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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Circular Polarizer...which to buy?
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07/17/2005 12:07:09 PM · #1
I don't want to drop a ton of money but I was thinking of heading over to B&H to get a Circular Polarizer today. Any advice....preferences.

Keep in mind not too expensive. Under $100 if possible.
07/17/2005 12:10:25 PM · #2
keep in mind that the cheaper the price, the worse the optics of the glass are going to be, thus effecting picture quality. Why not wait another week, then fork out the 130ish for a B+W circular polarizer.
07/17/2005 12:17:48 PM · #3
One way to save money is to buy the filter for the largest lens you have and stepup rings for the others so you can use the same one filter on all your lenses.
07/17/2005 12:21:18 PM · #4
I don't even know why I need one but to see what it can do. At the NYC GTG many of the guys were using them and the colors were beautiful.

I figure that I will use it mostly with the Nikon kit 18-70mm which is my all around lens.
07/17/2005 12:23:02 PM · #5
Originally posted by pawdrix:

I don't even know why I need one but to see what it can do. At the NYC GTG many of the guys were using them and the colors were beautiful.

I figure that I will use it mostly with the Nikon kit 18-70mm which is my all around lens.


If you have polarized sunglasses check out the difference with and without. Also, a polarizer can be used to reduce reflections, not only in water, but on all reflective surfaces.
07/17/2005 12:24:39 PM · #6
I like to shoot in the park, lots of birds, water and reflexions plus New York is pretty hazy so I believe it will help me there.

Are the Hoya's ok? For the price at least and is the difference in price worth the extra money?


Message edited by author 2005-07-17 12:26:52.
07/17/2005 12:26:26 PM · #7
I believe if you are using it on a 18mm, you will have to get the "thin" version, which is even more expensive than the regular version.
07/17/2005 12:29:52 PM · #8
Originally posted by cpanaioti:

... Also, a polarizer can be used to reduce reflections, not only in water, but on all reflective surfaces.


All surfaces except metal.
07/17/2005 12:29:58 PM · #9
Originally posted by jmlelii:

I believe if you are using it on a 18mm, you will have to get the "thin" version, which is even more expensive than the regular version.


It looks like you used one here and on the fields shots???


Message edited by author 2005-07-17 12:30:14.
07/17/2005 03:47:57 PM · #10
If you are just trying to figure out about polarizers and price is a concern, why don't you buy a cheap generic and see? If you find that they are optically ok for you, then great. If not and you like polarizers, then you can consider getting more expensive ones and seeing if there are any differences. If there is and it's worth the price, then keep it. If there is no difference or it's not worth the money return the expensive filter. I tend to use the cheap ones based on Popular Photography's review where they couldn't "see" any difference on the prints.
07/17/2005 05:16:09 PM · #11
there are 2 things that the polarizer must have in it's description.

1. Circular polarizer
2. multi resistant coating

if I remember correctly the 18-70 has 58mm threads, if so then this is the polarizer you should get.
B+W polarizer

this polarizer is at B&H and costs about $95
07/17/2005 05:36:01 PM · #12
Nope, the D70 kit lens (18-70mm) needs a 67mm filter thread. I bought a cheapie on Ebay and love the effects. In addition to reducing polarized glare, it can work wonders with the sky. The clouds have more contrast and the blues are bluer.

Here's an example from a recent challenge:



If I can determine whether a more expensive one will improve the image, I'll probably replace mine soon.
07/17/2005 06:09:48 PM · #13
I bought a bunch of B&W UV filters plus a Circ Pol for the 18-70.

I took 10 rotten pix (on P setting)that looked washed out. I need to play with it more.

There wasn't much blue sky, only light cloud cover with a bright white haze. Maybe not the filters forte?

When's the best time, place or way to use a CP?

Message edited by author 2005-07-17 18:10:19.
07/17/2005 06:12:09 PM · #14
I got a QuantaRay (cheap?) - 3 filters for the price of 2 at Ritz a couple months ago. Got Circular Polarizer, 6 point star filter and generic UV Haze filter all for $40 or so.


Haven't used it much, but I went out and shot the sky with it just now...
----- Without --------------- With --------
-

Might be bad examples - sky looks a little better to me, but the tree looks a lot better.

FWIW.

Message edited by author 2005-07-17 18:12:25.
07/17/2005 08:04:36 PM · #15
Ken,
One thing I've notice about Quantary UV/skylight filter is that some have a red tint to them, throwing off your colors a bit. May want to look at your UV haze filter to make sure it's clear.
Plus, you did something most posters don't bother with filters. Actually take two identical shots with and without filters to see if there are any difference. I'm not sure why the sky looks that way with the CPL, I would have expected it to look darker and more contrasty. Who knows, but thanks.

Message edited by author 2005-07-17 20:06:15.
07/17/2005 08:22:43 PM · #16
i have the quantaray polarizer from ritz camera... it's worked great for me... a little thick but it doesn't matter as long as i get good results...

some examples... experiment and have fun :)

07/17/2005 08:29:19 PM · #17
just ordered one of those hoya pol-faders to play with might be a little dark but I'm sure I can think of some unique ways of using it.
07/17/2005 08:41:15 PM · #18
Buy a Cokin System and you could use the polariser for every one of your lenses as long as you have the adapter on them.
07/17/2005 08:45:00 PM · #19
I already went with the B&W. I hope for some blue skies tomorrow to see what it can do.
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