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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Polarizer, Neutral Density, when to use what?
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10/06/2003 10:05:25 AM · #1
I'm a little confused as to when to use a polarizing filter and when a neutral density filter is called for.

????????

Thanks.
10/06/2003 11:46:51 AM · #2
the bump.....
10/06/2003 12:12:45 PM · #3
You use a ND filter when the scene is too bright to get the shutter speed you want. Typical use is for doing long exposure shots of water, to blur the effect.

Graduated ND filters are used for sunsets and similar, where you are trying to reduce the brightness range of a particular part of the scene, between the highlights and shadows, to get a contrast range that can be recorded.

Polarising filters are used to reduce (non metalic) reflections and enhance the saturation of colours. The simplest case is for the sky, to darken the blue on a clear day, but it is more effective on water to cut reflections, or foilage to improve colour saturation for example. Polarisers also have the side effect of being a variable ND filter, between 1 stop at minimum polarisation and 2 stops at full effect.

Message edited by author 2003-10-06 13:55:36.
10/06/2003 01:38:57 PM · #4
Halleluya... or how ever you spell that!!

That also answers my other question about getting that lovely blur motion w/ movement...which I still haven't achieved because the G3 only goes to F8..
Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou.
10/09/2003 11:05:52 AM · #5
One thing to remember with polarizers is I believe they only effect the image when light is coming at a 90 degree angle to the lens/camera. So if you shoot into the sun or with your back to it, you won't see the effects of a polarizer.
10/09/2003 11:26:09 AM · #6
Gordon is that true ^ ?

I see you as the main man.
10/09/2003 05:12:53 PM · #7
In Gordons absence I'll attempt an answer:

The optimum efficiency of a polariser is obtained by measuring a theoretical angle of 90 degrees between the subject, the camera and light source. The easiest way to measure this if you're uncertain is to point at the subject with your index finger, extend your thumb to a right angle and then see if you can point your thumb at the light source purely by rotating your wrist. If you can't it may be best to change camera position or try again at a different time of day.

It's also worth remembering that if you are using a wide angle lens the polarising effect may be diminished at the edges of the frame due to the angle of view.
10/09/2003 05:38:53 PM · #8
Polarizing filters = Cuts down reflections ,increases color contrast, more saturated colors. It the filter you should have on your camera for all outdoor shots. Linear and Circular Polarzers available. Circular ones are for digital cameras.

When to use: To intensify blues in sky. Taking pictures in which the sun is reflecting on water. Through glass (fishtank, car window). To make clouds seems fluffier. Grass greener. When you have to put on sunglasses is when you use Polarizer.

Neutral density = Helps to address sunlight on a bright day, help reduce the amount of light going to the camera's lens. Improve contrast between the sky and the ground.

When to use: Picture you take has a bright sun but the ground is dark. Using a ND filter will help to even out both. Looks like a half tinted piece of glass. Will tint the subject that too bright and bring light into the other part, like shadows.

10/09/2003 05:48:31 PM · #9
Originally posted by faidoi:

Polarizing filters = Cuts down reflections ,increases color contrast, more saturated colors. It the filter you should have on your camera for all outdoor shots. Linear and Circular Polarzers available. Circular ones are for digital cameras.

When to use: To intensify blues in sky. Taking pictures in which the sun is reflecting on water. Through glass (fishtank, car window). To make clouds seems fluffier. Grass greener. When you have to put on sunglasses is when you use Polarizer.

Neutral density = Helps to address sunlight on a bright day, help reduce the amount of light going to the camera's lens. Improve contrast between the sky and the ground.

When to use: Picture you take has a bright sun but the ground is dark. Using a ND filter will help to even out both. Looks like a half tinted piece of glass. Will tint the subject that too bright and bring light into the other part, like shadows.


You're actually describing the use of a graduated ND filter, as you said the ND filter will reduce the amount of light entering the lens and a longer shutter speed can then be used.

Message edited by author 2003-10-09 18:08:08.
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