Photographers:Linear Polarizer!??

[Gerald Creasy]

I've been seeing some very nice shots using a linear polarizing lens.

Does any photographer here use one and could give me the upshot of use of one??

[TW]

Gerald, I will attempt to offer some insight and advice here. The use of a polarizing filter is probably the easiest way to improve the color mix in outdoor photography. They (when properly used) will reduce glare and reflections which will in turn produce more vivid colors, particularly in the blue tones. They are useful when shooting sky or water scenes. Using them indoors is not normally done unless you will have a great deal of reflected light to deal with.

Several things must be considered when choosing and using a polarized filter. The type of camera will be the major factor in choosing a linear or circular filter. Linear filters are designed for use with manual focus lens cameras, and circular filters are designed for auto focus models. The use of a linear filter in a auto focus camera introduces the possibility of dual polarization which can result in a portion of the color spectrum being "blacked out." The circular filter works with the camera's beam splitter (for the auto focus and light meter) so no "black out" occurs.

You must also keep in mind that any filter, polarized or not, will have an effect on aperture. A polarized filter will decrease your aperture by 2 -3 fstops because it reduces the amount of light that falls upon your film or sensor in the camera. Since the relationship of aperture and shutter speed is linear, you will either have to increase your aperture or decrease your shutter speed (fstop) to obtain enough light. In other words, you will have to make the "iris" in the camera's lens larger or allow the shutter to remain open longer.

I hope that this helps you some.


TW

[Joey]

Using one can be the difference between seeing fish in the water (from the top) or just the top of a wave. It can be the difference between seeing something behind the glass door and just seeing glare. You can actually take better photos of a photo with a glass cover. It will allow you to see dark blue water rather then whiteout sky haze...just my observations.
Not 100% needed, but a really cool effect enhancer.
(FYI) We use a SLR Digital Canon EOS 20D.

[Gerald Creasy]

Thanks to you both, I wish I had such understanding.