A Circular Polarising filter is one piece of essential kit

By Robbie Khan
in Digital Camera Lab

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Grand Master

Robbie Khan Reviews

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For those that have yet to use a PL yet, I think everyone should have a Polariser in their camera bag, of course not one for every lens that would be expensive! but in fact one on their most used lens (in my case the Canon 17-55).

My sis got me a 77mm Hoya for my Bday recently and the weather has only started to shine today so will be out to see what I can snap down the waters but so far everything looks great! Reflections are easily taken care of and colours appear more vivid (skies for example)

For now I just have an indoor example but will update later with an outdoor shot or two :)

The filter:

plcir.jpg

Sample 1:

plcir_sample2.jpg

Grand Master

crazzy88ss

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I'll probably be getting one soon.

Quick noob question; in order to alter what the polarizer blocks out, you have to turn the filter, right? Is it designed to turn? Or do you just unscrew from the lens it a little bit?

Grand Master

Robbie Khan Reviews

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The filter is in 2 sections, the screw thread screws onto the lens front element neatly and you simply rotate the filters' front ring where the glass sits adjusting the level of polarisation :yes:

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SirEvan

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Also, not mentioned before so I'll state the obvious so a newbie doesnt screw it up...make sure you get a CIRCULAR polarizer instead of a LINEAR....linear has problems with autofocus.

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moloko

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I was given a canon UV Haze (sharp cut) 77mm filter for my new 17-55mm. What exactly would this do. Reading reviews it does nothing except protect the lens. I'm glad I have one as this is an expensive lens but would like to know if anyone one that uses this type has issues.

Grand Master

neufuse Veteran

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I was given a canon UV Haze (sharp cut) 77mm filter for my new 17-55mm. What exactly would this do. Reading reviews it does nothing except protect the lens. I'm glad I have one as this is an expensive lens but would like to know if anyone one that uses this type has issues.

it should cut down glare some too... polarizing filters are great for taking pics of glass or water it helps make it look more clear and see through it better...

I just never knew what brand was the best to buy... Hoya makes "kits" of lenses but heard good and bad things about the 3 lense kits.... anyone know a good brand or lense to buy for a Nikon D40?

Grand Master

giga Veteran

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it should cut down glare some too... polarizing filters are great for taking pics of glass or water it helps make it look more clear and see through it better...

I just never knew what brand was the best to buy... Hoya makes "kits" of lenses but heard good and bad things about the 3 lense kits.... anyone know a good brand or lense to buy for a Nikon D40?

Hoya Pro1, B+W, Heliopan

Make sure to get a multicoated circular one though as others have mentioned.

Grand Master

SirEvan

Posted
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same thing, just different company. B+W make extremely good....and expensive...filters.

If you just want a piece of junk filter to throw on a lens to get a mediocre effect, just get a tiffen....if you want a filter that does what it does good, and doesn't perform like junk, get a multicoated filter that is from a reputable company like B+W, even though they're more expensive they're extremely good.

Grand Master

SirEvan

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hoyas glass is probably going to be a little bit better, but it'd probably be like comparing granny smith apples to red delicious...and asking which one was more apple-y? Tifen, however is probably the worst company out there to buy filters from...they're pretty cheap...they get the job done, but they're cheap. The hoya filter is probably coated at least once, making it better.

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InternalStorm

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As for using it on your other lenses, just get a set of step down rings so you can use the big old 77mm on the smaller lens threads.

I always find using the polarizer underexposes outdoor shots, so I have to compensate.

Grand Master

crazzy88ss

Posted
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As for using it on your other lenses, just get a set of step down rings so you can use the big old 77mm on the smaller lens threads.

I always find using the polarizer underexposes outdoor shots, so I have to compensate.

A little birdie *coughMoonMancough* told me that's a bad idea as it causes some distortion in the images.

I wanted to do that with a 77mm circular polarizer on a 72mm lens.

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