Polarizing Filter Question

[rouxster]

I have a question about using a polarizing filter. When using a circular polarizing filter, should I still use the lens hood on a bright sunny day? The reason I am asking, is becasue witha hood on, it is difficult to adjust the filter.

Ryan

[inkista]

The lens hood is there to eliminate flare by shading the lens. So, I think it's going to depend on the angle of the sun to your camera lens as to whether or not you want to take the hood off. A CP filter on its own isn't going to eliminate flare.

[rouxster]

What is the general rule of thumb as to when to use the lens hood? I always put it on whaen I am outside on a sunny day.

[inkista]

Depends. I have mine on all the time not just for the flare, but also to physically protect the front element of the lens. But if it's just the flare you're worried about, then you can probably tell by taking the hood off and seeing if you have flare in the frame. If you do, then put the hood on. The closer you are to shooting directly into the sun, the more likely flare is going to be.

[rouxster]

I hope this is the last question. Do you adjust the filter with the hood on or off? Yesterday, I was having a little bit of a problem reaching around the lagre filter on my telephoto lens. It's possible, but just not easy.

[Elmo]

Two suggestions. First you can cut a small hole in the lens shade to allow for adjustment.

The other is, all my CPL's have their own personal lens shades

[krypticide]

I just wrap my fingers around one edge of the hood, and use the tip to rotate the filter. It causes a problem when the hood isn't on, as my hand searches for the hood and ends up touching the filter... =P

[Major_Small]

If nothing else, you can always take the hood off and use a hand or something else as a flag to eliminate flare if it's there.

[reddevil08]

Originally Posted by rouxster

What is the general rule of thumb as to when to use the lens hood? I always put it on whaen I am outside on a sunny day.

can anyone explain the rule of thumb please...

[Major_Small]

If you're getting flare and want to eliminate it, do something. That includes changing your distance/angle relationship to your light source, using a lens hood, or just flagging with anything. For example, a lens hood would have prevented flare in this shot, but that flare was intentional. The flash is just on the outside edge of the shot, camera right.