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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Polarizing Filter or not?
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 03/15/2004 10:21:22 AM · #1
I'm going to be photographing the Grand Canyon this coming weekend and one of the tips I've read from a Canyon photographer is to have a good quality polarizing filter.

I have the Hoya multi-coated glass filter (This one) and I just haven't been happy with the results, so I don't use it often.

I find that my pictures come out a little dark and the colors are muted.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth investing in a better polarizing filter for this excursion, or should I just not use one?

Thanks!
 03/15/2004 10:28:11 AM · #2
I have that same filter and have been happy with the strong, rich colours I can get with it. Partly it depends how you are using it - I find that when I adjust it for the strongest possible polarisation, the skies end up really dark - though that can be good if you want really rich blues.

I'm assuming a couple of things here - you are doing any metering through the polariser, after you've finished adjusting it. a polariser, aside from the polarisation results, is also a variable neutral density filter, adjustable between -1EV and -2EV light, as you rotate the second filter.

Also, polarisation effects are at their strongest at about 90 degrees to the light source. For sun/ sky etc, I raise my thumb and fore finger at 90 degree angles (like a 'gun') and point at the sun with my forefinger. If I rotate my wrist, anywhere my thumb points is the place where the most potential polarisation will happen.

I typically adjust the polariser off camera, turning it in my hand until I work out what angle and how much polarisation I want, then put it on the camera. I make final adjustments through the lens, again turning the polariser to finalise the setting. Then I'd meter the scene as I wanted it, and make any final manual exposure adjustments.

One thing to watch for, particularly on cheaper zoom lenses, is that as you zoom, the front element of the lens rotates, which will adjust any polarisation you've set up. Check with your lenses to see if any of them do this, or if they are fully internal adjustments, leaving filters as set.

I use polarisers to boost the colours - so I'm maybe a little confused that you find yours makes the colours more muted - are the results properly exposed ?
 03/15/2004 10:33:34 AM · #3
A few examples with exactly that filter and the techniques I tried to describe. You'll also find that working with a polariser is easier on a tripod, both due to the adjustments needed and the reduction in shutter speed that's introduced.


03/15/2004 12:12:23 PM · #4
Originally posted by tfaust:
Is it worth investing in a better polarizing filter for this excursion, or should I just not use one?


I've tried both the Hoya and Heliopan filters, but prefer the Heliopan, mainly because the mechanics are tighter, and remain tight even with heavy use. It's well worth the extra money, IMO.
 03/15/2004 12:37:13 PM · #5
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by tfaust:
Is it worth investing in a better polarizing filter for this excursion, or should I just not use one?


I've tried both the Hoya and Heliopan filters, but prefer the Heliopan, mainly because the mechanics are tighter, and remain tight even with heavy use. It's well worth the extra money, IMO.


While there are no doubt better polarisers, the one linked to is still a $60 filter, for a very small filter size (58mm) so we aren't talking cheap, shody equipment. You should be able to get good results with that filter.
 03/15/2004 12:41:36 PM · #6
oops

Message edited by author 2004-03-15 12:43:02.
 03/15/2004 12:42:04 PM · #7
I find when I use my polarizer it is key that I look at my shots in lcd to check on my exposures (being that I cant tell difference from looking thru viewfinder) and then I adjust exposure settings to get it closer to what I want. (Or you could bracket) I don't use it that often so I find this helps not being disappointed. And you do (as gordon said) get longer exposure times, so tripod is VERY good idea. I will not use my Polarizer again without my tripod.
 03/15/2004 12:44:52 PM · #8
Tina, i have your answer... I will catch up with you later on it :)
 03/15/2004 12:52:23 PM · #9
Originally posted by jmsetzler:
Tina, i have your answer... I will catch up with you later on it :)

Isn't it nice when people share their knowledge ;)
 03/15/2004 06:37:06 PM · #10
Don't know about the Rebel but on my camera I have to make a make on my adapter ring to make sure I have the polarizer aligned correctly. If I forget then the sky comes out blah.
 03/15/2004 09:29:37 PM · #11
Gordon, Ellamay, Rob, John and Welland - Thanks for the feedback!

Sorry so long to respond... just been one of those days!

Gordon - the information you provided is so valuable... I really appreciate it. The images you posted as examples are awesome... and look nothing like the results I get when I use it. I usually use the polarizer on my 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM lens. Occasionally I use it with the kit lens.

I guess I just need to keep trying, playing with it and, as John suggested, try an experiment of taking the same picture with and without to review the differences.

So, Gordon, when you say you usually adjust it in hand, are you holding it up to the light when you do that?
 03/15/2004 09:45:30 PM · #12
Originally posted by Gordon:


Also, polarisation effects are at their strongest at about 90 degrees to the light source. For sun/ sky etc, I raise my thumb and fore finger at 90 degree angles (like a 'gun') and point at the sun with my forefinger. If I rotate my wrist, anywhere my thumb points is the place where the most potential polarisation will happen.


Gordon's technique shown at tiffen website.
 03/15/2004 10:12:06 PM · #13
Originally posted by tfaust:

So, Gordon, when you say you usually adjust it in hand, are you holding it up to the light when you do that?


I look through the polariser, and turn the outside ring to adjust the degree of polarisation. Once I have a rough idea if the polariser is going to help or not, I'll put it on the camera and adjust it in place, through the viewfinder.
 03/16/2004 02:11:02 PM · #14
Hello again Tina , A little trick I do is to point my camera @ the sky & turn my polarizer & watch as sky turns deeper blue . I also wear polarized sunglasses as this sometimes helps me catch lighting oppoortunities I might have missed . I'm up for sunrise @ Grandview on sunday , PM me if you are too ?
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