Circular Polarizer

[mikedidi1946]

I am leaving in a couple of weeks to Europe for a vacation. I am using a Canon 60D and I want to know when I would use a Circular Polarizer, and if I would use it all day. I am unsure based on the different articles I have read.

[beatnik69]

A CP will be useful for reducing reflections from water etc and reducing glare from the sun as long as it is at the right angle to your lens. It will reduce the amount entering your camera though so I imagine you wouldn't want it on all the time.

[StephenBatey]

1. Any filter will increase flare (either flare spots in extreme cases or plain loss of contrast all the time). For best results optically, never use a filter. Note the caveat in this.

2. A polarising filter will (if correctly angled) cut reflections from glass and water (but not from unlacquered metal).

3. A polarising filter will increase colour saturation.

4. A polarising filter will darken blue skies at the appropriate angle to the sun. This implies that if used with an extreme wide angle lens the results will be unnatural.

5. A polarising filter will force you to either use a wider aperture or slower shutter speed to compensate for the loss of light.

Your choice. I have no idea what you want to photograph...

[donoreo]

There are some pro photographers who almost always use a CIR POL.

[Jediboy]

Originally Posted by donoreo

There are some pro photographers who almost always use a CIR POL.

I have friend that do. Pretty much all the time. (they are not pros though).

[JonnyM]

As with all filters they have their pros and cons. I don't use mine as much as I used to but that's not software related. Dirt and flare are the main problems I've encountered in addition to vignetting and Stephen's point no 4 with wide angle lenses. Great for reducing those unwanted reflections and seeing the effect through the viewfinder as you turn the filter. I certainly wouldn't leave any filter on a lens least of all a polariser but it is an essential in any photographer's kit bag.