What POLARIZERS are for ???

[Igor]

Hi everybody, and sorry for a silly question:

I'm new to the SLR photography, and my experience with the interchangable lenses is only at the beginning.

I was strongly adviced by many experts to buy at least two kinds of filters for each of my lenses: a UV and Cir. Polarizer, which I did.

The UV's work really fine: on sunny days shots really get more contrast. But when I first mounted my Hoya Cir. Polarizer I was simply disappointed: the image just got darker and that's it. I can tell the difference between contrast and darkness, so I'm sure it gained no contrast, just darkness! Yes, it "softened" some glare, but that's not what I wanted it to do, as I expected an enhancement in image quality on sunny days fisrt.

Do I have a bad filter or am I totally wrong about polarizers use?
I read people reject some lenses (Sigma) because they can't use the polarizers with them! So I figure out these filters should be very useful... I can't believe I spent about $40 on a thing that only darkens the image....

Please advise!!

Thanks.

[BMAC]

Just a little curious about how you are using it, that you are not seeing the results. I ask this because you would not be the first to overlook the fact that the front element must be turned to get the effect. For example, on a bright sunny day with the sun reflecting off the leaves of a tree. Look through the viewfinder and turn the filter and you will see the greens begin to pop out without the glare. You can also do this with a reflection in a window, it will virtually vanish. I can't imagine how or why this would not occur with a particular brand filter.

[sandman]

Hi BMAC
Igor in fact double posted this thread, if you look on the 2nd page in ''general discussions'' you'll find most of his questions have been answered, although we've had no results, i hope by now he's taken many succesful shots

[Igor]

Yes,
I rotate it now :) and there is certainly some difference.
But this effect is limited to about 10% of my shooting situations and pulling in/out the polarizer is such a hassle that I still prefer to shoot without it. I really expected more than eliminating glare from leaves and seeing what's behind glared windows....

[Swampy]

Had a decent opportunity here. I shot pretty much identical shots from the roof of my office building a few minutes ago. The Polarizer isn't only for glare on the windows... I'd suggest you try shooting a bunch of different stuff with it on.

Here's a shot without the polarizer, pretty much looks the way I see it with the naked eyes...

[Swampy]

And here's one with the polarizer, turned until the sky was it's darkest blue.

[Andre]

Igor, do you remember my lighthouse picture in the Lens Test forum?

(http://www.s2pro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1626)

I got that deep blue in the sky by using a polarizer.

I don't use it often, but my camera bag would not be complete without it.

[Igor]

Thanks guys, I already got used to it too. Just not exactly what I expected...

[easternherp]

A polarizer works best at between 45-90 degrees angle to the sun. If you shoot with the sun behind you then the sky won't darken very much.

[Igor]

How about this one? Have I got the point ? :)

[easternherp]

Just about.

When looking through the lens you may notice that the reflections in the water change ie now you see them, now you don't.

[Igor]

Want a hint? This photo was taken WITHOUT polarizer! :D
And yes, I noticed the reflections trick... Thanks.

[easternherp]

What pic Igor?

[Igor]

Sorry???
Which pic "what pic"? I haven't got you.

[easternherp]

Igor,

Your last post said

Want a hint? This photo was taken WITHOUT polarizer!
And yes, I noticed the reflections trick... Thanks.


Were you meaning that the pic you uploaded of the boats didn't have the polarizer.

[Igor]

Yes, the photo with yachts was taken without polarizer.
Just trying to prove the great (or at least decent) sky color can be achieved without using the polarizers, and in general still can't convince myself the $$ I spent on polarizers were not a complete waste :)

[easternherp]

Polarizers don't always work but can be used as a neutral density filter if needed. If the angle of the sun to the camera is right then you can get some very good results that will knock your socks off. Try doing a test from looking into the sun and taking a picture then turn 90 degrees and adjust the filter to get best results and then repeat. I think you will notice the difference. A high quality Filter is worth buying as if you have an expensive lens with great optics, why put a cheap bit of glass infront which will degrade the image.

[Igor]

I bought Hoya cir-pol's which were NOT cheap at all.

[Swampy]

Igor, did you take the same shot with the polarizer to see what it would do? (with the recent heated posts - please, do not take this as one... ;)) Sure, you can take great shots without a polarizer, but sometimes it will bring out details that you couldn't get any other way.

I just posted those two pictures to show people what the polarizer could do. You haven't wasted money on a filter. You'll be glad you have it someday. I've got some Hoya's that I bought 20 years ago for my Canon system. They still work for my Nikon system today.

[Igor]

No I still haven't rec'd the polarizer for my new 28-120 VR lens. It had only UV filter on.

BTW, how do you rotate them when the hood is on? I found it to be pretty complicated.

[Swampy]

hehe. Good question! Bad part is, you gotta take the hood off. Kinda sucks. I supposed for that kind of shot, possible an ND Grad filter would be a better choice. Well, maybe not better, but a different solution where you wouldn't have to take the hood off.

It's a pain with the hood though. I mean, you can set it once and put the hood back on and it will usually be good, but if you want to turn the camera sideways to take one shot, you gotta take the hood off and turn it again.

Maybe someone else can provide some insight on this, but it would make sense to me that with the filter on, you wouldn't need the hood nearly as much as a lot of that glare would be filtered out from the side with the polarizer being so dark.