Polarizer Filter Advice

[photobum]

I am considering buying a polarizer filter for an upcoming trip to Alaska. I didn't realize that they were so expensive. I have a Canon 70-200 2.8 non IS lens that I am considering buying the polarizer for. Would a polarizer be that useful for my trip, or would I do just fine without one? What should I be looking for when buying one? I saw a Hoya on Amazon for around $50 to fit my lens...would that be sufficient? I will be taking family pictures as well as landscape shots.

[Nell79]

What type of trip to Alaska? A cruise? a land tour on a bus or train? I just got back from an Alaska land/cruise tour with Holland America. I had a "Promaster" CPF for my Nikon 55-300 lens and found it did seem to help decrease the window glare when we were on the bus and the train. Plus I felt the filter offered some protection from bumping, dust, etc when I had the cap off and was moving around in and out of the train car and off the bus.
Alaska is a very fun place to visit, enjoy your trip!

[photobum]

We are going to be going on a train/ferry tip on one of the days. The rest of the time we will be taking various tours, biking hiking, etc.. I have a UV filter on the lens now for protection. Wondering what the polarizer will do for me and if it's worth spending the money for it.

[ik631]

I am a relative newbie. I just received my DSLR 6 months ago but I heard the a polarizer would work wonders in harsh light. I bought the Hoya and it made a difference but don't expect miracles. It would be nice to go out when the lighting is better but with 2 toddlers but I am on their schedule so the polarizer helps with the problem. Even at noon on the beach I get some decent pics. Colors are good end up better much better in harsh light than before. When I tried to get this same pic without a polarizer the sky was blownout or the kids were underexposed.


Most pics at this time/place without the polarizer ended up deleted. Just remember to keep it at a 90 degree angle to the sun for maximum benefit. At noon it works really well as anywhere you shoot except directly up is a 90 degree angle to the sun. Mornings and evenings are tough as you can only shoot in 2 directions to receive any benefit and your subject may not be in that direction.

[NgaiHill]

I'd definitely recommend a CPL filter. Much richer colours in the skies particularly in harsh light. As was mentioned above best used at right angles to the sun. Just make sure that you don't put in on over your UV filter - they can create vignetting around the edges when zoomed right in & they are really hard to get apart again unless you have a filter wrench!

[photobum]

That's a great picture of the pier and your toddlers. I have kids as well, and live at the beach, so it makes sense that the polarizer filter would be useful for days at the beach as well as the trip to Alaska. Thanks to everyone for the advise.