Circular Polarisers

[Maverick007]

Can anyone advise how you use a circular Polariser?

The white indicator at the front, is it supposed to be at the top or bottom when photographing landscapes?

I still get blow out on the sky whichever way I use it.

Mine is a Hoya (green case)

I have also been told that it shouldnt be used in conjunction with a UV filter because of Vinegetting??? at the corners. Is that true/:confused:

[Nicole]

Can anyone advise how you use a circular Polariser?

The white indicator at the front, is it supposed to be at the top or bottom when photographing landscapes?


First, if you haven't already, the article (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-use-and-buy-polarizing-filters/) on the DPS blog explains polarizing filters quite well.

The simple explanation though, is basically turn the filter until you see the desired result. You will notice that as you turn the filter (hence, the purpose of having a circular polarizing filter) the colours of the sky or the contrast and detail that you can see changes. There is no set spot for the result though as it depends where the sun is in the sky.

The only real tip is that for the greatest effect, the sun should be to your side rather than in front of or behind you.

For example:
http://static.flickr.com/108/312676984_c44a82819f_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolesphotos/312676984/)
When I took this, the sun was to my right, and slightly behind me, and by turning the filter until I got the effect I was looking for, I was able to get the dark blue sky.

I still get blow out on the sky whichever way I use it.

Is there any chance that you can post one of these pictures with the settings you used when you shot it? It sounds like maybe your aperture is too wide or maybe your shutter speed is too slow, or a combination of both.

I have also been told that it shouldnt be used in conjunction with a UV filter because of Vinegetting??? at the corners. Is that true/:confused:

In general, the chance of vignetting and lens flare increases as you stack any number of filters, so it is best to use only the ones that you need at the time and switch them out. It may not happen with only 2 filters, but it's something to be aware of.

[henryscat]

Funny how this subject has been brought up today - my Kood polariser is about to get its first test drive!
It's very frosty here and the sky is clear blue. Hoping for some good results.
Heading north to the highlands as usual...

That's a great article on polarisers btw

[Maverick007]

First, if you haven't already, the article (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-use-and-buy-polarizing-filters/) on the DPS blog explains polarizing filters quite well.

The simple explanation though, is basically turn the filter until you see the desired result. You will notice that as you turn the filter (hence, the purpose of having a circular polarizing filter) the colours of the sky or the contrast and detail that you can see changes. There is no set spot for the result though as it depends where the sun is in the sky.

The only real tip is that for the greatest effect, the sun should be to your side rather than in front of or behind you.

For example:
http://static.flickr.com/108/312676984_c44a82819f_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicolesphotos/312676984/)
When I took this, the sun was to my right, and slightly behind me, and by turning the filter until I got the effect I was looking for, I was able to get the dark blue sky.



Is there any chance that you can post one of these pictures with the settings you used when you shot it? It sounds like maybe your aperture is too wide or maybe your shutter speed is too slow, or a combination of both.

I will post a shot tonight with details of how it was taken to let you see. Thanks for the advise though and the item on Circ Pol's was interesting and informative. Thanks.

Terry



In general, the chance of vignetting and lens flare increases as you stack any number of filters, so it is best to use only the ones that you need at the time and switch them out. It may not happen with only 2 filters, but it's something to be aware of.

Thanks for the advise.

Terry

[piston9]

I love my polariser... I do some Auto photography, and you just turn it around until you get the reflections you want - it is so cool seeing them move when nothing else is! I find that normally 90 degrees is from one to another - and 180 degrees ives the same result - I kinda understand the physics (it is to do with light is waves), but couldn't explain it clearly!

Oh yeah, another cool thing - I use my polariser as a 2 stop ND filter as well, when I want long exposure or motion blur and the scene is too bright for normal....