My local park - polarized

[stevoarnold]

Hey there,

I was going to post this in the before and after forum, but technically using a filter isn't post processing so it wouldn't have fit over there.

I just wanted to share an example of my first test shots with my new Hoya circular polarising filter.

Once you screw in a circular polarizer you are then able to turn it to change the desired level of polarization - I took these two shots at the minimum and maximum polarization levels.



I think this is a great example of the result of using the filter on plants/trees etc on a sunny day.

The images are straight out of the camera with no post processing applied except for pasting them into a single file.

The top image is taken with no polarization and the bottom one is with polarization. You can see that the main difference between the two is the glare and reflection coming from the leaves on the non-polarized shot is simply not there on the polarized one. This allows the colour to be brought out in the leaves, increasing the overall saturation.

I would reccommend viewing this shot in Large to check out the clarity of the small white flowers running next to the bush. You almost cannot make them out on the non-polarized image.

Also, the shadows appear reduced in the polarized shot, bringing a bit more detail to those areas which is much more pleasant.

I'd be glad to know what you think!

Cheers,
Steve

[StormyOne]

A lot more detail is evident in the second shot, looks to me like a polarising filter is definitely worth using in bright sunshine. I believe they're good for things such as toning down the reflections on water so underneath the water can be seen too (providing it's clear enough, of course) and the same where reflections from windows or brass plaques (as an example) are concerned.

Definitely something that's on my 'need to purchase' list now.

[daddyoproductions]

Thanks for the comparison! This is useful to those of us wondering what all that other equipment actually does

[stevoarnold]

You're welcome... I did put another comparison together on sunday - this one shows the difference that the filter has on the sky & clouds as well as the reflections and translucence of the water... The lower image is the polarised one again:

[superorange]

Thank you for posting the difference! I've been trying to find a filter to use and I can't tell the difference between them! I'm new to the SLR world and I think I will pick up this filter. I love how it brings out the blues and greens more and makes it so much more vibrant.

[josefarrugia]

You're tempting me to purchase a CPL now. My oh my.

[WVCoalMiner]

LOL Going to Ebay as I type this. Thanks for the comparison.

OK Hoya's are like almost $50 but there are no-name brands for less than $10 is there that big of a difference???

[PotatoEYE]

I suggest you pay a visit to MaxSaver.Net | Camera Lens Filters & DSLR Accessory Expert | B+W, Hoya, Kenko, Nissin it is a Hong Kong based seller, they are reliable and fast, A lot of people have bought filters and saved a lot of money! I'd recommend it over ebay

[photoflower]

Originally Posted by PotatoEYE

I suggest you pay a visit to MaxSaver.Net | Camera Lens Filters & DSLR Accessory Expert | B+W, Hoya, Kenko, Nissin it is a Hong Kong based seller, they are reliable and fast, A lot of people have bought filters and saved a lot of money! I'd recommend it over ebay

+1
A reputable supplier.

[MSidPhoto]

Beautiful shots...keep up the great work