turning it). Often I find that the maximum effect is just, well, too much. It takes some planning and prep, but it often proves worthwhile.

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by kenw

realize that the polarizer can be adjusted to increase or decrease the effect (by turning it). Often I find that the maximum effect is just, well, too much. It takes some planning and prep, but it often proves worthwhile.

Good point! Here it's set to maximum to show the effect but I do tend to turn it to get the effect I want.

If you have a camera with Live View that also helps to determine the right amount to use.

Joe

[Patti Edens]

Wow! That's a huge difference. Thanks for the illustration. I hardly ever use mine. I really need to.

[AndrewCCM]

I need to buy a 77mm.. All I have is a 67 mm and 58mm that I used on my video stuff back in the day...

Thanks for the examples..

[kenw]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

I need to buy a 77mm.. All I have is a 67 mm and 58mm that I used on my video stuff back in the day...

doesn't apply in your case, but having a single larger CPL and using stepdown rings to fit it to smaller dia lenses is one way to justify the cost of a really good CPL ('cause you only have to buy 1).

.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by kenw

doesn't apply in your case, but having a single larger CPL and using stepdown rings to fit it to smaller dia lenses is one way to justify the cost of a really good CPL ('cause you only have to buy 1).

.

That would work in my case. I didn't about that. Thanks.

[MistyGreen]

Major difference, guess I will be investing in one soon! :)

[Davidtxs]

Originally Posted by klynam

All I wanna say is 1/8 mile tracks are just too darn short for real drag racing!!!

(and thanks for the comparography :-) )

That is Texas Motorplex it IS 1/4 mile
Nice comparison joe

[klynam]

Wow...I've seen plenty of 1/8mi and 1/4mi tracks and never would have thought that was a full 1/4 mile. Thanks for the correction...

[humminboid]

Joe! Geat example.
Yup! Polarizers are a goodness! They also will act like ~ a 2X ND filter, if the conditions are too bright for your needs.
Notice in the polarized pixes, shadows are darker.

A couple of things to remember is they work on non-metallic reflections, and the strongest effect is at about a 90 degree angle to the sun's position.

That's what we DO! We control and modify light to meet our requirements. Few ever will completely master light, but we can learn to make it do our bidding under most circumstances.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Keep in mind that you're going to lose a stop or two when using polarizers. And I believe only circular polarizers have the ability to "turn" so that you can adjust them... and they only have an effect when you are shooting at an angle (ideally 90 degrees) to the light source (sun).

- Wil

[humminboid]

Wil:
Having owned each, linear and circular polarizers both have rotatable elements, but the linear ones do not work properly with AF technology, and should be used only with "vintage" manual focus cameras.

If your lens has a rotating front element, it will require first; focus, then rotate the polarizer for the desired effect.