Polarizing filter

[DarkMatter]

The recent UV filter thread, which several people advised against the use of such filters, has prompted me to ask the following.

Back in the pre-digital age I used a polarizing filter to give the fluffy white cloud effect and to reduce reflections from glass and water. Do people still use these filters with their digital cameras or are there camera/computer software tricks to give the same effect?

Thx.

[Tony1963]

I haven't used filters for about five years now. My 70-200mm L lens is about 7 years old and the glass is in top condition, mainly thanks to the substantial hood. I take all my photos in Raw, so I mess with them for a few minutes anyway, and yes, I'll 'improve' the sky if necessary. However, good lenses tend to give better colours and skies anyway.

[JSS 911]

DarkMatter said:

The recent UV filter thread, which several people advised against the use of such filters, has prompted me to ask the following.

Back in the pre-digital age I used a polarizing filter to give the fluffy white cloud effect and to reduce reflections from glass and water. Do people still use these filters with their digital cameras or are there camera/computer software tricks to give the same effect?

Thx.

I would say the polarizing filter is the only one you do really need.

[GetCarter]

JSS 911 said:

I would say the polarizing filter is the only one you do really need.

+1 Post processing will help skies, but can't do much if you want to see the seabed!

[Simpo Two]

JSS 911 said:

I would say the polarizing filter is the only one you do really need.

Yes, and perhaps an ND if you want to get creative. Everything else can be done in Photoshop etc.

Note that you need a circular polariser (CP or CPol) not linear as that can interfere with AF systems.

[Digitalize]

Other than NDs for certain reasons, a Polariser is pretty much the only filter actually worth having.

[Tony1963]

Hands up, I'll admit I had the two threads jumbled up in my head. I agree with the posts above!

[Sam All]

Digitalize said:

Other than NDs for certain reasons, a Polariser is pretty much the only filter actually worth having.

Use the Polariser the most.

[nellyleelephant]

Does anyone use a drop in polarizer with a telephoto lens for wildlife photography?

Trying to justify the silly cost (Canon) and I'm struggling.

[rwstokes]

I use the Hoya Pro 1 circular polarising filter on my 100-400 for pretty much everything motorsport based now. I took it off for Zolder a few weeks back and was staggered by the difference in the colours, and how much more post processing I had to do the get the photos looking how I wanted.

So not used on for wildlife specifically, but on a Canon telephoto with no bother.

[nellyleelephant]

rwstokes said:

I use the Hoya Pro 1 circular polarising filter on my 100-400 for pretty much everything motorsport based now. I took it off for Zolder a few weeks back and was staggered by the difference in the colours, and how much more post processing I had to do the get the photos looking how I wanted.

So not used on for wildlife specifically, but on a Canon telephoto with no bother.

Unfortunately, I think (as far as I'm aware) that I have to use the Canon drop in filter as I have no thread on the front of the lens.....it'd be a flipping big filter if there was....

[Digitalize]

Not sure how a drop in polariser would work as you turn it to cut the correct light out etc.

I've got an 82mm filter, they go larger than that too. Biggest pain is using one with a large hood, as you can't turn it easily.

[nellyleelephant]

It drops into the body of the lens at the camera body end.

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-canon-52mm-drop...

[Digitalize]

Ah interesting, I was picturing the small square ones you can fit.

[DarkMatter]

Thank you all for your comments, it looks like I can carry on using my polarizing filter where appropriate.

[gck303]

JSS 911 said:

DarkMatter said:

The recent UV filter thread, which several people advised against the use of such filters, has prompted me to ask the following.

Back in the pre-digital age I used a polarizing filter to give the fluffy white cloud effect and to reduce reflections from glass and water. Do people still use these filters with their digital cameras or are there camera/computer software tricks to give the same effect?

Thx.

I would say the polarizing filter is the only one you do really need.

And a ND (neutral density) one.

Plus, maybe a softening filter.

And a graduated ND filter.

And a UV one to protect your expensive lens.

[Simpo Two]

And a Star 4!